Hungary KRESZ A1 cheat sheet

Hungary drives on the right; the general urban speed limit is 50 km/h, outside built-up areas 90 km/h, and on motorways (autópálya) 130 km/h - motorcycles are bound by the same limits as cars.

A1 licence (category A1) covers motorcycles with engine capacity up to 125 cm³ and power up to 11 kW, with a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kW/kg; minimum age is 16.

Priority at unmarked equal junctions: the vehicle approaching from the right has right of way (jobbra tarts / elsőbbségadás kötelező rules apply at marked junctions).

A roundabout without priority signs: entering traffic must yield to traffic already circulating only where signs or markings say so; otherwise the general right-hand rule applies.

Overtaking is prohibited at pedestrian crossings, at level crossings, on bends with restricted visibility, and where a solid centre line separates the directions.

Motorcycles must use a dipped headlight (or daytime running light) at all times while moving; a single front and rear light is mandatory equipment.

Carrying a passenger is only allowed if the motorcycle is designed and registered for two persons, has a proper pillion seat and footrests, and the passenger wears a helmet.

Stopping and parking are forbidden within 5 m of a pedestrian crossing, on bus stops, on cycle lanes, and where a yellow zigzag or no-stopping marking applies.

Alcohol: Hungary applies a zero-tolerance rule for drivers - any measurable blood-alcohol content is an offence; the same applies to motorcycle riders.

Danger warning signs are triangular with a red border and white/yellow background; regulatory signs are circular (red border = prohibition, blue = mandatory).

Priority signs: the inverted red-bordered triangle means 'give way' (elsőbbségadás kötelező); the red octagon 'STOP' requires a full stop at the line.

Blue circular signs with a white symbol are mandatory instructions (e.g. compulsory direction, minimum speed, cycle path); ignoring them is an offence.

Solid white centre line = no crossing; broken white line = crossing allowed if safe; double solid lines = no crossing by either direction.

A yellow zigzag line along the kerb marks a bus stop or no-stopping zone; a yellow solid line means no parking.

Traffic light sequence: red → red+amber → green → amber → red; a flashing amber means proceed with caution and give way as required.

Direction signs on motorways are blue with white text; on main roads green with white text; on other roads white with black text.

A sign with a red diagonal slash across a blue circle cancels the previous mandatory instruction (end of restriction).

Scan 12–15 seconds ahead; on a motorcycle, look through the bend to the exit, not at the kerb - target fixation causes running wide.

Ride in the position that maximises visibility and escape space: generally the wheel track of the vehicle ahead, not the centre where oil and debris collect.

In rain, the first 10–15 minutes are most slippery because oil and rubber deposits float on the water film; reduce speed and increase following distance.

A following distance of at least 2 seconds in dry conditions, 4 seconds in rain, and more in fog or at night is the practical minimum.

Watch for the 'door zone' of parked cars; a suddenly opened door is a common urban motorcycle hazard - keep at least 1 m clearance.

At junctions, assume a car may turn across your path; reduce speed and cover the brakes when approaching an intersection with a side road.

Gravel, wet leaves, painted road markings and metal covers (manhole covers, tram rails) reduce grip sharply - cross them upright and without braking.

On motorways, watch for lane-change swerves and blind-spot intrusions; a motorcycle in a car's mirror blind spot is invisible - position to be seen.

Pre-ride check (the 'POWDER' or 'T-CLOCS' routine): tyres and pressures, oil, brakes, lights, chain tension and lubrication, controls, and fuel.

Countersteering: to turn right, push the right handlebar forward; the bike leans right - this is the primary steering input above walking pace.

Braking: use both brakes - the front provides roughly 70–80 % of stopping power; squeeze progressively, do not grab, to avoid locking the front.

On a bend, brake before the corner, then maintain a steady throttle through it; braking mid-corner reduces grip and stands the bike up.

Tyre pressures and tread depth matter: check cold pressures per the manual; low pressure causes overheating and poor handling.

