Police can fine many more drivers in Hungary soon!

According to the latest police data, 92.2% of Hungarian drivers use seat belts. While this figure may seem high at first glance, usage rates in the European Union’s top-performing countries range from 96.5 to 99.2%, meaning Hungary still lags behind nations with more advanced road safety standards. Highlighting the severity of the issue, in 2024, 11% of those injured and 21% of those killed in car accidents were not wearing seat belts.

Many offenders evade penalties

Last year, police issued over 206,000 administrative fines for failure to wear seat belts, totalling around HUF 3.45 billion (approx. EUR 8.8 million). However, a significant number of these fines go unpaid. Often, enforcement efforts are unsuccessful: offenders either ignore communications from authorities or refuse to identify the driver, citing a relative instead. Police officials have admitted that they are able to impose actual penalties in only 20–25% of cases.

Legal changes aim to strengthen enforcement

The situation may soon change. According to a report by Vezess.hu, Hungary’s traffic laws were amended on 5 July to allow for penalising the vehicle owner based on objective liability for seat belt violations (with some exceptions for buses). This means that if proof exists, such as camera footage from VÉDA traffic monitoring systems, the vehicle’s registered owner can be fined if anyone in the vehicle fails to wear a seat belt. If the owner can prove they weren’t driving, the fine shifts to the actual driver; otherwise, the owner bears the responsibility.

The change has not yet taken full effect, as it requires amendments to associated government regulations. Once those are in place, police will have much broader authority to take action against rule-breakers.

Where are seat belts most often ignored?

Data from issued fines shows that the majority of violations (87%) occur within urban areas. Outside city limits, the share drops to 9%, and on highways, only 4% of offences take place.

Fines currently range from 20,000 to 40,000 forints, depending on where the infraction occurs. Police are planning a nationwide operation in the second week of October, with a major focus on enforcing seat belt usage.

Seat belts save lives

While many may find tougher enforcement irritating, the numbers speak for themselves: seat belts save lives. One in five traffic fatalities still occurs because the person wasn’t buckled up. The goal of the legal changes is clear: to reduce fatalities and move Hungary closer to top-tier European road safety standards.

Read more from us: traffic

Read also:

• Motorway tolls have become more affordable in Hungary
• Major traffic law changes coming to Hungary: here’s everything you need to know

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