Hungary to implement stricter measures against dangerous vehicles and drivers who break the rules

The Hungarian government is introducing new regulations aimed at improving road safety and managing the problem of abandoned and illegally parked vehicles on national roads. According to a draft ministerial decree published on the government’s website, the proposed regulations will authorize authorities to remove, store and, if necessary, sell or scrap cars abandoned in a way that endangers road safety or hinders road maintenance work.

Tougher measures for dangerous vehicles

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The new regulations divide cars into several types:

1. Unidentified vehicles:These are abandoned cars, without license plates or other identifying marks, which makes it impossible to determine their owner.
2. Abandoned cars:Vehicles left parked without the driver present at the scene of the incident, often in situations where they cause traffic obstruction or pose a hazard.
3. Abandoned vehicles:Cars that have been standing on the road, especially outside residential areas, for a period of at least 72 hours.
4. Dangerous cars:Vehicles parked in such a way as to pose a risk to road safety, hinder the work of road managers or hinder inspections and maintenance work at the roadside.

The draft decree specifies the obligations and procedures of road managers, detailing how they can legally remove these cars, the costs involved and the subsequent storage and disposal processes, Infostart reportsIt also defines the scope of “roadside assistance”, which can include services such as delivering fuel or starting vehicles using external batteries.

Fees for individual services

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Once the vehicle is removed, it will be taken to a designated storage location. The owner of the car can reclaim it, covering the costs incurred for removal and storage. If the car is not collected, it can be put up for auction or transferred to a registered scrapyard. The decree sets out specific fees for various services, such as the following (prices up to 1,800 kg / 3,500 kg gross weight):

• Roadside assistance: HUF 39,000 / 46,800 (EUR 99 / 119)
• Removal of a vehicle up to 2 passengers: 46,800 HUF / 58,500 HUF (119 / 149 EUR)
• Vehicle removal for 2-5 passengers: 58,500 HUF / 78,400 HUF (149 EUR / 199 EUR)
• Transport of additional trailers or campers: 27,300 / 31,200 HUF (69 / 79 EUR)
• Recovery of unroadworthy vehicles by crane: HUF 78,400/117,000 (EUR 199/298)
• Daily storage fee: 3900 HUF (10 EUR) per vehicle unit
• Additional charges apply for services provided at night, weekends and on holidays.

The decree emphasizes the necessity of these measures, citing the inherent dangers posed by stationary cars on expressways, especially in areas without adequate lighting. The regulations aim to protect public safety and property by ensuring that road infrastructure remains safe and functional. They also aim to prevent disruption to essential road maintenance tasks, such as mowing, roadside repairs, and the acceptance of heavy or bulky vehicles.

This comprehensive approach reflects the government’s commitment to improving road safety and maintaining the capacity of national roads. These actions involve a comprehensive solution to the problem of abandoned cars that impede traffic.

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