Motorcycle helmets and licences in Austria (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Riders and passengers of motorcycles must wear a helmet, and dipped beam or daytime running light is required while riding. The minimum age is 16 for class A1 and 18 for A2, and 24 for class A, or 20 after two years of A2.

RuleWhat applies
Helmet required for the riderRiding a motorcycle; MotorcycleYes [1]
Helmet required for a passengerRiding a motorcycle; MotorcycleYes [1]
Minimum age, category A1 (light motorcycle)Riding a motorcycle; Category A1 (light motorcycle)16 years [2]
Minimum age, category A2Riding a motorcycle; Category A2 (medium motorcycle)18 years [2]
Minimum age, category A (direct access)Riding a motorcycle; Category A (unrestricted motorcycle)24 years [2]
Minimum age, category A (after two years on A2)Riding a motorcycle; Category A (unrestricted motorcycle)20 years [2]
Dipped beam or daytime running light required by dayRiding a motorcycle; MotorcycleYes [3]

Notes

  • The rider of a motorcycle and a person carried on it must each wear a helmet. Exceptions: for example when parking or in special traffic situations, and where physical condition makes it impossible (§ 106 Abs. 8). The provision states the duty and its consequence for compensation claims; the administrative fine was not read.
  • Class A with a minimum age of 24 applies without two years of previous class A2 licence.
  • Class A from 20 requires two years of previous class A2 licence. For three-wheelers over 15 kW the minimum age is 21.
  • Single-track motorcycles must always use dipped beam or daytime running light while riding.

Sources

  1. Bundeskanzleramt (RIS): Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Kraftfahrgesetz 1967, § 106 Personenbeförderung (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Bundeskanzleramt (RIS): Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Führerscheingesetz, § 6 Mindestalter (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Bundeskanzleramt (RIS): Bundesrecht konsolidiert: Kraftfahrgesetz 1967, § 99 Beleuchtung (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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