My car broke down on the road — who do I call?

Direct answer

On a motorway: hazard lights, high-visibility vest, everyone behind the barrier, then call — from the emergency phone at the roadside (it tells them exactly where you are) or your phone. ÖAMTC / ARBÖ Pannenhilfe (120) is the breakdown service for Austria (members or pay-per-call); on many motorways the road operator's patrol or a contracted tow comes first at a fixed tariff. Danger to traffic, an injured person, a blocked lane: 112 — emergency (112). Disputes about a tow invoice or a repair afterwards: Zulassungsstelle / Landesprüfstelle (§57a Begutachtung) (oesterreich.gv.at).

Call firstÖAMTC / ARBÖ Pannenhilfe

Report to112 — emergency

If that failsZulassungsstelle / Landesprüfstelle (§57a Begutachtung)

🗣️ What to say

"My car [plate, model] has broken down at [road, direction, km marker / exit / nearest sign]. [Number] people, [in a safe place / on the hard shoulder]. [Symptoms]. Please send assistance; my number is [phone]."

🪜 Step by step

Safe firstVest, warning triangle at the legal distance, passengers behind the barrier, never stand between vehicles.
Where you areKm marker, exit numbers, the app's location. Emergency phones give the position automatically.
Call ÖAMTC / ARBÖ PannenhilfeOr your insurer's assistance line — many policies include roadside assistance you forgot about.
Motorway rulesOn some motorways only the concession's tow may attend; the tariff is regulated. Ask the price before agreeing to anything beyond the towing.
AfterwardsInvoice dispute: Zulassungsstelle / Landesprüfstelle (§57a Begutachtung). Abroad: your assistance cover works EU-wide; call the international number.

📇 All contacts

ÖAMTC / ARBÖ PannenhilfeBreakdown assistance 24/7When you break down on the road📞 120 🔗 www.oeamtc.at/pannenhilfe

112 — emergencyPolice, fire and ambulance, any EU country, freeDanger to life, fire, gas smell, someone hurt📞 112

Zulassungsstelle / Landesprüfstelle (§57a Begutachtung)Registration, inspection complaintsFor inspection appeals and vehicle data🔗 www.oesterreich.gv.at/themen/mobilitaet/kfz.html

Schlichtungsstelle Versicherungen (VVO) / VerbraucherschlichtungDispute resolution with insurersAfter the insurer's refusal📞 01 890 63 11 🔗 www.verbraucherschlichtung.at

❓ Frequently asked

Is the emergency phone free?

Yes, and it connects to the road operator, who dispatches help. Use it over your mobile on motorways.

The tow company charged a fortune

Regulated tariffs apply on motorways; ask for the tariff sheet and complain to Zulassungsstelle / Landesprüfstelle (§57a Begutachtung) for anything above it.

Electric car out of charge

Same procedure; breakdown services tow EVs to a charger and some carry mobile chargers. Do not push an EV.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

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“car breakdown who to call Austria”
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“towing fee too high complaint”
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🧭 Is this still correct?

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🛞 My car broke down on the road — who do I call?