Hungary is an important country on the European transportation map, being a popular hub for transport operations between east and west, as well as north and south of the continent. Are you planning transport orders in Hungary, but are not sure what are the current truck driving bans?
The following article will present the most important topics regarding these regulations – driving ban days and hours, as well as exemptions from the ban. Read more and learn the key information that will help you plan your route in compliance with the latest regulations!
Which vehicles are covered by the truck driving ban in Hungary?
Hungarian traffic regulations stipulate temporary restrictions for trucks with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) exceeding 7,5 tons. The purpose of the driving ban is to improve the safety and reduce load on road infrastructure during peak traffic times. Bear in mind, however, that there are exemptions allowing certain vehicles to continue operations despite the applicable restrictions. We will discuss the details later on in the article.
What are the truck driving bans in Hungary and when are they applicable?
Vacation bans, holiday bans and weekend bans apply in Hungary.
- The vacation driving ban lasts from July 1 to 31 August. During this period, vehicles with a GVW exceeding 7,5 tons cannot travel in traffic from 15:00 on Saturday until 22:00 on Sunday
- The holiday driving ban is in force from 00:00 until 22:00. On the eve of holidays, trucks must comply with the driving ban from 15:00 until 22:00.
- The weekend truck driving ban starts at 22:00 on Saturday and lasts 24 hours – until 22:00 on Sunday.
The above limitations do not apply to vehicles that meet the EURO 3 exhaust emission standards (or higher) and are travelling on Hungarian roads from November 4 to March 1 as part of international transport. It means that if your vehicle is used for international transport and meets the provided exhaust emission standards, you can continue driving despite the applicable restrictions.
2025 holidays calendar for Hungary
The year 2024 slowly draws to an end, it is time to take a look at the 2025 holidays calendar for Hungary. Which days will be subject toa truck driving ban? Holiday restrictions will be effective on:
- 1 January – New Year’s Day,
- 15 March – National Day,
- 18 April – Good Friday,
- 20 April – Easter Sunday,
- 21 April – Easter Monday,
- 1 May – Labor Day,
- 8–9 June – Pentecost,
- 20 August – State Foundation Day,
- 23 October – National Day,
- 1 November – All Saints Day,
- 25–26 December – Christmas.
What are the driving ban exemptions in Hungary?
Exemptions from the driving ban in Hungary include vehicles used by public services, such as the military, police, fire service and emergency vehicles. The ban does not extend to humanitarian shipment transport, post delivery, grocery products (e.g. meat, dairy products, vegetables), as well as plants, animals and agricultural machines.
Moreover, carriers who carry out combined transport are excluded from the ban subject to certain terms. The limitations do not apply to vehicles without a semitrailer with a gross vehicle weight below 7,5 tons, which meet the EURO 3 exhaust emission standards or higher. It is important to note that some driving ban exclusions are not effective during the summer period. From July 1 to August 31 exemptions from the limitations may not apply on certain highways and main roads.
A driver performing carriage based on ban exemptions should be able to present the necessary documents confirming the right to benefit from the exemption.
