Driving in Hungary (Magyarország)

Cars must carry a first-aid kit, a warning triangle and high-visibility vests. Vests must be worn by anyone leaving the vehicle after a breakdown or accident outside built-up areas and on motorways, and at night or in poor visibility outside built-up areas. Dipped headlights (or daytime running lights) are required outside built-up areas and on motorways, also by day. No general winter tyre duty; winter tyres or snow chains can be ordered by signs at short notice (chains: max 50 km/h). Studded tyres banned. Radar detectors banned. Spare bulb set recommended (not for xenon/LED).

E-vignette (e-matrica) required on motorways, expressways and main roads listed in the system; bought online on the official site of the operator Nemzeti Utdijfizetesi Szolgaltato Zrt. (ematrica.nemzetiutdij.hu), at border crossings and petrol stations. It is tied to the plate: check plate, country code (Austria is A), category and validity. Passenger cars are category D1 (up to 3.5 t, up to 7 seats). Prices valid from 2026-01-01 incl. VAT: 1 day 5550 HUF, 10 days 6900 HUF, 1 month 11170 HUF, annual national 61760 HUF, annual county 7190 HUF. If you enter without a vignette you have 60 minutes to buy one without extra charge. Surcharge for non-payment: 27790 HUF within 60 days, 95730 HUF after.

Cars: built-up areas 50 km/h (often 30 km/h in city centres), outside built-up areas 90 km/h, expressways 110 km/h, motorways 130 km/h. Car with trailer: 50 built-up, 70 outside and on expressways, 80 on motorways. Alcohol limit 0.0 per mille. No separate novice limit found.

112 is the single emergency number (police, ambulance, fire); the Hungarian police advise calling 112 in an emergency. Police victim support line +36-80/225-225 (free, 24/7).

Within the EU/EEA the licence plate should generally be enough as proof of insurance; a valid green card (international insurance card) is not mandatory but recommended because checks often ask for it.

Before a long drive, have checked: tyres (right season, correct pressure, tread, no damage), engine oil level, battery (summer heat affects it), coolant level, all lights, air conditioning (workshop), brakes (workshop), wipers and summer washer fluid.