What is the GO-Box system and how does it work?

In 2026, Austria continues to develop its microwave toll collection system for heavy vehicles. **GO-Box** is a small electronic device mounted on the windshield of a vehicle that communicates with gantries installed above motorways.

Unlike vignettes for passenger cars, where the fee is flat-rate (time-based), the GO-Box system charges tolls for each kilometer traveled. The toll depends on the number of axles, the vehicle's emission class, and the time of day.

Who is required to have a GO-Box?

The limit is a permissible gross vehicle weight (GVW) of **3500 kg (3.5t)**. If your vehicle (field F.2 in the registration document) has even 3501 kg, a sticker or digital vignette is invalid.

• Heavy campers: Most luxury campers exceed 3.5t and must use GO-Box.
• Buses: Regardless of the number of passengers, weight is decisive.
• Commercial vans: If you are transporting goods with a heavy van, the system is mandatory.

Toll Price List in Austria – Rates 2026

Prices are adjusted annually based on the inflation rate and environmental costs. Below are the estimated net rates per 1 km of motorway travel in 2026:

At night (10:00 PM – 05:00 AM), rates are approx. 1-2% higher due to noise charges. Detailed information on how to avoid other penalties can be found in our article on roadside checks in Europe.

Euro Emission Classes and GO-Box

To pay lower tolls, you must prove your vehicle's emission class. After receiving the device, you have **28 days** to submit documents (registration certificate or COP certificate) to ASFINAG. If you do not, the system will automatically start charging the highest possible rate (EURO 0).

Similar to winter regulations, Austria takes environmental protection very rigorously, promoting newer vehicles with low CO2 emissions.

Where to get a GO-Box and how to top it up?

The device cannot be purchased outright – it is leased. Sales points marked with the "GO" logo are located at all border crossings and at larger petrol stations (Shell, OMV, BP, ENI) in Austria and neighboring countries.

• Pre-Paid System: You top up the device with an amount from 75 € to 500 €. Funds are valid for 2 years.
• Post-Paid System: You register a fuel card (e.g., DKV, UTA) or a credit card, and fees are automatically deducted after the billing cycle ends.

Penalties for not having the device or system errors

Absence of a GO-Box device, incorrect axle count setting, or insufficient funds on a Pre-Paid account results in the imposition of a so-called **replacement toll (Ersatzmaut)**. In 2026, it amounts to:

If you are stopped by an SKD patrol and do not pay the fine on the spot, the case will be forwarded to the authorities, where administrative fines can reach **3000 €**. Weight checks in Austria, which we wrote about earlier, are similarly strict.

Summary – how to prepare for your trip?

Before entering Austria, make sure what your vehicle's GVW is. If it is 3500 kg or less – a quick registration of an e-vignette on Winiety24.eu is sufficient. However, if the weight exceeds this value, stop at the first border station for a GO-Box device.