Attention! Changes to traffic rules for the EU Presidency, Budapest traffic affected

From today, 1 July 2024, the Ministry of Construction and Transport has made it possible for delegation vehicles arriving in the capital for the Hungarian EU Presidency to use the bus lanes. In addition to the amendment to the Highway Code, newly authorised cars will also be issued with distinctive stickers to make them easier to check and detect.

The Ministry of Construction and Transport (MCPT) is amending legislation to help transport in the capital during the EU presidency. To prevent EU presidency-related vehicles from causing additional congestion on Budapest’s already busy road network, an amendment to the decree on road traffic rules will allow “designated vehicles of delegations to use bus and trolleybus lanes without disturbing bus and trolleybus traffic, i.e. public transport” from 1 July.

However, this applies strictly only to designated vehicles that can use the bus lane without disrupting public transport. The bus lane will remain the bus and trolleybus lane, and public transport will continue to have priority.

Totalcar reports that vehicles newly entitled to use the bus lane will also receive distinctive self-adhesive stickers, which will be mandatory on the front and rear of vehicles to facilitate control and visibility.

The Highway Code is being rewritten in Hungary

The current legislation was drawn up in 1977 and has undergone several amendments since then. The authorities and the Ministry believe an entirely new basis should be given to the almost 50-year-old legislation.

The need for change is justified by the emergence of new types of vehicles, and the Hungarian Automobile Club, among others, is making suggestions to the Ministry of Construction and Transport, which is coordinating the whole process.

Experts believe that their silence is a significant source of danger for electric vehicles, especially smaller ones. There are proposals to install a motor that makes a sound, as they often travel unnoticed.

As we wrote, a vast renovation will start in Budapest this year, and traffic jams are expected. Read details HERE.

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