Motorcycle restrictions in Austria’s Reutte district could become broader after the Tyrolean state parliament instructed the state government to examine an extension of the current rules. The review may add road sections to the existing scheme, widen its scope, or do both.

The rules have been in force for six years and apply to motorcycles producing 95 dB or more. They are seasonal, running from 15 April to 31 October, the part of the year that generally offers the most favourable riding conditions. Among the well-known roads already affected are the Gaichtpass and Hahntennjoch.

What the restriction means

The relevant noise figure is measured at the exhaust and recorded in the vehicle registration document. Motorcycles at or above the 95 dB limit cannot use the affected road sections during the restricted dates, and violations can lead to fines. That makes the figure in the registration document particularly important for riders travelling through Tyrol.

The proposed expansion follows growing complaints about loud vehicles. Local concern also includes noisy sports cars, while illegal racing is believed to have taken place in the area, so the debate may not remain limited to motorcycles. Police checks are believed to be increasing to enforce the existing restrictions.

The final list of roads, the precise scope of any extension and its duration have not been decided. In particular, the period that would apply if the expansion is approved remains unclear. Riders planning routes through Reutte should therefore check the registration-document noise figure and the applicable road restrictions before travelling.