When traveling by car abroad, it is important to familiarize yourself with the specifics of traffic rules in the countries of transit and final destination in advance to protect yourself from unnecessary expenses. Find out all about the rules of driving in Hungary and the fines that drivers face for violations

Green Card insurance policy for traveling abroad by car

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Preliminary preparation for a trip abroad by your own car will help you not only plan your route carefully but also prevent unplanned expenses that may be incurred by the driver due to ignorance of the specifics of traffic rules in the countries where you are planning to travel. So, if you are planning a road trip to Hungary or this country is a transit country on your route, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the basic rules of driving on Hungarian roads to avoid fines and unwanted delays during your trip.

How to prepare a car for a trip abroad? Find the rules, necessary documents, and useful tips here.

Features and prohibitions of the Hungarian traffic code

1. Drivers are required to turn on their low beam headlights all year round, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions.

2. The maximum blood alcohol level is 0.0 ppm.

3. Talking on the phone while driving is prohibited.

4. All passengers, including children, must wear seat belts (for children shorter than 150 cm, a child seat is also required)

5. The car must have a first aid kit, an emergency stop sign, and a reflective vest.

6. Windshield and front side windows must be tinted no more than 75% and 70% respectively.

Each violation is punishable by a fine, and in some cases the penalty may exceed EUR 1000. It should be borne in mind that the Hungarian police have the right to detain a car in case of traffic violations until the fines are paid in full (fines of up to EUR 1000 can be collected on the spot).

Speed limits in Hungary and fines for violations

The following rules apply in Hungary:

– in settlements – 50 km/h;

– on roads outside settlements – 90 km/h;

– on highways, motorways – 110 km/h;

– on highways, autobahns, and freeways – 130 km/h.

It should be noted that speeding violations are treated very severely in this country. And at the discretion of the police officer, a driver can be held liable for exceeding the speed limit by 1 km/h.

Thus, the minimum fine for speeding is 39,000 forints (100 euros), and the maximum is 390,000 forints (approximately 1,000 euros). 

Also remember that drivers of vehicles with trailers are subject to different speed limits:

– in settlements – 50 km/h

– on roads outside settlements – 70 km/h;

– on highways, motorways – 80 km/h;

– on highways, autobahns, freeways – 80 km/h.

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Toll roads in Hungary

To drive on Hungarian toll roads, drivers are required to purchase an electronic road vignette. Its cost will depend on the type of car and its validity period (minimum 10 days, cost for a passenger car - 11 euros).

You can buy a vignette online at this link or at special terminals, retail stores and gas stations or at the border.

The location of toll roads in Hungary is marked in red on the map.

Upon entering a toll road section, drivers have 60 minutes to purchase a vignette or exit the road section (for example, if the entry was made by accident).

Other fines for traffic violations in Hungary

Here are some of the most common violations committed by drivers in Hungary and the amount of fines they will have to pay:

– running a red light - about 170 euros;

– driving in a dedicated lane - up to 340 euros;

– driving in a prohibited zone marked with a corresponding sign - about 100 euros;

– driving against traffic - about 170 euros;

– a fine for improper parking - about 100 euros.

Car insurance for entering Hungary

When crossing the border to enter Hungary, the driver is required to have an international insurance policy "Green Card". In case of absence of insurance or its expiration, the driver will have to take out a border insurance policy, which is much more expensive than international insurance. The cost of border insurance starts at 250 euros per month, while the Green Card will cost a driver only 42 euros per month.

It is also important that in the absence of compulsory insurance, a driver may not be allowed to cross the border, and in some cases, a serious fine may be issued. If the driver of a car without insurance is stopped by the police on the territory of Hungary, then in addition to the fine, he may face confiscation of the car and deportation from the country with a subsequent ban on entry.

You can apply for a Green Card for free driving in 48 countries of the world by following this link.

We remind you! To drive on toll roads in Slovakia, every driver is required to have an electronic vignette. Read all about the conditions for driving through commercial areas and other requirements for drivers of cars with foreign registration in our previous article.