Rules and laws in Hungary (2026)
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026
Every topic we cover for Hungary. Each rule links to its official source.
Driving
Car speed limits
Hungary sets 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on other roads outside them, 110 km/h on expressways and 130 km/h on motorways for passenger cars. The limit is 20 km/h in residential-recreational zones. Buses, other motor vehicles and vehicle combinations have lower limits.
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Distinguishing sign on cars
Foreign vehicles in Hungary must carry the sign of their state of registration, and the EU-format plate with the country code is accepted under Regulation 2411/98. Hungarian cars leaving the country carry the sign H.
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E-bikes and speed pedelecs
A bicycle with motor assistance of up to 300 W is a bicycle in Hungary. It needs no registration and no compulsory motor liability insurance, and it must use cycle paths running alongside the road. Rules for faster e-bikes were not confirmed.
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Foreign driving licences
Licences from other EEA states are valid in Hungary within their period of validity. Licences from other states that meet the Vienna or Geneva Convention format, or come with a translation, are valid for one year from the start of the stay and must then be exchanged.
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Mopeds
A moped (segédmotoros kerékpár) in Hungary is limited by design to 45 km/h, and the rider needs category AM from age 14. A helmet and compulsory liability insurance apply. Two- and three-wheeled mopeds are exempt from registration, while four-wheeled ones are registered and carry a plate.
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Motorcycles: helmets and licences
A fastened helmet is required for the rider and passenger of a motorcycle or moped without an enclosed compartment, and motorcycles must use the dipped headlight in daytime. Licence ages are 16 for A1, 18 for A2, and 24 for category A (20 with two years of A2).
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Seat belts and child seats
The Hungarian rules for this topic are still being checked; no verified rule is shown yet.
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Towing trailers and caravans
A car with a trailer or caravan is limited to 80 km/h on motorways. Category B covers trailers up to 750 kg, or heavier ones if the combination stays within 3,500 kg; category BE covers trailers up to 3,500 kg. Starter licence holders may not tow a trailer.
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Travel
Air passenger rights
EU Regulation 261/2004 applies. Compensation is EUR 250, 400 or 600 by distance, and a delay of 3 hours or more at the final destination gives the same right as a cancellation. General enforcement is with the Civil Aviation Authority of Hungary; passenger complaints go to the Budapest Government Office.
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Customs allowances for tobacco and alcohol
From other EU states, the excise act points to commercial use above 800 cigarettes, 10 litres of spirits, 90 litres of wine (60 sparkling) or 110 litres of beer. From outside the EU, travellers aged 17 or over may bring 200 cigarettes by air (40 by other routes), 1 litre of spirits over 22% vol., 4 litres of still wine and 16 litres of beer free of duty.
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Health cover for temporary visitors
The card gives access to care from providers under contract to the Hungarian health insurance fund (NEAK). It does not cover private care, rescue and repatriation, or planned treatment. NEAK is the contact named by the EU.
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Identity documents
A person stopped by the Hungarian police must prove their identity with an official identity document, and a citizen needs an ID card only without another valid official identity document. EU citizens can enter with an identity card or passport. British citizens need a passport that meets Schengen validity rules.
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Meat and dairy imports
EU rules apply: no meat, milk or their products may be brought into Hungary from outside the EU, except up to 2 kg of powdered infant milk, infant food and special medical foods, and up to 20 kg of fish. Travel from other EU states is unrestricted.
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Rail passenger rights
Regulation (EU) 2021/782 applies in Hungary, but Hungary exempts its (sub)urban, regional and long-distance domestic services from key articles. A refund option applies from a 60-minute delay on long-distance and international services. Compensation of 25% or 50% of the ticket price applies to international services only.
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Short stays (90/180-day rule)
Visa-exempt visitors may stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Travel documents must be valid for three months after departure. Third-country nationals are recorded in the Entry/Exit System at the external borders.
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Tax-free shopping for visitors
Hungary refunds VAT to foreign travellers who live outside the EU on purchases above the equivalent of EUR 175. Customs certifies the refund form when the goods leave the EU, within 90 days of the sale, and the seller then pays the refund.
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Travelling with pets
Dogs, cats and ferrets need a microchip, an EU pet passport and a rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel. Entry from outside the EU needs an animal health certificate and a rabies antibody titration test, except from listed countries. No more than 5 animals may travel together.
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Living
Deposit return schemes and plastic bags
Hungary runs a mandatory deposit return system for plastic, metal and glass drink bottles and cans of 0.1 to 3 litres, with a deposit of HUF 50 per single-use container. Light plastic carrier bags of 15 microns or more are banned unless they are biodegradable.
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Home education
Hungary requires children to fulfil compulsory education by attending school. An individual work schedule can be granted for a fixed period on application, but the Act does not set out a general right to home education.
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Maximum working time
The Hungarian rules for this topic are still being checked; no verified rule is shown yet.
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Registering residence for longer stays
EEA nationals staying more than 90 days within 180 days must report their stay to the immigration authority by the 93rd day after entry. The authority issues a registration certificate on the spot, and permanent residence is certified by a permanent residence card.
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State pension age
The statutory old-age pension age is 65 for people born in 1957 or later. People born earlier have a lower age set by birth year. Women with at least 40 years of entitlement time can retire on a full pension at any age.
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Restrictions
Drones
Operators must register with the Hungarian aviation authority before the first flight, for a fee of HUF 2,000, and the drone is registered too. Pilots must complete online training and tests that depend on the drone type, and the authority tells operators to stay below 120 m. Other points were not confirmed.
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Fireworks
The national decree lets people aged 16 or over buy, own and use class 2 fireworks (EU F2) without a licence, and 14 or over for class 1. Private persons may use class 1 and 2 fireworks in public areas only from 18:00 on 28 December to 06:00 on 1 January, and not at all in public buildings, protected areas or on public transport.
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Knives and pepper spray
Hungary treats stabbing or cutting tools over 8 cm, spring knives, throwing stars and gas sprays as particularly dangerous items that may not be carried in public places or on public transport, with listed exceptions. A gas spray of at most 20 g without pelargonic acid vanillylamide or oleoresin capsicum may be carried if held in a case, closed container or under clothing.
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Tobacco and nicotine age limits
Tobacco products, e-cigarettes and nicotine-containing smoking substitutes may not be sold or supplied to anyone under 18. Smoking and vaping are banned in public institutions, workplaces and on public transport, except in designated places where the law allows them.
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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.