Traveling to Austria? You Must Be Especially Careful on This Route, or You Could Be Fined Up to 500 Euros

Večernji List informs travelers heading towards Italy or returning via Austria about crucial new traffic regulations on the A13 Brenner motorway, specifically concerning the Luegbrücke bridge. Starting in 2026, Austrian highway operator ASFINAG will employ "Section Control" – average speed monitoring – along a significant stretch of this vital alpine route. This system is designed not merely to penalize speeding but to foster a more stable and predictable traffic flow, thereby reducing sudden braking, risky overtakes, and potential accidents.

The speed limit on the monitored section, extending from the bridge's start to just before the Brenner-Nord junction, is set at 60 km/h. The system operates in both directions and year-round. It records vehicle license plates and passage times at entry and exit points. Exceeding the average speed limit results in fines, which escalate with the severity of the infraction. Minor violations might incur fines around 20-30 euros, but significant breaches, such as exceeding the limit by over 50 km/h, could lead to penalties of 500 euros or more, potentially including a driving ban in Austria.

These speed controls are part of broader traffic management efforts during the ongoing renovation of the Luegbrücke. The construction work will largely restrict traffic to a single lane, with provisions for two lanes during peak periods, especially the tourist season. Temporary restrictions for trucks and variable traffic signals are also anticipated. Večernji List emphasizes that drivers must exercise caution and adhere strictly to the speed limits on this heavily trafficked route to avoid substantial fines and ensure smoother transit through this critical European corridor.