New rules for bus and coach drivers: changes for category B2
2024. 08. 01. 13:22:43
In 2024, several changes occurred in the Hungarian highway vignette system. Among these changes, one of the most significant for bus drivers is the discontinuation of the B2 category. The purpose of this article is to outline the new rules for bus drivers regarding highway tolls, what changes took effect from 2024, how to optimize costs in the new system, and which smaller buses can still use the D2 category highway vignette.
Which vignette should bus drivers buy from 2024?
From 2024, significant changes have been implemented for buses in the highway vignette system. Until April 1, bus drivers could travel on toll roads with a highway vignette under the B2 fee category. From April 2024, however, they must use a kilometer-based usage-proportional toll payment system for toll roads.
Buses with a total weight exceeding 3,5 tons must register in the HU-GO system and pay the toll proportionally to their usage. This change, based on EU obligations, aims to ensure that larger vehicles pay proportionally for road use.
Thus, within the framework of the 2024 changes, the B2 highway vignette fee category was discontinued, along with the possibility for buses to travel with an e-vignette. From April, buses over 3,5 tons must register and pay in the usage-proportional HU-GO system.
How can bus drivers optimize these costs?
In the new system, it is advisable for former bus drivers to optimize their routes to minimize the distance traveled and thus the toll. It is important to plan their trips in advance and accurately track the kilometers traveled. Additionally, it is worth taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the HU-GO system, such as the OBU device, which can help reduce costs.
Those without an OBU device must purchase a route ticket. In this case, they cannot deviate from the selected route and can have a maximum of 5 intermediate stops. In case of deviation, a new route ticket must be purchased for the re-planned route.
Which smaller buses can still purchase a D2 vignette?
The D2 category includes vehicles suitable for transporting more than 7 people, trucks with a permissible maximum total weight of 3,5 tons, and motorhomes. This includes larger passenger vehicles such as minibuses. Thus, if a vehicle is capable of transporting more than 7 passengers and has a total weight of up to 3,5 tons, it can be classified into the D2 category and the corresponding highway vignette must be purchased.
These changes aim to increase the efficiency of the transportation system and make the payment system fairer, ensuring that all vehicles proportionally contribute to the maintenance and development of the road network.
