Police - Newspaper: 70 speeding cars confiscated in Austria so far
In Austria, according to research by the newspaper "Der Standard," at least 70 cars of extremist racers have been temporarily seized. A 26-year-old was recently stopped in Tyrol, who was driving at 180 km/h in an 80 km/h zone, the paper reports.
Since March 1st, anyone driving more than 80 km/h within the town limits or more than 90 km/h outside of it faster than allowed, risks having their vehicle seized. If there is already a relevant fine, such as participation in illegal car races, the seizure and final confiscation are possible even with an overspeed of more than 60 km/h within the town limits and 70 km/h outside.
However, there are additional costs for permanent seizure and auctioning off the vehicle. According to the newspaper, which bases its information on statements from two ministries and nine authorities, only two vehicles have been officially confirmed to have been seized. The corresponding administrative penalty proceedings can end with the auctioning off of the vehicle. One case involved a 21-year-old who was caught driving at 247 km/h in Vienna.
The Transport Ministry, according to the newspaper, speaks of "overall positive" initial experiences with the new penalties. However, it is still too early for a comprehensive analysis. Austria followed countries like Italy and Switzerland with this measure. Already in 2021, the Alpine Republic increased fines and the duration of license suspension drastically in the first anti-racer package.
- In Vienna, authorities confiscated a car from a 21-year-old after they caught him driving at an excessive speed of 247 km/h.
- The Police in Austria have the power to confiscate cars not only for overspeeding but also for participating in illegal car races, as seen in the case of a 26-year-old in Tyrol.
- Austria, like Italy and Switzerland, has implemented strict measures against excessive speeding, including the possibility of confiscating and auctioning off vehicles, in an effort to combat illegal traffic activities, such as extreme racing, across the country.
