Traffic Rules Hungary
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In Germany you have become accustomed and adapted to the traffic rules. However, traffic rules are not the same in every country and often there are traffic rules that don't exist in Germany at all. For example, the speed limits are different and the condition of the roads is also different. The blood alcohol limit is different and where can you refuel? So that you can start your trip safely and relaxed, you will find everything about the traffic rules and conditions in Hungary in this article.
The Most Important Points
If your vehicle already has damage upon entry into Romania, you must absolutely report this when crossing the border and have it documented. Vehicles that show visible damage after the trip are often only allowed to leave with a police damage confirmation.
The blood alcohol limit is 0.0.
Although there is no general winter tyre requirement, its use can be mandated with appropriate signage.
What Do You Need to Keep in Mind?
So that you don't run into difficulties because you're missing documents or don't know the requirements for items you must carry, we have summarised the most important aspects for you here.
First, it's good to know that a German driving licence is sufficient. You must of course have this with you, as well as Part I of the vehicle registration certificate (or the vehicle registration document). As proof of valid third-party motor insurance, the German number plate is sufficient, but we recommend carrying the IVK (International Insurance Card). This shows that your car has third-party motor insurance and you can apply for the card free of charge from your car insurer. This also includes checking with your car insurer before starting your trip to make sure you have sufficient insurance cover.
Carrying a high-visibility vest is mandatory for the driver, but in the event of an accident or breakdown, all persons must wear a high-visibility vest when leaving the vehicle. It is therefore advisable to carry as many high-visibility vests as there are people in the car. Even if you are on the road as a cyclist or pedestrian in the meantime, you are required to wear a high-visibility vest.
Vignette and Toll
Whether you need a digital vignette in Hungary depends on which roads you use during your trip. On Hungarian motorways and on expressways marked with an "M", electronic vignettes are required for all motor vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, which are automatically checked via the number plate. Motor vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight are subject to the distance-based toll (HU-GO system) and cannot use a vignette.
The corresponding fees depend on the respective vehicle class your vehicle falls into. The following classes apply:
D1M: Motorcycles (weekly and monthly vignette)
D1: Motorcycles (annual vignette) / cars and motorhomes of vehicle class M1 up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight and up to 7 seats (also with trailer)
D2: Commercial vehicles (vehicle class N1) as well as all motor vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight that do not fit into any other category
U: Trailers up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight for vehicles of class D2
To cover the costs of maintaining the motorways and expressways in Hungary, a vignette requirement applies. The vignette is only available digitally in Hungary; there are no adhesive vignettes to attach to the windscreen.
With us, you have the opportunity to purchase a vignette for Hungary completely hassle-free.
Speed Limits
Car/Motorcycle/Light Motorhome
Built-up areas: 50 km/h
Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h
Expressways: 110 km/h
Motorways: 130 km/h
Car with Trailer/Heavy Motorhome
Built-up areas: 50 km/h
Outside built-up areas: 70 km/h
Expressways: 70 km/h
Motorways: 80 km/h
General Traffic Rules
Blood Alcohol Limit
The blood alcohol limit is 0.0.
Lighting Requirement
Throughout the year, dipped headlights must be used during the day on motorways and outside built-up areas. In addition, sidelights must be switched on at night when parking if the public lighting is insufficient.
Radar Detectors
The use of speed camera or radar detectors in ready-to-use condition is prohibited in Hungary, just as in Germany.
Tyres
Although there is no general winter tyre requirement, the short-term use of winter tyres may be mandated in wintry road and weather conditions. We would therefore advise you to drive with winter tyres straight away in winter.
Snow chains can also be mandated by appropriate signage. Foreign drivers can also be refused entry into Hungary without snow chains in this way, or the carrying of snow chains may be checked at the border. When using snow chains, a maximum permitted speed of 50 km/h applies.
Fines
A special feature of fines in Hungary is that the police can impound the vehicle and withhold the registration certificate until the offender is able to pay the fine. This applies if the person responsible for a traffic violation cannot pay the fine immediately.
No vignette (cars, motorcycles, motorhomes under 3.5 t gross vehicle weight): about 50 euros
Driving without a seatbelt: from 50 euros
Using a mobile phone while driving: from 65 euros
20 km/h over the limit: from 130 euros
Running a red light: from 205 euros
No vignette (buses): about 215 euros
50 km/h over the limit: from 255 euros
Parking violation: up to 400 euros
Drink-driving: up to 400 euros
Drink-driving with values over 0.5 per mille: from 1000 euros
Road Conditions
In general, the road and motorway network in Hungary is very well developed and continues to be modernised and renewed. On rural roads, however, the situation looks somewhat different. As a rule, you cannot travel on rural roads as quickly as on motorways. They are often winding, narrow and less well maintained, which makes the journey less comfortable. In addition, these roads are not always well lit and can be difficult to drive on at night or in bad weather. Traffic density can also vary, and in some areas you might encounter slow tractors or other agricultural vehicles that further delay your journey. On the positive side, however, these very roads often take you through picturesque landscapes and allow you to experience Hungarian rural life up close.
Refuelling and Charging
Petrol stations are usually open from 6 am to 8 pm and even around the clock along the main travel routes and in larger cities. Credit cards are accepted at most petrol stations, and you may carry up to 10 litres of reserve fuel.
The centre of Hungary is well equipped with charging stations, just as it is with petrol stations. In rural areas, the network is being further expanded and good coverage cannot yet be guaranteed.
You should therefore prepare your route well so as not to get stranded in the middle of nowhere with an empty tank.
Access Restrictions - Low Emission Zones
In the event of an increased concentration of air pollutants, temporary driving bans may be imposed in the city area of Budapest for vehicles with emission classes Euro 0-4. These driving bans are usually announced in the public media.
The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Trip!
