Hungary KRESZ DE key terms

The Hungarian highway code, the body of regulations governing traffic rules, road signs, vehicle requirements and driver obligations on public roads in Hungary.

Any road open to general traffic, including streets, motorways and paths where vehicles, pedestrians or animals may lawfully travel.

The principle that vehicles keep to the right side of the carriageway and pass oncoming traffic on their left, with exceptions for overtaking and turning.

The part of the road built for vehicle traffic, excluding pavements, verges and cycle paths, and possibly divided into marked lanes.

A longitudinal strip of carriageway marked or wide enough for a single line of moving vehicles, used for positioning and overtaking decisions.

A place-name sign with a white background marking the start of a settlement, where lower default speed limits and stricter rules apply until the end sign.

The entitlement of a road user to proceed first in a conflict situation, determined by signs, signals, markings or general priority rules.

A road marked with a yellow diamond sign whose traffic has precedence at junctions over vehicles approaching from minor roads.

An inverted triangle sign requiring the driver to give way to traffic on the intersecting road and stop only if necessary for safety.

An octagonal sign requiring a complete halt at the marked line before entering a junction, regardless of whether other traffic is visible.

The default priority rule at unsigned junctions where the driver must give way to vehicles approaching from the right.

A junction without signs or signals determining priority, where the right-hand rule and general caution requirements govern the interaction of road users.

A circular junction where traffic already circulating has priority and entering drivers yield, typically indicated by yield and direction signs.

The maximum permitted speed for a road section, set by general defaults or signs, and reduced further by conditions such as weather or visibility.

The gap to the vehicle ahead that allows stopping if it brakes suddenly, commonly estimated as at least two seconds in good conditions.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it stops, growing with speed and poor grip.

The distance covered while the driver perceives a hazard and begins to act, extended by fatigue, distraction or alcohol.

Passing another moving road user travelling in the same direction, generally done on the left and only when visibility and space make it safe.

Moving from one marked lane to another, requiring mirror checks, signalling and yielding to vehicles already in the target lane.

A left turn manoeuvre in right-hand traffic where the driver must yield to oncoming vehicles and to pedestrians crossing the road being entered.

A continuous or dashed line marking the outer limit of the carriageway, distinguishing it from verges, cycle paths or hard shoulders.

A pedestrian crossing marked by broad white stripes where pedestrians have priority once they are on or about to enter the crossing.

The obligation of drivers to give way to pedestrians at marked crossings and when turning into a road pedestrians are crossing.

A route reserved for cyclists, often separated from the carriageway, which drivers must not obstruct or drive on unless permitted.

A road user with limited protection in a collision, such as a pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist or child, requiring extra caution and space from drivers.

A place where a road crosses railway tracks, marked by signs and often barriers or lights, where drivers must approach with heightened caution.

The X-shaped sign marking a railway crossing without barriers, warning drivers to stop if a train is approaching.

The requirement to stop before a railway crossing when a train is approaching, the lights flash or the barriers are closing, and never to enter until the way is clear.

A divided high-speed road with controlled access, reserved for motor vehicles capable of a minimum speed, where stopping and turning are prohibited.

The strip beside the motorway carriageway intended for emergencies, breakdowns and emergency vehicles, not for normal driving or parking.

Flashing indicators used together to warn other road users of a stopped, broken-down or slow-moving vehicle or an approaching hazard.

A reflective triangle placed behind a broken-down vehicle to warn approaching traffic, mandatory on many roads outside built-up areas.

Low-beam lights used at night and in poor visibility to illuminate the road without dazzling oncoming or preceding drivers.

High-beam headlights giving maximum forward visibility, which must be switched to dipped beam when other road users could be dazzled.

The requirement that cargo be arranged and fastened so it cannot shift, fall off or obscure lights, plates or the driver's view.

The maximum weight allowed on a single axle or axle group, which must not be exceeded when loading a vehicle.

The periodic official check of a vehicle's roadworthiness, including brakes, lights and emissions, confirmed by a valid certificate.

The official document authorising a person to drive specified vehicle categories, which must be carried or produced when required by police.

The official record and certificate linking a vehicle to its owner and plate number, required for lawful use on public roads.

The Hungarian rule that drivers must not have any alcohol in the blood while driving, with no legal threshold for ordinary motorists.