Major overhaul of Hungary’s traffic code: What to expect in 2025
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Hungary is on the brink of its most significant traffic regulation reform in decades. The country’s traffic code (KRESZ), which has seen only minor tweaks over the past 50 years, is set for a comprehensive update aimed at improving road safety, modernising the legal framework, and reflecting the realities of 21st-century transport habits. These changes in traffic codes will affect everyone who travels on Hungary’s roads.
Why the reform?
The Ministry of Construction and Transport has led an extensive consultation process involving professional, scientific, and civil organisations to identify the main challenges and gather proposals for the new traffic code, Index reports. The last major overhaul was over a decade ago, but since then, Hungary’s road network and traffic culture have changed dramatically. There are now more cyclists, electric scooters, and diverse road users than ever before, and the current rules do not always address their needs.
Key traffic code changes for all road users
Pedestrians
The new traffic code will expand the definition of pedestrians to include those pushing vehicles, skateboarders, and rollerbladers. According to Blikk, mobile phone use and other distractions (like listening to music) will be banned while crossing streets or railway crossings. Pedestrians must primarily use designated crosswalks and only cross when the signal is green. In a significant shift, drivers must now yield not only to pedestrians already on the crosswalk but also to those clearly intending to cross.
School and kindergarten zones
Special “school and kindergarten zones” will be created, with speed limits reduced to 30 km/h during school hours to protect children.
Public transport
Children under three must be seated on public transport outside built-up areas for increased safety.
Cyclists and e-mobility
Cyclists will face new speed limits: 10 km/h on sidewalks and pedestrian zones, and 25 km/h on shared paths. Children under 14 will be required to wear helmets, and the rightmost metre of the road will be a shared-use lane for vulnerable users. Cyclists will be allowed to pass slow or stationary cars on the right and may get priority on newly designated “bicycle streets”. The minimum passing distance for cars overtaking cyclists will be set at 1 meter up to 50 km/h, and 1.5 meters at higher speeds.