Chain slack should be checked per the manufacturer's spec (often 20–30 mm); a loose or dry chain can jump the sprocket.

Emergency stop: straighten the bike, apply both brakes firmly and progressively, keep the bars straight, and do not release the front brake if it locks briefly.

Gear selection: keep the engine in its usable rev range; on A1 bikes (125 cm³) use lower gears for engine braking and control on descents.

A helmet approved to ECE 22.05 or ECE 22.06 is mandatory for rider and passenger; it must be fastened while riding.

Protective clothing: abrasion-resistant jacket and trousers, gloves, and boots; CE-approved armour at shoulders, elbows, hips and knees reduces injury.

High-visibility or reflective elements improve conspicuity; a white or light helmet is statistically more visible than a dark one.

Eye protection: a visor or goggles must be used; a scratched or tinted visor at night reduces vision - carry a clear visor for night riding.

Riding with a pillion changes handling: braking distances increase, the front may feel light, and the passenger must hold on and keep feet on the pegs.

Fatigue is a major cause of motorcycle crashes; take a break at least every 2 hours and avoid riding after alcohol or certain medications.

In rain, waterproof over-gear maintains body temperature; cold hands reduce control response - heated grips or good gloves help.

A motorcycle must not carry a load that obstructs lights, the plate or the rider's view; secure luggage so it cannot shift in a bend.

Emergency numbers in Hungary: 112 (general), 104 (ambulance), 105 (fire), 107 (police); give location, number of casualties, and hazards.

Scene safety first: switch off the ignition, place a warning triangle, and wear a high-visibility vest before approaching a casualty.

Do not remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless it is necessary to maintain the airway; if the helmet must come off, two trained people should do it.

Check responsiveness (AVPU: Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive), breathing, and circulation; start CPR if the casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

CPR: 30 chest compressions (100–120 per minute, 5–6 cm deep) followed by 2 rescue breaths, repeated until help arrives or the casualty recovers.

Control severe bleeding with direct pressure and, if needed, a tourniquet above the wound; note the time the tourniquet was applied.

Treat for shock: keep the casualty warm, lying down, and do not give food or drink; monitor breathing until the ambulance arrives.

Report any head injury even if the casualty seems fine - concussion symptoms can appear later; do not let them ride or drive.

Documents to carry: category A1 driving licence, vehicle registration (forgalmi engedély), proof of compulsory insurance (kgfb), and a valid MOT/roadworthiness certificate where applicable.

The A1 licence requires a theory test and a practical riding test; a medical certificate (alkalmassági) is required before the test.

Compulsory third-party insurance (kötelező gépjármű-felelősségbiztosítás, kgfb) is mandatory; riding without it is an offence and can lead to a fine and loss of the plate.

Penalty points (büntetőpontok) accumulate for traffic offences; reaching the threshold can lead to licence suspension - the exact rules follow the current KRESZ and penalty schedule.

A motorcycle must have a valid roadworthiness test (műszaki vizsga); an expired test makes the vehicle illegal to ride on public roads.

Riding without a licence or with a suspended licence is a serious offence with administrative fines and possible criminal liability.

The registered owner is responsible for the vehicle's legal condition; a sale must be reported and the registration updated.

In a crash involving injury, you must stop, render assistance, and call the emergency services; failing to do so is a criminal offence (segítségnyújtás elmulasztása).

Smooth throttle and brake use reduces fuel consumption and emissions; avoid harsh acceleration and late braking.

Correct tyre pressure lowers rolling resistance; under-inflated tyres increase fuel use and wear.

A well-maintained engine (clean air filter, correct oil, properly adjusted chain) runs more efficiently and emits less.

Avoid unnecessary idling: switch off the engine when stationary for more than a short stop, where safe to do so.

Planning routes to avoid congestion and using higher gears at steady speed reduces fuel consumption and noise.

Electric and low-emission motorcycles are increasingly common; A1 riders should know that the same KRESZ rules apply regardless of power source.

