Hungary KRESZ A1 key terms

A built-up area marked by the town-name entry sign and ended by the same sign with a red diagonal bar. Special speed limits, horn restrictions and parking rules apply inside it.

The maximum permitted speed for a road or vehicle category. In built-up areas it is generally 50 km/h, outside 90 km/h, and on motorways 130 km/h for motorcycles unless signs say otherwise.

Yielding the right of way to vehicles or pedestrians already entitled to proceed. Failing to give priority is one of the most common causes of motorcycle collisions at junctions.

The default priority rule at unmarked equal junctions: you must yield to vehicles approaching from your right. It applies only where no sign, signal or road marking regulates priority.

Changing direction at a junction or into a side road. You must signal in good time, position correctly, yield to oncoming traffic when turning left, and check mirrors and blind spots before moving.

Passing a slower vehicle travelling in the same direction. It is forbidden at pedestrian crossings, at railway crossings, where visibility is limited, and where signs or markings prohibit it.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead. It must allow you to stop safely if that vehicle brakes suddenly; in rain or on gravel it should be increased well beyond the dry-road minimum.

A divided high-speed road for motor vehicles only, entered and left at designated junctions. Motorcycles must be capable of a minimum speed, and stopping, turning or reversing are prohibited.

A road section marked with broad white stripes where pedestrians cross. Approaching riders must slow down, and pedestrians on the crossing have priority; overtaking at the crossing is prohibited.

The inverted red-bordered triangle sign warning that you must give way to traffic on the road you are entering. It is often paired with a supplementary plate showing the layout of the priority road.

The red octagonal STOP sign requiring a complete stop at the marked line, giving way to all traffic before proceeding. A full foot-down stop, not merely slowing, is required.

A continuous white line along the centre of the road that must not be crossed or straddled. It marks stretches where overtaking or turning across it is too dangerous.

The indicator signal showing an intended change of direction or lane. It must be given in good time, must not mislead others, and must be cancelled after the manoeuvre.

The headlight flash used to warn other road users of your presence or intention. It does not grant priority and must not be used to intimidate or to signal that someone may proceed.

The area beside and behind a motorcycle that mirrors do not show. A shoulder check before changing lane or turning catches vehicles hidden there, especially in dense city traffic.

Creating a situation that endangers people or property. It is a traffic offence and can bring a fine, licence points or criminal liability if injury results.

The delay between noticing a hazard and beginning to brake, typically around one second. At 50 km/h a one-second reaction already covers about 14 metres before braking starts.

The distance travelled from the moment braking begins until the motorcycle stops. It grows with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples the braking distance.

Anti-lock braking system that prevents wheel lock-up under hard braking by modulating pressure. It helps keep the bike steerable on slippery surfaces but does not shorten every stopping distance.

Maximum-effort braking to avoid a collision: firm progressive pressure on both brakes, weight shifting forward, upper body braced. Practising it on a dry empty surface builds the reflex.

Countersteering: at speed, a gentle push on the handlebar in the direction of the intended turn initiates the lean. It is the normal way to steer a motorcycle above walking pace.

The path a motorcycle follows through a bend. Choosing a wide entry, a late apex and a smooth exit keeps the bike stable and leaves room for unexpected oncoming traffic.

The mandatory helmet for rider and pillion. It must fit snugly, be fastened before moving off, and show a valid approval mark; a loose or unfastened helmet offers little protection.

Protective clothing for riding: abrasion-resistant jacket and trousers, gloves, sturdy boots and eye protection. It reduces injury severity and protects against weather and fatigue.

Being seen by other road users. Riders should use low beam in daytime, wear bright or reflective clothing, and avoid lingering in blind spots of cars and trucks.

Carrying a pillion passenger. The motorcycle must be designed and registered for two people, the passenger needs a proper seat and footrests, and the rider must adjust tyre pressure and riding style.

Physical injury to a person in a crash. Causing injury through a traffic offence can lead to criminal proceedings, not only administrative fines.

Immediate help given to an injured person before professional help arrives: securing the scene, checking breathing, controlling bleeding, and calling emergency services on 112.

Calling emergency services on 112. Give the exact location, number of injured people, type of injuries and your callback number, and stay on the line until told to hang up.

Removing a crash helmet from an injured rider. It should only be done if breathing is obstructed and usually with a second person supporting the head and neck, to avoid worsening a spinal injury.

The vehicle registration document proving the motorcycle is legally registered and roadworthy. It must be carried or available when riding and kept updated after ownership changes.

Compulsory third-party liability insurance for motor vehicles. It covers damage or injury caused to others; riding without valid cover is an offence and can bring heavy penalties.

The periodic technical inspection confirming a motorcycle meets safety and emissions requirements. Riding with an expired inspection can lead to a fine and to withdrawal of the registration.

The licence authorising you to ride a given motorcycle category, such as A1 for light motorcycles. It must be carried when riding and can be endorsed with penalty points for offences.

Eco-riding: smooth acceleration, early upshifting, steady speed, correct tyre pressure and avoiding unnecessary idling. It cuts fuel use, emissions and wear while reducing crash risk.

Excessive noise from an engine or modified exhaust. Fitting a non-approved silencer is illegal, and unnecessary revving in residential areas is an offence as well as a nuisance.

Moving from one lane to another. Check mirrors, signal, check the blind spot, then move smoothly without cutting off following traffic or straddling lane markings.

The deceleration lane leading off a motorway or main road. Slow down within it, not on the through lane, and watch for debris and gravel near the exit.