Penalty fees for driving without a highway vignette in Hungary in 2025
2025. 03. 06. 9:29
If you're visiting Hungary and planning to drive on the highways, one of the most important tasks is purchasing a highway vignette. The highway network in Hungary requires a toll, and unauthorized road usage can result in hefty fines. In 2025, not only have the toll prices increased, but so have the penalty fees. In this article, we will outline the surcharges that apply to those who use toll roads without a valid highway vignette and the additional costs that foreign drivers may face.
How much is the penalty in Hungary in 2025?
The amount of the penalty in Hungary depends on the vehicle category and the time of payment. If a driver uses the highway without a valid highway vignette, they will have to pay the following surcharges:
Penalties
| Fee category | Basic surcharge (if paid within 60 days) | Increased surcharge (for payments over 60 days) |
|---|---|---|
| D1, D1m, D2, U | 26 640 HUF (~66,05 €) | 91 780 HUF (~227,56 €) |
Surcharge differentials
| Fee category purchased | Fee category applicable to a vehicle | Amount of surcharge difference for payment within 60 days | Amount of surcharge difference for payment over 60 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| D1, U | D2 | 14 900 HUF (~36,94 €) | 47 180 HUF (~116,98 €) |
What additional costs should foreign drivers expect?
Foreign drivers using Hungary’s highways without a valid highway vignette must also pay a penalty surcharge. The collection of these surcharges is handled through foreign collection agencies. These agencies identify the vehicle owner or operator in accordance with the laws of the respective country and send a notice requesting payment of the surcharge.
It is important to note that, in addition to the surcharge, further administrative costs may arise. These can include:
- Data retrieval fees
- Postal charges
- Communication and processing fees
- In some cases, legal procedure costs
Since the collection process is subject to the regulations of the respective country, the final amount may vary.
What to keep in mind when purchasing a highway vignette?
When purchasing a highway vignette, several key factors should be considered:
- Correct vehicle category selection – One of the most common mistakes is selecting the wrong vehicle category. Always ensure that your vehicle falls into the correct fee category.
- Accurate license plate and country code entry – A typo in the license plate can result in an invalid highway vignette, so always double-check the entered details.
- Validity period of the highway vignette – The validity of the highway vignette varies (daily, 10-day, monthly, or annual). Make sure it covers the entire duration of your trip.
- Time of purchase – The highway vignette must always be purchased before entering the toll road. If a driver mistakenly enters a toll road without a highway vignette, they have up to 60 minutes to purchase one after entering.
Why should you buy the highway vignette online in advance?
To avoid penalties, it is highly recommended to purchase the highway vignette before your trip. You can easily buy the highway vignette online at hungary-vignette.eu, saving time and preventing unnecessary fines and inconveniences. Before setting off on your journey, always double-check that you have a valid highway vignette!
