Driving in Hungary from the UK: what you need
Checked against official sources on 8 November 2026 · Sources at the bottom of this page
Driving your own car to Hungary? You need:
- An e-vignette, bought before you join a motorway From HUF 5,550 a day, on the official site. See below
- A UK sticker, unless your number plate shows "UK" with the Union flag GB stickers are no longer valid: remove or cover them
- Your photocard driving licence, logbook (V5C) and insurance certificate Still have an old paper licence or an Isle of Man licence? You need an international driving permit (£5.50 at a PayPoint) Hire or lease car from the UK? Take a VE103 certificate instead of the logbook
- A passport for everyone in the car See the passport rules for Hungary below
- A warning triangle, and a hi-vis vest and first-aid kit are worth carrying
- Dipped headlights on outside towns, even in daylight Set them for driving on the right: many newer cars do this from a menu setting, others need beam deflector stickers
- No alcohol at all before driving
🛂 Your border check happens before Hungary
Driving through France, Germany and Austria? You enter the Schengen area when you cross the Channel, so your passport is checked, and the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) records your fingerprints, at Dover, Folkestone or your arrival port. Your passport must be less than 10 years old on the day you arrive and valid for 3 months after you leave. You'll need vignettes for Austria, and Slovakia if you come that way.
Check your passport for Hungary →The e-vignette (e-matrica)
You need an e-vignette to drive on Hungary's motorways and expressways. It's electronic, linked to your number plate, and checked by cameras anywhere on the network, including at rest areas. There's no sticker.
There are no extra section tolls for cars: Hungary's HU-GO toll is for lorries over 3.5 tonnes.
Speed limits in Hungary
| Road | Limit |
|---|---|
| Motorways | 130 km/h≈ 81 mph |
| Expressways | 110 km/h≈ 68 mph |
| Roads outside towns | 90 km/h≈ 56 mph |
| Towns and villages | 50 km/h≈ 31 mph |
Speed camera fines can reach HUF 300,000. Hungary is preparing a new Highway Code, so some rules may change: this guide is checked every day.
Rules that catch UK drivers out
🍷 Zero alcohol
It's illegal to drink any alcohol and then drive. Driving after taking drugs is a criminal offence.
💡 Headlights outside towns
Dipped headlights must be on outside built-up areas, even in daylight.
📵 Hands-free phones only
Holding a phone while driving is banned.
🚨 Stay out of the emergency lane
Driving in a motorway's emergency lane is a HUF 100,000 fine.
👶 Child seats
Children under 3, and children shorter than 150 cm, need a suitable child seat. Children over 3 who are taller than 135 cm can use an adult belt.
Winter driving
Hungary has no general winter tyre rule, but snow chains are required where signs show them. If you're driving through Austria or Slovakia, their winter rules apply there.
Breakdowns and emergencies
- Call 112 for police, ambulance or fire.
- Put on a hi-vis vest before you get out, and place the warning triangle behind the car if it's safe to.
- Police can fine you on the spot. You can also pay police fines online or by bank transfer.
Hiring a car in Hungary instead
- Hire companies may ask for an international driving permit, so check first.
- Hungarian hire cars should have an e-vignette: check before you drive on the motorway.
- They may ask for a DVLA licence check code. Get one on GOV.UK shortly before you collect the car: it's only valid for 21 days.
FAQs
Do I need a vignette for Hungary?
Yes, to use Hungarian motorways and expressways. It's an electronic e-vignette (e-matrica) linked to your number plate. For a car in 2026: HUF 5,550 for a day, HUF 6,900 for 10 days, HUF 11,170 for a month or HUF 61,760 for a year.
What happens if I drive in Hungary without a vignette?
You pay a surcharge of HUF 27,790 if you pay within 60 days, or HUF 95,730 after that. Cameras check number plates across the network. If you join a toll road by mistake, you have 60 minutes to buy a vignette.
Where should I buy the Hungarian e-vignette?
From the official operator's site, toll-charge.hu (ematrica.nemzetiutdij.hu), or an authorised partner. The operator warns about websites that charge more, use poor exchange rates or add membership fees. Enter your number plate without spaces and choose UK as the country.
What is the drink-drive limit in Hungary?
Zero. It's illegal to drink any alcohol and then drive.
Do I need headlights on during the day in Hungary?
Yes, outside built-up areas. Dipped headlights must be on outside towns, even in daylight.
Do I need an international driving permit for Hungary?
No, not with a UK photocard licence. You need one with an old paper licence or an Isle of Man licence.
More for your trip
Sources
Checked on 8 November 2026. Rules change, so check the official sources before you travel.