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UncategorizedAugust 21, 20250 comments

Hungary Eases Truck Driving Ban – Drivers Gain a Nighttime Window

At the request of MKFE, the Ministry of Construction and Transport has introduced a nighttime free passage window as part of the truck driving ban for St. Stephen’s Day. This means that restrictions on heavy goods vehicles will not begin tonight (Tuesday), but only on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 06:00 a.m.

The shortened truck ban period in Hungary will be as follows:
✅ August 20, 2025 (Wednesday) from 06:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
(the ban applies to all heavy goods vehicles with a maximum permissible total weight over 7.5 tons).

According to the ministry, this measure is intended to ensure the continuity of supply chains and reduce the risk of spoilage of perishable goods. It also provides hauliers with greater flexibility in transport planning.

MKFE has long been advocating for the introduction of a permanent nighttime passage window every weekend from 10:00 p.m. to 06:00 a.m., which would allow trucks over 7.5 tons GVW to operate during hours of minimal passenger car traffic. Although general regulations have not yet been amended, this year’s St. Stephen’s Day ban will follow this model.

General exemptions from truck bans in Hungary

During truck driving bans (so-called kamionstop), the following vehicles are fully exempt:
▪️ those transporting live animals,
▪️ fresh milk and dairy products,
▪️ fresh or frozen meat and meat products,
▪️ fresh bakery products,
▪️ perishable foodstuffs,
▪️ eggs,
▪️ fresh, unprocessed vegetables and fruit,
▪️ cereals and cereal products,
▪️ as well as empty vehicles traveling to loading points or returning from unloading (if originally designed for transporting such goods).

In addition, trucks returning from abroad may, in July and August, travel from the state border to the company’s base in Hungary or to the first unloading location, even during the truck driving ban. However, during weekend or holiday restrictions, they are not permitted to use the following 19 road sections:
a) M7 motorway – entire length
b) National Road 2 – from Budapest to km 39+150, and Road M2 – from the junction with Roads 2 and 12 to Parassapuszta
c) Expressway 2/A – entire length
d) National Road 6 – between Dunaújváros and Budapest
e) National Road 7
f) National Road 10 – between Dorog and Budapest
g) National Road 11 – between Esztergom and Budapest
h) National Road 12 – entire length
i) Road 1201 – entire length
j) National Road 51 – between the junction with Road 510 and Dömsöd
k) National Road 71 – entire length
l) National Road 76 – between the junctions with Roads 71 and 7, and between Zalaapáti and Road 71
m) National Road 55 – between Alsónyék and Baja
n) National Road 82 – from Road 8 to Veszprémvarsány
o) National Road 84 – from Sümeg to Road 71
p) National Road 33 – from Dormánd to Debrecen
q) National Road 86 – between Jánossomorja and Nemesbőd, and between Körmend and Zalabaksa
r) National Road 37 – between Miskolc and Sátoraljaújhely
s) National Road 38 – between the junction with Road 37 and Rakamaz