Two Interesting Austrian Traffic Signs

When driving in Austria, you may often encounter the following two signs, but what do they mean, and what restrictions are associated with them? This article will explain.

Pedestrian Zone – Fußgängerzone

In a pedestrian zone, all vehicle traffic is prohibited, except for emergency service vehicles, ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles, even without blue lights, as well as road maintenance vehicles, garbage trucks, and repair vehicles.

However, driving is permitted for individuals explicitly indicated on additional signs (such as taxis, cyclists, or those performing loading activities).

If passage is allowed, vehicles must travel at a slow speed (5 km/h) within the pedestrian zone. When exiting the pedestrian zone, you must yield to vehicles on the main road.

School Zone – Schulstraße

Roads or areas around school buildings can be designated as special school zones if this serves the safety, flow, and tranquility of traffic. The measures consider school days, as well as the start and end times of the school day.

Vehicle traffic is restricted, but some exceptions are allowed. Walking on the roadway is permitted, but intentionally obstructing authorized vehicle traffic is not allowed. Generally, vehicles are prohibited, except for bicycles, emergency transports, student transport vehicles, garbage trucks, public safety and fire vehicles, maintenance and public transport vehicles, tow trucks, vehicles providing assistance in case of breakdowns, and residents’ cars who live in the area. Authorities may authorize exceptions for local residents’ traffic (e.g., visiting locals).

Drivers are not allowed to obstruct or endanger pedestrians and must maintain a proper distance from objects or facilities near the road to ensure traffic safety. They should drive at a slow speed. Authorized personnel may place mechanical barriers, provided they do not obstruct authorized vehicle traffic.