Driving a Rental Car in Hungary

Parking in Budapest & Highway E-Vignettes (with official links)

1. General Driving Rules in Hungary

When driving a rental car in Hungary, the following rules apply:

• Driving is on the right-hand side.

• Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.

• Low-beam headlights are required outside built-up areas at all times.

• Zero alcohol tolerance – any alcohol while driving is illegal.

• Children under 150 cm must use an appropriate child seat.

• Speed limits (unless otherwise indicated):

  • Built-up areas: 50 km/h

  • Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h

  • Motorways: 130 km/h

⚠️ Important notice regarding fines:
Traffic and parking fines are usually issued to the vehicle owner (the rental company). The processing of fines may take several weeks or even several months. Once received, the fine will be charged to the renter’s payment card together with an administrative handling fee, as defined in the rental agreement.

2. Highway E-Vignettes (E-Matrica) in Hungary

What is an e-vignette?

Hungary operates an electronic motorway vignette system (e-matrica) for vehicles up to 3.5 tons, including rental cars.
The vignette is linked to the license plate number – no sticker is used.

The e-vignette is mandatory on motorways and some express roads.

Important for rental cars

• Do not assume the e-vignette is included in your rental.

• Always check your rental agreement.

• If not included, you must purchase it before entering a motorway.

Official purchase website

👉 https://ematrica.nemzetiutdij.hu/en/
(Official Hungarian toll system)

E-vignette prices (passenger cars – approx.)

Validity

Price

10 days

approx. €16–18

1 month

approx. €25–27

1 year

approx. €140–150

⚠️ Penalties and delayed charges:
Driving without a valid e-vignette may result in a fine of approx. €45–€180, depending on how quickly it is settled.
For rental cars, fines are often processed weeks or months later through the rental company and may include additional administrative fees, according to the rental contract.

3. Parking in Budapest – Short Guide

Parking in Budapest is zone-based and mostly paid, especially in central districts.

Official parking information

👉 https://budapest.hu
(search: “Parking in Budapest”)

Parking zones

• The city is divided into paid parking zones

• Prices depend on the district and zone

💰 Typical prices: approx. €1.00–€3.50 per hour

Payment methods:

• Parking meters

• Mobile parking apps

• SMS or online payment

⚠️ Parking fines:
Parking violations are usually recorded electronically and processed later. The fine may reach the rental company weeks or even months after your stay, and the renter will be charged the fine plus an administrative fee, in line with the rental agreement.

Park & Ride (P+R)

Highly recommended for visitors:

• Located near metro and suburban train stations

• Daily price usually €2–5

• Convenient access to the city center by public transport

4. Practical Tips for Renters

• Always confirm whether the e-vignette is included.

• Keep confirmation emails or receipts for vignette purchases.

• Be aware that fines may appear long after the rental period ends.

• Administrative fees are set by the rental company, not by Hungarian authorities.

✅ Summary

• Motorway e-vignette is mandatory in Hungary

• Buy only from the official website:
  👉 https://ematrica.nemzetiutdij.hu/en/

• Parking in Budapest is zone-based and paid

• Fines may be charged months later, including administrative fees