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The new fines for drivers caught speeding or drink driving have just been published in the Hungarian Gazette. Although higher than previously, the fines are still low in view of the proven dangers associated with the above offenses, and are unlikely to serve as a serious deterrent for repeat offenders.
Drivers who exceed the speed limit by 15-25 km/h at speed limits of 50 km/h or slower may be fined HUF 39,000 (1 EUR=380HUF), HUF 58,500 for speeding at 25-35 km/h, HUF 78,000 for speeding at 35-45 km/h, HUF 117,000 for speeding at 45-55 km/h, HUF 169,000 for speeding at 55-65 km/h and HUF 260,000 for speeding at 65-75 km/h. Drivers exceeding 75 km/h can be fined 390,000 HUF. The new rules will apply from 1 September.
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According to these, anyone exceeding the speed limit in a zone with a speed limit between 50 and 100 km/h will be subject to fines similar to the above: the lowest fine for exceeding the speed limit by 15-30 km/h will be HUF 39 500, while the highest fine of HUF 390 000 will be imposed if the speed exceeds the speed limit by 105 km/h.
Photo: Magyar Közlöny
On roads where you could drive over 100 km/h, you will pay a fine of HUF 39,000 for exceeding the speed limit by 20-35 km/h. And if you drive 110 km/h above the speed limit, you could get a 390 000 forint cheque.
The document also points out that those who drive through a railway level crossing during red light will also face a hefty fine of 65,000 forints. There is also a 65,000 forint fine for violating the compulsory direction of travel. However, breaking the no drive through ban is cheaper, with a fine of only HUF 39,000. The penalty for driving in a stop lane, on the other hand, could cost you HUF 130,000.
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It is still not worth drinking alcohol if you know you are going to drive, under the new rules from 1 September. If the driver’s blood alcohol level is low, the uniformed officers will fine one 39,000 forints, but if it is higher, one will receive a 130,000 forint penalty. In the United Kingdom, for comparison, one could be banned from driving for 12 to 16 months if found driving under the influence.
As far as road deaths are concerned, Hungary is a mid-ranking country in the European statistics. Figures from 2022 show that there were 56 road deaths per million inhabitants Hungary. The EU average is 46. Sweden (21) and Norway (23) have the safest roads, while Romania is by far the most dangerous country to drive in (86).
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