Road Transport Operations Hungary

The country of Hungary is landlocked in Europe and borders seven countries—Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, and Croatia. The Danube river divides the country and the capital, Budapest, once known as two separate cities, Buda and Pest. Hungary has a population of circa 9.7 million inhabitants.  

Cabotage 

UK operators may carry loads to, from or through the country. Loads carried between third countries can only do so under a bilateral agreement.  

A transport vehicle registered in, and bearing the official sign of a foreign country may perform road transport activities within the territory of the Republic of Hungary (cabotage) if it has a licence issued by the Minister of Economy and Transport. 

Dangerous Goods 

Hungary is a party to ADR. Fully completed ADR documentation must be prepared for the movement of dangerous goods. 

For further information, you can also visit the UNECE website at the link below & select the country name applicable - http://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/adr/country-info_e.html 

Abnormal Loads 

Special authorisation must be obtained if vehicles/loads exceed maximum permitted weights and dimensions. Separate taxes are applicable as is a tax per kilometre travelled. 

All abnormal load operators will require a keeper’s certificate to prove ownership of the trailer which must be carried as part of the vehicle documents at all times.
An application form can be downloaded below:

Taxation 

A full tank of fuel can be imported duty-free. 

Customs 

TIR Carnets are accepted for vehicles crossing Hungary. ATA Carnets are accepted for certain temporary imports. CMR notes are advised. 

Movement Restrictions 

There are driving restrictions throughout the Road network for goods vehicles of 7.5 tonnes and above. 

Prohibition 

From 1 July to 31 August, from Saturdays 15.00 to Sundays 22.00; and from 22.00 on the eve of a public holiday to 22.00 on the day of the holiday itself. 

From 1 September to 30 June, from 22.00 on the eve of Sundays and public holidays to 22.00 on Sundays and public holidays. 

When a public holiday precedes or follows a Saturday or Sunday within the periods specified above, restrictions apply from 08.00 on the first day continuously until 22.00 on the last day. 

There are no driving restrictions on international traffic from 4 November to 1 March provided the vehicle is of Euro 3 emissions standard or higher. 

Public Holidays 

• Jan 1 – New Year’s Day 
• Mar 15 – Revolution Day (Sunday) 
• Apr – 10 – Good Friday 
• Apr – 12 Easter Sunday 
• Apr 13 – Easter Monday 
• May 1 – Labour Day 
• May 31 – Pentecost Sunday 
• Jun 1 – Pentecost Monday 
• Aug 20 – Saint Stephens Day 
• Aug 21 - Saint Stephens Day (Bridge Day) 
• Oct 23 – Republic Day 
• Nov 1 – All Saints Day 
• 24 Dec – Christmas Holiday 
• 25 Dec – Christmas Day 
• 26 Dec – Second Day of Christmas 

Exceptions 

Exceptions to the above include:

• combined transport operations which include:
  • vehicles travelling between the combined transport terminal and the place of loading or unloading, or vehicles travelling between the combined transport terminal nearest: to the border crossing point and the border crossing point
  • Vehicles used for prevention or assistance in cases of disaster
  • Humanitarian consignments (with the appropriate documentation)
  • Transport of fresh flowers or plants to the exclusion of all else 
• Vehicles of Euro 3 standard or higher transporting liquid gas 
• Vehicles transporting livestock, fresh milk, fresh dairy produce, fresh and deep-frozen meat and meat products, vegetables, eggs, fresh bakery products or other perishable foodstuffs, and vehicles travelling empty in connection with such transport
• Vehicles travelling from the Hungarian border to the nearest parking area designated by the transport authorities for this purpose 
• During the summer driving restrictions, vehicles travelling from the border to their premises in Hungary or to the first unloading place 
• Vehicles used for the transport of equipment or animals necessary for cultural, business or sports events (including transport in connection with radio, television or cinema recordings) 
• Removals of private individuals 
• Vehicles involved in the transport to and from railway stations, river ports or airports (between the premises of the consignor/consignee and the nearest such station, port or airport) of goods arriving or forward during the period affected by the prohibition 
• Tractor vehicle of Euro 3 standard or higher, with a maximum permissible weight not exceeding 7.5t, travelling without its semi-trailer 

Applications for exemption must be submitted to the  

National Transport Authority 
H-1138 Budapest, Váci út 188 
Tel: +36 1 373 1400 
Email: caa@itm.gov.hu 
Web: https://www.nkh.gov.hu/web/english  

Road Tolls 

As of 1 July 2013, the electronic, Distance-Based Toll system (DTS) was introduced on a total of 7,000 km designated road sections of the Hungarian public road network (motorways, highways, main routes). 

