Parking and road tolls abroad: what you need to know

Parking is generally operated through a zonal system and can be started via parking meters or SMS. For foreign license plates, it is particularly important to enter the registration number accurately, as typing errors may result in invalid parking sessions and penalty charges.

Unpaid parking cases are often transferred to Croatian law firms, which may impose several hundred euros in administrative and legal fees on the registered keeper. These fines may be issued even several years after the parking event.

In Croatia, the limitation period generally starts from the date the registered keeper is identified and is usually five years. However, legal proceedings may interrupt this period, potentially extending the enforceability of claims. Motorways operate a closed toll system with toll booths. Drivers receive a ticket upon entry and pay according to the distance traveled when exiting. Payment can be made in cash (euros), by bank card, or through the electronic ENC system.

It is important to note that if the ticket is lost, the maximum toll for the entire section will be charged. The obligation to pay is not waived if the barrier is open or malfunctioning.

In Serbia, parking operates through a zonal system (e.g., red, yellow, and green zones), most commonly activated via SMS or parking machines. When entering a foreign license plate number, it is particularly important to use the correct format.

In the event of unpaid parking, claims may be enforced retroactively, including through legal proceedings, and may be sent to the registered keeper several years later. While there is no universally applicable limitation period in practice, claims may remain enforceable for extended periods if legal action is initiated.

Motorways also operate a closed toll system. Usage begins by taking a ticket upon entry, and payment is made when exiting. Tolls can be paid in Serbian dinars, by bank card, and in limited cases in euros. If the ticket is missing or lost, the maximum toll for the entire section will be charged. An electronic payment solution (TAG) is also available.

In Italy, parking is generally regulated by zones (blue zones – paid parking, white zones – free parking, yellow zones – permit holders only). Parking can be initiated via parking meters or mobile applications.

In cases of unpaid parking or parking violations, fines may be sent to the registered keeper through international enforcement channels.

Motorways operate a toll booth system. Drivers take a ticket upon entry and pay upon exit. The obligation to pay remains even if the barrier is open or not functioning. If the toll is not paid, the operator may issue a subsequent payment request (“mancato pagamento”), which may include additional charges.

The limitation period from the identification of the registered keeper may be as long as ten years.

Parking regulations vary by city in Austria and are generally subject to zoning and time restrictions. In many locations, the use of a parking disc (Parkscheibe) or parking ticket is mandatory, while mobile parking solutions are available in some cities.

In the event of unpaid parking, fines may also be enforced internationally. Motorway use requires a vignette. Both digital (license plate-linked) and physical vignettes are available.

For private individuals purchasing online, the digital annual vignette becomes valid only after the 18-day withdrawal period has expired, while for business purchases it may become valid immediately.

The use of physical vignettes is subject to very strict requirements. The vignette must be affixed to the designated area of the windshield after removing the backing foil, including the removal of the X-marked section. Improper application may render the vignette invalid, and authorities typically impose a substitute toll charge of approximately €200.

It is important to note that the vignette does not cover additional toll sections (such as certain tunnels), for which separate fees must be paid.

Parking regulations vary by city in Slovenia but generally operate through a zonal system, with payment made via parking meters or mobile applications. Time restrictions may also apply in certain locations.

In cases of unpaid parking, fines may be enforced internationally, and the original amount may increase significantly due to administrative costs. For foreign license plates, accurate data entry is especially important.

Motorway use requires a vignette. The digital vignette is linked to the vehicle’s license plate and must be purchased before entering the motorway.

It is important to note that Slovenia no longer issues physical vignettes for passenger vehicles; only an electronic system is available. Failure to pay the required toll may result in substantial fines imposed by the authorities.

Parking regulations in Romania vary by city and generally apply within paid parking zones, where payment can be made via parking meters or mobile applications. Violations of parking regulations may result in fines that can also be enforced retrospectively.

As with other countries, accurate entry of foreign license plate details is particularly important, as incorrectly initiated parking sessions may be deemed invalid.

Road usage throughout the country is subject to payment of the electronic road toll known as the “rovinieta.” This toll applies to all national roads.

The vignette exists exclusively in electronic form, is linked to the vehicle’s license plate, and is mandatory not only for motorways but also for the use of major roads. Failure to pay is often detected through camera systems, and fines are subsequently sent to the registered keeper.