Noise pollution matters: a modified or faulty exhaust is an offence and disturbs residents; keep the standard exhaust system.

Riding smoothly also reduces tyre and brake wear, lowering the environmental cost of consumables over the bike's life.

A motorcycle must not be ridden on a footpath or pedestrian zone unless signs explicitly permit it; cycle lanes are for bicycles unless marked otherwise.

Lane splitting (filtering between lanes) is not permitted in Hungarian law in the way it is in some countries; stay within a marked lane.

At a level crossing, stop if the barrier is down or the light is flashing; never attempt to cross against the signal, even if the barrier is up.

Turning left: signal early, position near the centre line, and yield to oncoming traffic; a motorcycle must not cut the corner.

A motorcycle must keep to the right-hand lane on multi-lane roads except when overtaking or turning left.

Following a police or escort vehicle: obey its signals; a police officer's directions override signs and lights.

Passengers under 12 years may not be carried on a motorcycle unless the bike is designed for it and the child can reach the footrests safely.

In a built-up area, use of the horn is restricted to warning of danger; unnecessary horn use is an offence.

Direction indicators must be used before every change of direction and cancelled afterwards; a motorcycle's small indicators are easily missed by drivers.

Hand signals supplement but do not replace electrical indicators; use them only if the indicators fail.

At a junction controlled by a police officer, the officer's arm signals override traffic lights and signs.

A flashing red light at a level crossing means stop; a flashing amber at a pedestrian crossing means give way to pedestrians on the crossing.

Road markings have the same legal force as signs: a solid line, a stop line, and a give-way line must be obeyed.

When visibility is reduced (fog, heavy rain, night), use dipped headlights and reduce speed to within the distance you can see to be clear.

A motorcycle's small frontal area makes it hard to judge speed; approach junctions slowly and make eye contact with drivers before proceeding.

Before overtaking, check mirrors, signal, and check the blind spot; on a motorcycle, a shoulder check is essential because mirrors leave gaps.

Tyre choice matters: touring tyres last longer, sport tyres grip more; match the tyre to the riding and check for cracks and embedded objects.

Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time; replace it per the manufacturer's interval (often every 2 years) to maintain braking performance.

Suspension setup affects stability: too soft a rear preload makes the bike wallow in fast bends; adjust for load and pillion.

Countersteering is most effective above about 20 km/h; at very low speed, steer directly and use the rear brake to stabilise.

When riding in a group, use a staggered formation and keep at least a 2-second gap to the rider ahead; never ride side by side in a bend.

On wet roads, reduce lean angle and brake earlier; the front tyre's contact patch is small, so smooth inputs are critical.

Check the chain, sprockets and brake pads before every long ride; worn pads reduce stopping power and can damage the disc.

A motorcycle's battery and charging system are stressed by short urban trips; check the voltage and keep terminals clean.

In Hungary, the Good Samaritan principle applies: you must help at a crash scene if you can do so safely; failing to help is an offence.

When calling 112, state the exact location (road number, kilometre marker, nearest settlement), the number of injured, and any fire or fuel spill.

A first-aid kit is not legally required on a motorcycle in the same way as in a car, but carrying basic supplies is prudent.

After a crash, exchange details (name, address, insurance, registration) with the other party; report to the police if there is injury or significant damage.

Eco-riding and safety overlap: smooth inputs reduce both fuel use and crash risk; harsh braking and acceleration are inefficient and dangerous.

Noise and emissions rules apply to motorcycles; a faulty exhaust or excessive noise can lead to a fine and a requirement to repair.

Keep the motorcycle's registration and insurance documents current; a lapse in kgfb can lead to a fine and back-payment of premiums.

Riding under the influence of drugs or medication that impairs driving is an offence; check the leaflet and do not ride if in doubt.

A red-bordered triangle with a '!' warns of a general hazard; slow down and be prepared to stop.

A blue square with a white 'P' marks parking; a blue square with a white 'P' and a red slash means no parking.

