Published: July 31 2023
The quick but unambiguous answer is No, you cannot legally drive on specific motorways and expressways in Hungary without a vignette.
Hungary employs a user pay principle through an electronic toll system for drivers traversing its motorways and expressways. The vignette or e-matrica (e-sticker in English) represents your payment for this usage. Failure to possess a valid vignette while using these roads consequently leads to a fine.
The Vignette System in Hungary
The e-vignette system employed in Hungary replaces the traditional toll booth system. Drivers do not need to stop to pay tolls directly on the roads, but instead, proof of payment is experienced digitally through the e-vignette system.
Where You Need a Vignette
You require a vignette to use Hungary's motorways, expressways and certain sections of toll-based main roads. These include:
- M0 Expressway,
- M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M8, M15, M30, M35, M60 & M70 Motorways among others.
Without a valid vignette, using these roads is illegal and can result in hefty fines.
Where You Don't Need a Vignette
However, it's worth noting that not all roads in Hungary require a vignette. Main roads, urban roads, and roads in rural areas do not fall under the vignette or e-matrica system. If you stick to these, you don't need to worry about purchasing an e-matrica.
Buying a Vignette in Hungary
You can purchase an e-vignette at border posts, post offices, certain petrol stations, and online. They are available in various durations - daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly. Choose the one that suits your travel plans most effectively.
After the purchase, the e-vignette is validated, and your vehicle's license plate number is stored in the toll system's database. It's crucial to make sure that the license plate number is correctly fed into the system during the validation process; otherwise, it may lead to fines.
What If I Drive Without a Vignette?
Driving on a vignette toll road in Hungary without a valid e-matrica results in a fine. The authorities periodically check vehicles using Automatic Number Plate Reading (ANPR) camera systems which validate the vehicles' e-vignettes by reading their license plates. If found without a valid vignette, the driver is tracked and fined. The fines can range from a few tens of thousands of Forints to several hundred Euros, depending on the duration of the breach.
Conclusion
While there are specific roads in Hungary you can freely drive on without a vignette, it's essential for drivers planning on using the motorways and expressways to buy one. The e-vignette system is relatively simple and user-friendly, and buying one will save you potential headaches down the road. Safe and legal driving in Hungary definitely calls for a vignette.
