Destinations / Hungary
Driving in Hungary as a visitor
Usually yes. Hungary expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Hungary expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| 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 | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| 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?
Usually yes. Hungary expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Hungary accept?
Hungary recognises the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Hungary ask for one?
Budapest desks request an IDP for non-EU licences; e-vignette included with most rentals.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.