Hungary: new catalogue of penalties for traffic offences

Drivers face more consequent fining for traffic offences

Since late summer a new penalty catalogue has been in use which fines traffic violations committed from this time on more consequently and severely.

Traffic offences are prosecuted on the basis of and fines partly significantly increased by the Hungarian government ordinance ”concerning the amount of fines on violating single traffic regulations for road transport, passenger transport and road traffic as well as official duties concerning penalties”.

This ordinance entered into force on 1 August and is applied for violations recorded after this date. Specified violations may not only concern the driver but also passengers.

One important aspect is that the police are forbidden to collect fines in cash. Transfer orders (Készpénzátutalási megbízás) are handed out which have to be executed within 15 days. Trying to pay cash can be mistaken for bribing.

The following violations deserve special attention:

- the driver uses a  mobile phone while driving
HUF 10.000 (about EUR 36) within urban area
HUF 15.000 (about EUR 54) outside town
HUF 20.000 (about EUR 72) on motorways or dual carriage ways

- driving without using the safety belt (driver and passengers)
HUF 10.000 to 30.000 (about EUR 36 to 108) following scale above

- not using child’s safety seat
HUF 15.000 to 45.000 (about EUR 54 to 161) according to scale

- riding a motorbike without a crash helmet (rider and passenger)
HUF 10.000 to 30.000 (about EUR 36 to 108) according to scale