A sign showing a motorcycle in a red circle with a slash means no motorcycles; a blue circle with a motorcycle means motorcycles only.

A yellow diamond with a white border marks a priority road; traffic on it has right of way at junctions.

A sign with a red triangle and a pedestrian symbol warns of a pedestrian crossing ahead; reduce speed and be ready to stop.

A 'STOP' sign requires a complete stop at the stop line, even if the road appears clear.

A blue circular sign with a white arrow indicates a compulsory direction; you must follow the arrow.

A sign with a red circle and a number indicates a speed limit; a red circle with a number and a slash ends the limit.

The A1 licence is valid for the category shown on the licence; riding a higher category without entitlement is an offence.

A learner rider must display a learner plate (tanuló) and be accompanied by a qualified instructor during training.

Penalty points are recorded against the licence; serious offences (drink-riding, hit-and-run) can lead to immediate suspension.

Insurance must cover the vehicle; riding an uninsured motorcycle can lead to a fine and personal liability for damages.

The vehicle registration document must match the motorcycle's frame and engine numbers; a mismatch is a serious offence.

A roadworthiness test (műszaki vizsga) is required periodically; an expired test invalidates the vehicle's legality.

If you are stopped by police, you must produce your licence, registration and insurance; failure to do so can lead to a fine.

A crash involving injury must be reported to the police; a minor damage-only crash can be settled between parties if no one is injured.

In urban traffic, watch for pedestrians stepping out between parked cars; reduce speed near schools and markets.

At a rural junction with limited visibility, slow down and be ready to stop; a car may pull out without seeing you.

On a wet road, increase following distance and avoid sudden steering; the front tyre can lose grip on painted lines.

In fog, use dipped headlights and fog lights if fitted; do not use main beam, which reflects back and reduces visibility.

At night, watch for unlit cyclists and pedestrians; reduce speed to within the distance you can see to be clear.

On a motorway, watch for debris and sudden lane changes; keep a 2-second gap and avoid riding in blind spots.

In strong crosswinds, reduce speed and be ready for gusts when passing gaps in buildings or bridges.

When riding in a group, keep a staggered formation and avoid riding directly behind another bike in a bend.

The clutch lever is on the left, the front brake on the right; the rear brake is the right foot pedal.

The throttle is on the right handlebar; roll it toward you to accelerate and away to decelerate.

Check tyre pressures cold, per the manual; low pressure causes poor handling and overheating.

Check the chain tension and lubrication; a dry or loose chain can fail or jump the sprocket.

Check the brakes: the front lever should feel firm, and the rear pedal should not be spongy.

Check the lights: headlight, brake light, indicators and horn must all work.

Check the oil level and coolant (if liquid-cooled); low oil can cause engine damage.

Check the fuel level and the mirrors; adjust the mirrors before riding, not while moving.

A helmet must be ECE 22.05 or 22.06 approved and fastened; an unfastened helmet offers no protection.

Gloves protect the hands in a fall; abrasion-resistant material and knuckle armour are recommended.

Boots should cover the ankle and have a non-slip sole; trainers offer little protection.

A jacket with CE armour at shoulders and elbows reduces injury in a slide.

High-visibility clothing and reflective strips improve conspicuity, especially at night.

A clear visor is needed for night riding; a tinted visor reduces vision in low light.

Earplugs reduce wind noise and fatigue on long rides without blocking sirens.

A back protector adds protection to the spine in a fall; it is recommended for all riders.

Check responsiveness and breathing before starting CPR; if unresponsive and not breathing normally, start compressions.

Compression rate: 100–120 per minute, depth 5–6 cm for an adult; allow full chest recoil.

Ratio: 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths; continue until help arrives or the casualty recovers.

Use an AED if available; follow its voice prompts and do not delay compressions to fetch it.

Control bleeding with direct pressure; use a tourniquet only if pressure fails and note the time.

Do not remove a helmet unless the airway is obstructed; if you must, support the head and neck.

