No, applying makeup while driving in Austria violates the Straßenverkehrsordnung (StVO) §7(1), which mandates full driver attention. Police may fine €100–€200 under distracted driving provisions, effective since 2024 amendments targeting secondary activities.
Key Regulations for Applying Makeup While Driving in Austria
- §7(1) StVO: Requires drivers to maintain “permanent control” of vehicles, interpreted to prohibit activities diverting visual or cognitive focus.
- §102(1) StVO: Empowers authorities to penalize “distractions” with fines up to €200, including makeup application per 2024 enforcement guidelines.
- EU Directive 2026/1: Aligns with stricter EU road safety standards, classifying makeup use as a “high-risk distraction” subject to mandatory penalties.
Austrian courts consistently uphold fines for makeup application, citing VwGH rulings (e.g., 2023/12/004) that equate it with mobile phone use. Exceptions exist only for stationary vehicles in parking zones, not traffic lights. Local police (Verkehrsabteilung) prioritize enforcement during peak commutes.