Destinations / Hungary
Driving in Hungary as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Hungary drives on the right and enforces a zero-alcohol rule; non-EU visitors should carry an IDP, and motorways need an e-vignette.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Hungary expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 130 km/h motorways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in HUF. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Alcohol | Zero-tolerance alcohol limit (0.0%). |
|---|---|
| Tolls | Motorway e-vignette required. |
| Lights | Headlights on outside built-up areas. |
| In the car | Reflective vest required when leaving a broken-down car. |
On the road in Hungary
At the pump
Unleaded 95/98 petrol, diesel and LPG are widely available at card-accepting stations; prices are mid-range for the EU.
After a crash
Call 112; police must be called for injuries or notable damage, all occupants leaving the car must wear a hi-vis vest, and a European accident statement should be completed.
Sources: rac.co.uk · tollguru.com · tolls.eu
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Hungary?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Hungary drives on the right and enforces a zero-alcohol rule; non-EU visitors should carry an IDP, and motorways need an e-vignette.
Which translation format is used for Hungary?
Hungary uses the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Hungary ask for a translation?
Budapest desks request an IDP for non-EU licences; e-vignette included with most rentals.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Hungary?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Europe
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.