Road Traffic Regulations reform passed by the National Council Greater safety and modern rules for road traffic
Parliament gives the green light to a comprehensive amendment to the Road Traffic Regulations and the Intelligent Transport Systems Act (StVO). Minister Hanke describes it as a “crucial step towards safe and future-proof mobility in Austria”.
The National Council today approved the comprehensive reform of the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) as well as amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act (KFG) and the Driving Licence Act (FSG). This brings the largest road safety and modernisation package of recent years into effect.
The first measures will come into force as early as 1 May 2026, with further steps to follow in the autumn. The aim of the reform is to improve road safety, establish clearer rules for new forms of mobility, and significantly enhance the quality of life in towns and cities.
Mobility Minister Peter Hanke describes today’s decision as a milestone: “With today’s decision in the National Council, we are bringing the Road Traffic Regulations into the 21st century. We are creating greater safety on our roads, providing cities with effective tools for traffic calming, and at the same time ensuring clear and modern rules for new forms of mobility. This decision sends a strong signal for a safe and liveable Austria.”
New rules for e-scooters and e-bikes
The approved amendment introduces clear and uniform regulations for e-scooters and e-bikes for the first time. In future, stricter safety requirements will apply, including an extended helmet requirement for e-scooters (up to the age of 16) and e-bikes (up to the age of 14), as well as new technical requirements for e-scooters. The alcohol limit for e-scooters is also being lowered from 0.8 to 0.5 per mille. In doing so, the federal government is responding to the rising number of accidents and creating greater clarity for all road users.
Traffic calming in towns and cities
A key component of the reform is camera-based access management. For the first time, local authorities and towns will have a clearly defined legal framework to enforce entry or driving bans in a targeted manner that complies with data protection regulations. This measure enables local authorities to better protect particularly congested town centres and to noticeably improve the quality of life for local residents. At the same time, strict data protection provisions have been enshrined in the law, including a needs assessment, clear retention periods and mandatory data protection impact assessments.
Clear rules for e-mopeds
The reform also clears up a long-standing ambiguity: e-mopeds will in future be treated as motor vehicles in legal terms and will therefore no longer be permitted to use cycle paths. This regulation comes into force on 1 October 2026 and will improve safety.
Digital traffic management through the new Intelligent Transport Systems Act (IVS Act)
In parallel with the amendment to the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), the National Council has also passed the IVS Act. This lays the foundations for modern, digital traffic management. In future, navigation services must display official road closures, thereby preventing diversionary traffic through built-up areas. Regions particularly affected by heavy through traffic are set to benefit from this.
Coming into force as early as 1 May 2026
Following today’s decision, the legislative package can be implemented as planned. The stricter rules for e-scooters and e-bikes and the camera-based access management system will come into force as early as 1 May 2026. This means that a key part of the announced road safety initiative will be implemented on schedule.
“Today’s decision shows that reforms can be implemented swiftly and responsibly. Our goal is clear: safe roads, modern regulations and a better quality of life for the people of Austria,” Hanke concluded.