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Austria boasts one of the most outstanding highway networks in Europe. Motorists who evade tolls are subject to severe penalties, as many cameras monitor the roads in different parts of the country.
A Romanian driver from Focșani failed to pay the toll in Austria in June 2023 and thought there would be no consequences. However, his car's license plate number was recorded by a camera system near Sankt Pölten, which he drove past on June 27. The fine imposed for this reached 400 euros. Despite the Austrian authorities sending him several notices, he did not pay. Therefore, an Austrian court asked the Court of Focșani to recognize and enforce the fine judgment against him. Pursuant to Article 292 of Law 302/2004, the enforcement of fines imposed by natural or legal persons due to legal violations is mandatory if the amount of the fine is at least 70 euros or an equivalent amount in lei, and the payer was bound by a final decision.
Last week, the Focșani Court recognized the €400 fine imposed by the Austrian authorities, which became final in April 2024 with the decision of an Austrian court. The Romanian driver who was hit by the Austrian penalty and who has not paid the fine for nearly a year and a half can exercise his right of appeal within 10 days. To drive on Austrian roads, you must purchase a vignette, the daily fee of which starts at 8.60 euros. In addition, a separate fee is charged for seven sections of motorway in Austria, the daily fee of which starts at 13.5 euros. This fee can be settled online or locally when the motorist enters the given road section. The Romanian driver is now facing a hefty fine as he thought he could avoid paying the toll without any consequences.