Keep the casualty warm and monitor breathing; do not give food or drink.

Report head injuries even if the casualty seems fine; concussion can develop later.

At a crash, stop, switch off engines, and warn other traffic with a triangle and hazard lights.

Call 112 and give the location, number of casualties, and hazards; do not move an injured rider unless there is danger.

Exchange details with the other party: name, address, insurance and registration.

Report a crash with injury to the police; failing to stop or help is a criminal offence.

Compulsory insurance (kgfb) covers third-party damage; your own damage needs optional cover (cascó).

A crash claim requires a police report and an insurance notification; keep photos and witness details.

Riding without insurance can lead to a fine and personal liability for damages.

A hit-and-run is a serious offence; even a minor bump should be reported if the other party is not present.

Smooth acceleration and braking reduce fuel use and emissions; avoid harsh inputs.

Correct tyre pressure reduces rolling resistance and fuel consumption.

A clean air filter and correct oil improve efficiency and reduce emissions.

Avoid idling; switch off the engine when stationary for more than a short stop.

Plan routes to avoid congestion; steady speed in a higher gear saves fuel.

Keep the exhaust standard; a modified exhaust increases noise and can be illegal.

Regular maintenance (chain, brakes, tyres) reduces consumable wear and environmental cost.

Electric motorcycles follow the same KRESZ rules; check charging and range before a long ride.

Indicators must be used before every turn or lane change and cancelled afterwards.

Hand signals supplement indicators only if the indicators fail.

A police officer's signals override traffic lights and signs.

A flashing red at a level crossing means stop; a flashing amber at a pedestrian crossing means give way.

Road markings have legal force: solid lines, stop lines and give-way lines must be obeyed.

In fog or heavy rain, use dipped headlights and reduce speed to the visible distance.

Make eye contact with drivers before proceeding at a junction; a motorcycle's speed is hard to judge.

Shoulder checks are essential before overtaking; mirrors leave blind spots.

Brake before the corner, then maintain a steady throttle through it; braking mid-corner reduces grip.

Countersteering: push the right bar to lean right; this is the main steering input above walking pace.

Use both brakes; the front provides most stopping power - squeeze progressively.

In an emergency stop, straighten the bike and keep the bars straight; do not grab the front brake.

On wet roads, reduce lean angle and brake earlier; smooth inputs are critical.

Use engine braking on descents; select a lower gear to control speed.

At low speed, steer directly and use the rear brake to stabilise.

Avoid target fixation: look through the bend to the exit, not at the kerb.

Carry your A1 licence, registration and insurance when riding; police may ask for them.

The A1 licence covers motorcycles up to 125 cm³ and 11 kW, with a power-to-weight ratio up to 0.1 kW/kg.

A medical certificate is required before the A1 test.

The roadworthiness test (műszaki vizsga) must be valid; an expired test makes riding illegal.

The registration document must match the frame and engine numbers.

Compulsory insurance (kgfb) is mandatory; a lapse can lead to a fine and back-payment.

Report a sale and update the registration; the registered owner is responsible for the vehicle.

A learner must display a learner plate and be accompanied by an instructor.

In rain, the first 10–15 minutes are most slippery; reduce speed and increase following distance.

Wet leaves, gravel and painted lines reduce grip; cross them upright and without braking.

Metal covers and tram rails are slippery when wet; cross them at a right angle.

In fog, use dipped headlights and fog lights; do not use main beam.

In strong crosswinds, reduce speed and expect gusts at gaps in buildings or bridges.

At night, reduce speed to the visible distance; watch for unlit cyclists and pedestrians.

On a wet road, increase following distance to at least 4 seconds.

Check tyre tread and pressure before riding in rain; worn tyres lose grip quickly.

Scene safety first: switch off engines, warn traffic with a triangle and hazard lights.

Wear a high-visibility vest before approaching a casualty.

Call 112 and give the exact location, number of casualties, and hazards.