The system complies with the European Union requirements and the directives of the European Electronic Toll Service (EETS) (Act LXVII of 2013 on distance-based toll payable for the use of motorways, highways and main routes.  

The toll rate is based upon the road type, the vehicle category (J2, J3, and J4) and the environmental (emission) classification. Based on the table below, you can check the category of your vehicle based on the number of axles. 

Categories 

J2 category	Heavy goods vehicle with a total weight of over 3.5 tons with two axles
J3 category	Heavy goods vehicle with a total weight of over 3.5 tons with three axles
J4 category	Heavy goods vehicle with a total weight of over 3.5 tons with four or more axles

 
Gross price of road use (HUF / km) 

	Vehicle category	J2 category		J3 category		J4 category
	Road category	Express way	Main road	Express way	Main road	Express way	Main road
Emission class	A ≥ EURO V	48.72	20.72	68.36	35.89	105.82	66.00
	B = EURO II – EURO IV	57.32	24.38	80.42	42.22	124.49	77.65
	C ≤ EURO I	65.92	28.04	92.48	48.55	149.39	93.18

According to Decree 25/2013 (V. 31.) NFM. Valid from 15.03.2020. 

 Emission classes “Differentiating factors for toll calculation per EURO emission class 

	A	B	C
1	Emission class	Vehicle categories J2-J3	Vehicle category J4
2	Category A	0.85	0.85
3	Category B	1.0	1.0
4	Category C	1.15	1.2

OBU 

As is the case with many EU toll operators, tolls are collected via an On-Board Unit (OBU). 

The on-board unit is a GPS-based tracking device, which has been installed in the vehicles previously by logistic service providers, or which has been newly purchased by the user. The unit is suitable for tracking the route travelled by the vehicle, as well as for forwarding this information to the logistic service provider. 

Bridge and Tunnel Tolls 

At the time of writing we are unaware of any bridge or tunnel tolls not included within the existing toll system, therefore it is advisable to contact the online service provider and/or visit their website. 

Vehicle Legal Documentation 

• A Green Card is required, plus original vehicle registration docs.
• A GB plate must be fitted to the rear of vehicle/trailer.
• Trailer Registration Certificate is a requirement. To register for a trailer certificate go to - https://www.gov.uk/register-trailer-to-take-abroad 

Maximum Weights & Dimensions
Height	4 metres
Width	2.55 metres (Fridges 2.6 metres)
Length	Artic 16.5 metres Road Train 18.75 metres
Weight	Artic 40 tonnes (40 foot ISO containers - 44 tonnes)  Road Train 40 tonnes  There is also various maximum permitted weights on vehicles, trailers and road trains which are applicable according to the number of axles.

Safety Equipment 

It is compulsory to carry the following items of equipment and/or observe specific rules:

• First Aid Kit 
• Warning triangle 
• Spare bulbs 
• Dipped headlights are compulsory at all times 
• Seat belts must be worn 

Snow chains should be carried. If the border entry point states that 'Mandatory Use of Snow Chains'  and if no chains are carried, the vehicle will be denied entry into Hungary. 

Driver Legal Documents 

• Full passport required but no visa required.
• International driving licence in addition to normal UK Licence.
• Letter from employer giving driver permission to drive vehicle (attestation letter and form).

If the UK fully leaves the EU on 31 January 2021, HGV drivers will require travel insurance with healthcare cover 

Speed Limits 

Vehicles Concerned	Built-Up Areas (km's)	All-Purpose Roads (km's)	Expressways / Dual Carriageways (km's)	Motorways
Rigid Trucks	50	70	70	80
Artics & Road Trains	50	70	70	80
Vehicles Using Snow Chains	50	50	50	50

The following links provide guidance and information

British Embassy 

Budapest Füge utca 5-7 
1022 
Hungary 
Tel: +36 (1) 266 2888  
Web: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-budapest 

Transport Organisation

Hungarian Road Transport Association (MKFE),  

77 Egressy Road 
Budapest 
Hungary 1149 
Tel: +36 (1) 252-0688 /225  
Email:  posta@mkfe.hu  
Website: https://www.mkfe.hu/hu/