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Vienna has excellent roads and a good traffic management, but it may become crowded as any other large city, especially during rush hours. The rush hours are tipically in the morning and in early evening. Traffic is more crowded in the city center (withing the central ring), where streets are narrower and mostly one-way.
Drivers in Vienna are generally skilled. However, they are not very willing to wait if you are not sure about the place you are going to. Having license plates from another country might help, as they will understand you are a tourist.
Pedestrians have the right of way in all crossroads, even if the road is not marked with pedestrian signs. Be very careful and allow them to pass, as they expect you to stop.
Trams also have the right of way when there are no traffic lights. When trams are in a passenger stop, the drivers must wait behind them.
It is quite hard to find a parking place in the city center, but it is easier to park your car in the outskirts. Do not park in forbidden areas, the police will quickly find you and you will definitely get a fine. Is is forbiddedn to park within 15 meters from pedestrian crossings or in front of public transport stops. During winter, it is forbidden to park on roads with tram rails between 8 pm and 5 am, due to the snow removal activities.
Blue zones show free parking places, where you can leave your car up to 90 minutes. It is compulsory to display a parking disc, showing the time you have arrived. You can get one from petrol stations, tobacco shops or police stations. If you leave the car on a paid parking place, you have to buy a ticket from a tobacco shop. Traffic wardens are very efficient, it is easy to get fined if you don't pay. The easiest way to find a parking is to follow the signs that show private parkings and the number of free places. However, this is the most expensive alternative.
APCOA manages most of the paid parking places in Vienna. You can get more info on www.apcoa.at. A list with many park & ride garages is on www.wien.info.
Here is more information on driving in Austria.
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