Truck ban in Hungary 2025
2025. 06. 16. 13:39
If you're traveling by car in Hungary on weekends, it's important to be aware of the so-called truck ban regulations. The purpose of weekend, rest day, and public holiday truck bans—which are in effect all year round—is to reduce traffic during peak periods. Their validity and duration are defined by law, as trucks not only increase and slow down traffic, but also have a harmful environmental impact. Since the truck ban also affects traffic conditions, it applies to foreign drivers and tourists as well. Therefore, it's worth taking the truck ban into account when planning your trips. In this article, we’ve collected all the important information about the truck restrictions valid in 2025.
Which vehicles are subject to the truck ban?
In Hungary, the truck ban is defined by Government Decree 190/2008. (VII.29.), which applies to all freight vehicles, tractors, agricultural tractors, slow vehicles, and combinations of these with Hungarian or foreign license plates, whose total weight exceeds 7.5 tons.
When is the truck ban in effect in Hungary?
In Hungary, traffic restrictions apply every weekend and on public holidays for freight vehicles exceeding a total weight of 7.5 tons. However, during the summer months, truck bans are longer, so between July 1 and August 31, longer restrictions should be expected.
- In general, a nationwide truck ban is in effect from Saturday 22:00 to Sunday 22:00
- Between July 1 and August 31, the truck ban lasts from Saturday 15:00 to Sunday 22:00
- On public holidays, it lasts from 22:00 on the day before the holiday to 22:00 on the holiday
During this period, heavy vehicles returning from abroad are allowed to travel from the state border to their Hungarian base or first unloading point, but may not use the roads specified in the government decree during the ban.
It’s also important to know that truck bans can be ordered on an ad hoc basis at any time due to weather or environmental reasons. However, during a heat alert, truck bans are often lifted.
| June 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Start of truck ban | End of truck ban |
| June 1, Sunday 00:00 | June 1, Sunday 22:00 |
| June 7, Saturday 22:00 | June 9, Monday 22:00 |
| June 14, Saturday 22:00 | June 15, Sunday 22:00 |
| June 21, Saturday 22:00 | June 22, Sunday 22:00 |
| June 28, Saturday 22:00 | June 29, Sunday 22:00 |
| July 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Start of truck ban | End of truck ban |
| July 5, Saturday 15:00 | July 6, Sunday 22:00 |
| July 12, Saturday 15:00 | July 13, Sunday 22:00 |
| July 19, Saturday 15:00 | July 20, Sunday 22:00 |
| July 26, Saturday 15:00 | July 27, Sunday 22:00 |
| August 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Start of truck ban | End of truck ban |
| August 2, Saturday 15:00 | August 3, Sunday 22:00 |
| August 9, Saturday 15:00 | August 10, Sunday 22:00 |
| August 16, Saturday 15:00 | August 17, Sunday 22:00 |
| August 19, Tuesday 22:00 | August 20, Wednesday 22:00 |
| August 23, Saturday 15:00 | August 24, Sunday 22:00 |
| August 30, Saturday 15:00 | August 31, Sunday 22:00 |
Are there any exceptions?
Yes, but these apply only to certain freight transport vehicles. Trucks may be exempt from the ban if they:
- Carry perishable goods
- Transport live animals
- Deliver fuel or urgent shipments
These exceptions apply only to freight transport and have no effect on private travel.
Why is this important for foreign drivers?
Although the restriction applies only to freight vehicles, its impact on traffic means that car drivers should also be aware of it:
- Truck stops and rest areas along major highways (e.g. M1, M3, M5, M7) are often crowded during the ban.
- Traffic is usually calmer on Sundays when trucks are not allowed to drive.
- After the ban ends, truck traffic can suddenly increase, leading to congestion.
- For example, if you’re traveling to Budapest, Lake Balaton, or crossing Hungary via a transit route (towards Austria, Romania, or Serbia), it's worth considering the weekend truck ban when planning your journey.
If you’re traveling by car, camper van, motorcycle, or light commercial vehicle, the truck ban does not directly affect you—but it can help you avoid traffic jams or crowded rest areas when planning your trip.
Remember: to use Hungarian highways, a valid highway vignette is required. You can purchase it most easily online at hungary-vignette.eu – where, as an official reseller, we offer secure payment, instant confirmation, and 0-24 customer support.
