Car rental in Budapest

In accordance with the traffic rules, since 2011 the police may impose an on-the-spot fine on the driver for certain offences of up to 300 thousand HUF (previously only payment by payment order was allowed).

When a car is stopped, the driver is given a notice stating:

• The offence committed;
• The penalty;
• The location of the vehicle with directions.

In Budapest, the speed limits are the same as in the rest of the country:

• The maximum speed for vehicles in built-up areas is 50 km/h;
• Outside built-up areas you may drive at up to 90 km/h;
• On motorways the maximum speed is 130 km/h;
• On dual carriageways you must not exceed 110 km/h.

These are the general speed limits you need to know when renting a car in Budapest. However, if a particular stretch of road has a sign with different information, you must follow that sign.

As in most large cities, not only in Hungary but also in other countries, Budapest has a shortage of parking spaces.

City car parks are divided into the following types:

• Surface;
• Underground.

Both types are mostly paid parking. On weekdays from 8.00 to 18.00, and on Saturdays from 8.00 to 12.00 you must pay an hourly fee for using a parking space. The only free day for parking is Sunday. You can leave your car in a parking area for between 15 minutes and 2-3 hours. Parking fees are determined by the distance from the city centre and can range from 120 to 400 HUF/hour.

There are also special parking areas in the capital of Hungary marked "P + R". They are located close to public transport and are much cheaper.

In Hungary, there are strict rules about driving a vehicle while intoxicated. Even a minimal amount of alcohol in the driver's blood is not allowed, as the permitted level is 0.00 ppm. The police have the right to stop any vehicle to check the driver. Exceeding the permitted level (depending on the degree of the offence) results in severe penalties.

Traffic regulations in Hungary comply with generally accepted international standards.

Drivers and all passengers must wear seat belts while the vehicle is moving. If any of the passengers violates this rule, the penalty is issued to them.

Drivers are prohibited from talking on a mobile phone while driving. In order not to violate the traffic rules, it is necessary to equip your device with a special wireless headset that does not require the driver to take their hands off the wheel.

Young children (under 3 years) may be transported on any seat in the vehicle only if they are in a special child seat appropriate for the child's weight. If the passenger is over 3 years old but their height is less than 1.5 m, they must sit in the rear seat.

A rental car in Budapest must contain:

• A first-aid kit containing all the necessary medicines and equipment;
• A reflective vest for pedestrians to use at night;
• A warning triangle.

In Hungary, drivers can use only the following types of fuel:

• Diesel (gázolaj) at a cost of 1.225 euros/litre;
• Unleaded petrol (95) at a price of 1.267 EUR/litre;
• Biodiesel (E85) - 1.019 euros/litre;
• LPG (gas) - 0.719 euro/litre.

If you plan to travel a long distance, remember that the maximum amount of fuel that can be taken out of Hungary in cans is 10 litres.

In Hungary, there are many toll roads. The country is among those where travelling on a toll road requires a special vignette. In addition, there are only electronic vignettes (e-vignettes). They are sold in vending machines, at petrol stations and in small shops. You can also purchase them online or via SMS.

It is important to note that vignettes are sold in areas located directly on the toll road. However, when entering a toll road without a vignette, the driver is already committing a violation and must pay a penalty, even if they entered with the intention of buying an e-vignette.

A vignette can be purchased for the following periods:

• 1 day (until 24.00 on the specified day);
• 1 week (10 days);
• 1 month (until 24.00 on the same date in the following month, or, if there is no such date, until the end of the month);
• 1 year (from 1 January of the current year to 31 January of the next year).