Cycling rules in Austria (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: Children under 12 must wear a helmet on any bicycle. Bicycles need a headlight, a rear light and reflectors. Phoning while cycling needs a hands-free device, and 0.8 per mille always counts as impaired.

RuleWhat applies
Helmet for adultsCycling on public roads⚠ Not yet verified
Helmet for childrenCycling on public roadsChildren under 12 must wear a helmet when using any bicycle, when carried on a bicycle and when transported in a bicycle trailer, unless their physical condition makes this impossible. Whoever supervises, carries or transports the child must see that it wears the helmet. [1]
Lights and reflectorsCycling on public roadsA bicycle must have a fixed white or pale-yellow headlight (at least 100 cd) and a red rear light (at least 1 cd), white front and red rear reflectors, yellow pedal reflectors, and reflective tyre sidewalls or reflectors on each wheel. The lights may be omitted in daylight and good visibility. [2]
Phone use while cyclingCycling on public roadsPhoning while cycling is forbidden unless a hands-free device is used. The requirements for hands-free devices are those of § 102 (3) KFG 1967. [1]
Alcohol limit when cyclingCycling on public roadsAnyone impaired by alcohol may not drive a vehicle. A blood alcohol level of 0.8 g/l (0.8 per mille) or more, or 0.4 mg/l or more in the breath, always counts as impaired. A bicycle is a vehicle under the road traffic act. [3]

Notes

  • The official legal database page could not be used (robots.txt disallows the consolidated-law path), so nothing was verified.
  • The ordinance sets the equipment of bicycles placed on the market. The rules on when to ride with lights on were not read.
  • Lower values can still count as impaired if the person shows impairment. The definition of vehicle and bicycle is in section 2 of the same act.

Sources

  1. Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes (RIS): Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Straßenverkehrsordnung 1960, § 68 Fahrradverkehr (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes (RIS): Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Fahrradverordnung, § 1 Allgemeines (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  3. Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes (RIS): Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Straßenverkehrsordnung 1960, § 5 Besondere Sicherungsmaßnahmen gegen Beeinträchtigung durch Alkohol (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

Compare all countries →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.