Driving in Budapest

Driving in downtown Budapest is a challenge: traffic jams are frequent, and roads are often closed near construction sites. You can drive from Buda to Pest only across the bridges, often at a snail’s speed. Elisabeth (Erzsébet) bridge is usually the fastest. Public transport will take you anywhere. There are P + R sites near large underground stations.

If you feel the urge to drive, make sure you carry your driver’s license, a copy of your passport, residence permit, proof of last payment of your 3rd party liability insurance, and car registration document with the valid green card at all times. These documents should be with you when you drive. Police do spot checks for documents, I just got stopped today.

Police also enforce speed limits. Maximum speed limits in Hungary:

 

Built-up areas: 50 km/h (31mph)
Minor roads: 90 km/h (56 mph)
Major roads: 110 km/h (69 mph)
Motorways: 130 km/h (81 mph)

Travel Regulations

• We drive on the right.
• The use of seat belts is obligatory.
• Motorcyclists must wear helmets, a law strictly enforced.
• All vehicles should to keep their headlights on throughout the day outside built-up areas. Motorcycles should have headlights on at all times.
• There is a 100% ban on alcohol when you are driving, and this rule is very strictly enforced. The legal limit of alcohol in your blood is 0.0 milligrams!
• Children under 150 cm must us car seats / boosters. Motorcyclists must wear crash helmets.

Unless another instruction sign is displayed, yielding the right of way to cars approaching from the right is the general rule. Turning right on a red light is prohibited. The police write up tickets for traffic violations thus documenting the infraction and any applicable fine(s). The police will give the offender a postal check (money order) on which the amount of the fine to be paid is written, and this postal check may be presented and paid for at any Hungarian post office.

Emergency road service: dial 188
Hungarian Automobile Association: +36 1 345-1800 Budapest II., Rómer Flóris u. 4/a

Foreign citizens who caused an accident can get information on settling insurance claims from the Hungarian Insurance Co.: Budapest XI., Hamzsabégi út 60., Tel: +36 1 209-0730. Office hours: Mon-Thu 07.30-16.00, Fri 07.30-15.30. You must call a police when the accident involves any personal injury. You can leave Hungary in a vehicle with damaged body only if you produce a certificate made out either at entry into Hungary or on the spot of the accident.

If you have been in a car accident in Hungary and need legal help: Lawyer Attila Hodula has been warmly recommended to me. He is a specialist in vehicle accidents and speaks English.

Attila Hodula, Ph. D.
Office Address: Andrássy út 49, Budapest, 1061
Office name: Hodula & Svéda Ügyvédi Iroda
Office Phone: +36 1 322-9610
Email: mail.hodulaui@axelero.hu

driving in Hungary, driving regulations, parking, traffic signs, car accident, lawyer, legal assistance