Do not move an injured rider unless there is danger (fire, traffic).

Do not remove a helmet unless the airway is obstructed; support the head and neck if you must.

Check responsiveness and breathing; start CPR if unresponsive and not breathing normally.

Control bleeding with direct pressure; use a tourniquet only if needed and note the time.

Keep the casualty warm and monitor breathing until help arrives.

Penalty points accumulate for traffic offences; reaching the threshold can lead to suspension.

Serious offences (drink-riding, hit-and-run) can lead to immediate suspension and criminal liability.

Riding without a licence or with a suspended licence is a serious offence.

Zero tolerance for alcohol: any measurable blood-alcohol content is an offence.

Riding under the influence of drugs or impairing medication is an offence.

Unnecessary horn use in a built-up area is an offence.

A modified or faulty exhaust is an offence and can lead to a fine.

Failing to stop or help at a crash is a criminal offence.

Smooth throttle and brake use reduces fuel consumption and emissions.

Correct tyre pressure lowers rolling resistance and fuel use.

A clean air filter and correct oil improve efficiency.

Avoid idling; switch off the engine when stationary for more than a short stop.

Plan routes to avoid congestion; steady speed in a higher gear saves fuel.

Keep the exhaust standard; a modified exhaust increases noise and can be illegal.

Regular maintenance reduces consumable wear and environmental cost.

Electric motorcycles follow the same KRESZ rules; check range before a long ride.

A yellow diamond marks a priority road; traffic on it has right of way.

An inverted red triangle means give way; a red octagon means stop.

A red circle with a number is a speed limit; a slash ends it.

A blue circle with a white symbol is a mandatory instruction.

A red circle with a motorcycle and slash means no motorcycles.

A blue circle with a motorcycle means motorcycles only.

A red triangle with a pedestrian warns of a crossing ahead.

A blue square with a white 'P' marks parking; a red slash means no parking.

Use a staggered formation in a group; keep at least a 2-second gap.

Never ride side by side in a bend; stagger the formation.

A pillion changes handling: braking distances increase and the front may feel light.

The passenger must hold on and keep feet on the pegs.

Adjust tyre pressure and suspension preload for a pillion.

Carrying a child under 12 is only allowed if the bike is designed for it and the child can reach the footrests.

Secure luggage so it cannot shift in a bend.

Do not carry a load that obstructs lights, the plate or the rider's view.

Check tyre pressures cold, per the manual; low pressure causes overheating and poor handling.

Check tread depth and look for cracks and embedded objects.

Brake fluid absorbs moisture; replace it per the manufacturer's interval (often every 2 years).

Worn brake pads reduce stopping power and can damage the disc.

The front brake provides most stopping power; squeeze progressively.

In an emergency stop, keep the bars straight and do not grab the front brake.

On wet roads, brake earlier and reduce lean angle.

Check the chain tension and lubrication; a dry or loose chain can fail.

At junctions, assume a car may turn across your path; reduce speed and cover the brakes.

Make eye contact with drivers before proceeding.

Before overtaking, check mirrors, signal, and check the blind spot.

Overtaking is prohibited at pedestrian crossings, level crossings, and on blind bends.

A solid centre line means no crossing; a broken line allows crossing if safe.

At a roundabout, yield to circulating traffic where signs say so; otherwise the right-hand rule applies.

Watch for the door zone of parked cars; keep at least 1 m clearance.

On a motorway, avoid riding in blind spots and keep a 2-second gap.

Compulsory insurance (kgfb) covers third-party damage; your own damage needs optional cover (cascó).

Carry proof of insurance when riding; police may ask for it.

A lapse in kgfb can lead to a fine and back-payment of premiums.

At a crash, exchange details: name, address, insurance and registration.

Report a crash with injury to the police; failing to stop or help is a criminal offence.

Keep photos and witness details for an insurance claim.

A hit-and-run is a serious offence; report even a minor bump if the other party is absent.

The registered owner is responsible for the vehicle's legal condition.