Hungary

Fines for speeding in Hungary

  • Up to 15 km/h over the limit: Fine of HUF 39,000 (approximately €100).
  • 16–25 km/h over the limit: Fine of HUF 58,500 (approximately €150).
  • 26–35 km/h over the limit: Fine of HUF 78,000 (approximately €200).
  • 36–45 km/h over the limit: Fine of HUF 117,000 (approximately €300).
  • 46–55 km/h over the limit: Fine of HUF 169,000 (approximately €430).
  • 56–65 km/h over the limit: Fine of HUF 260,000 (approximately €670).
  • Over 65 km/h over the limit: Fine of HUF 390,000 (approximately €1,000).

Note: These fines apply to roads where the speed limit is between 50 and 100 km/h. For roads with speed limits over 100 km/h, fines are higher.

For example, if you drive 100 km/h in a 50 km/h zone, the calculation would be:

  • 100 km/h – 50 km/h = 50 km/h over the limit.
  • 50 km/h – 15 km/h (tolerance) = 35 km/h to be fined.
  • 35 km/h × €10 = €350 fine.

Note: The first 15 km/h over the limit are considered a warning and are not fined.

Do I need to purchase Vignette?

In Hungary, the country uses a vignette system for highways and major roads. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Who Needs a Vignette?

  • Vignette required for all vehicles traveling on motorways (M) and expressways (E) in Hungary.
    • Passenger vehicles, trucks, and buses must all have a valid vignette.
    • No tolls are collected at booths; instead, the vignette acts as a pass to use toll roads.

2. Where Are Vignettes Needed?

  • Vignettes are required for driving on motorways (M) and expressways (E), which include:
    • M1, M3, M5, M7, M10, M15, and M70, among others.
  • Local Roads: There are no tolls or vignettes required for local or rural roads, but they may not be as fast or convenient as motorways.

3. Vignette Prices

  • Types of Vignettes: Hungary offers several types of vignettes, depending on the duration of use:
    • 10-day vignette: Around €10 to €12 for a car.
    • Monthly vignette: Around €14 to €16 for a car.
    • Annual vignette: Around €120 to €140 for a car.
  • Prices vary slightly depending on the vehicle type (e.g., cars, trucks, and buses), and larger vehicles pay more.

4. Where to Buy Vignettes

  • Online: You can purchase the vignette online through the official Hungarian Toll Payment website or via the mobile app.
    • After purchasing, you will receive a digital vignette that is automatically linked to your vehicle’s registration number.
  • Vignette Kiosks: Vignettes can also be bought at kiosks, gas stations, and other authorized locations near major highway entry points.

5. Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Fines for Driving Without a Vignette: If you are caught driving without a valid vignette on toll roads, you can face heavy fines.
    • Fines can range from €120 to €300 depending on the vehicle and the toll road section.
  • Automatic Checks: Hungary uses automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras to check for valid vignettes. You may be fined if you drive on toll roads without paying.

6. Additional Information

  • Electronic Tolling for Trucks: In addition to vignettes, Hungary has a separate distance-based toll system for trucks and large vehicles over 3.5 tons. This system is based on GPS technology, and trucks must register for it to use toll roads.
  • Environmental Zones: Hungary does not have low-emission zones (LEZs) in major cities like Budapest, but regulations could change over time.

7. Tips for Travelers

  • Buy a Vignette Before You Enter: Ensure you have a valid vignette before entering any motorway or expressway in Hungary. You can buy it online or at service stations along the highways.
  • Keep Your Vignette Registration Information: If you purchase your vignette online, make sure you have the vehicle registration number and payment details ready for easy access.
  • Check Vignette Validity: Make sure the vignette covers the correct time frame for your travel plans.