Yes, driving with interior lights on is permitted in Austria, provided it does not impair the driver’s vision or distract other road users.
Austria’s Straßenverkehrsordnung (StVO) §10(1) prohibits any lighting that obscures the driver’s view or interferes with traffic signals. Interior lights are not explicitly banned but must comply with general visibility and distraction rules. Local authorities, including the KfV (Kuratorium für Verkehrssicherheit), emphasize that excessive interior lighting may constitute a distraction under §7(1) StVO, particularly in urban areas. As of 2026, amendments to the StVO will explicitly address non-standard lighting to align with EU road safety directives.
Key Regulations for Driving With Interior Lights On in Austria
- Visibility and Distraction (§10(1) StVO): Interior lights must not impair the driver’s ability to observe traffic or road signs. Excessive brightness or flashing lights are prohibited.
- Local Enforcement by KfV: The Kuratorium für Verkehrssicherheit monitors compliance, particularly in Vienna and Salzburg, where traffic density increases distraction risks.
- 2026 StVO Amendments: New clauses will clarify that interior lighting must not exceed ambient levels or obstruct rear-view mirrors, aligning with EU Directive 2015/413 on road safety.