Winter Travel: Here’s What to Look Out for on Hungarian Highways!
2024. 11. 26. 12:16
With the arrival of winter, safe driving becomes especially important, as weather conditions can challenge even the most experienced drivers. To ensure that all motorists reach their destination safely, we have collected the most important information to know before traveling to or transiting through Hungary.
Pay attention to these on Hungarian highways
Harsh weather conditions can affect many things, but before departure, the most important is to ensure the technical condition of your car. To prepare for unexpected snowfalls and slippery roads, it is worth having winter tires, and for long trips, we recommend having snow chains in the car as well.
In different weather conditions, it is good to know the following:
In case of freezing rain:
- During the freezing rain salting the roads is ineffective; the slipperiness of the road can only be reduced after the rain stops, so in such weather, drive cautiously and adhere to speed limits!
In case of snowfall:
- Snow removal starts only after 3–5 cm of snow has fallen. During continuous snowfall, snowplows must pass over the same section multiple times, during which an additional 5–10 cm of snow can accumulate. The reason for this is that there cannot be a snowplow at every kilometer marker, and their turnaround time can be up to two hours. Therefore, in heavy snowfall, expect congestion and altered road and visibility conditions, so it’s advisable to start early, dress warmly, and carry enough water with you!
In foggy weather:
- It is worth using fog lights and maintaining the appropriate following distance (even in such cases), driving cautiously!
Prepare before departure: start early and buy your Hungarian highway vignette online!
- Be informed about the expected weather conditions and plan your route.
- Refuel your car: with fuel, winter windshield washer fluid, and check the condition of your wipers.
- Have all important personal documents with you (ID card, driver’s license, health insurance card).
- Have enough cash in case you cannot pay by bank card (Hungary’s official currency is the forint).
- Dress in layers, have warm clothes with you, possibly blankets, and enough water and food.
- Choose simpler routes: travel on highways.
- Hungary’s highways are toll roads. To avoid fines, buy a Hungarian highway vignette online and skip the queues.
