New Hungarian traffic rules for bicycles and e-scooters on the horizon
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New details have emerged regarding upcoming changes to Hungarian traffic rules affecting cyclists, electric scooter users, and pedestrians. Revisions may also be introduced for pedestrian crossings. Those involved in the preparatory work aim to make the regulations more uniform and transparent.
The Ministry of Construction and Transport, alongside the Institute of Transport Science and Logistics, are drafting a new Highway Code to clarify existing Hungarian traffic rules. Plans are expected to be submitted to the government by 31 March 2025, 24.hu reports. The details were recently discussed in a background briefing.
Helmets could become mandatory for cyclists
Ágnes Fülöp, a retired judge specialising in transport law, said that helmet use for cyclists would gradually become mandatory. Under the proposed phased introduction, from the regulation’s enforcement date, those under the age of 14 would be required to wear protective headgear. Fülöp noted that helmet use is somewhat generational: younger individuals are generally more accustomed to using protective equipment, while it comes less naturally for older people.
The new Hungarian traffic rules would also distinguish between types of bicycles. A “normal” bicycle would be defined as a two-wheeled vehicle powered by pedals or hand grips, supported by a motor of up to 1,000 watts, and with a maximum speed of 25 km/h. In contrast, “special” bicycles would include cargo bikes, bike trailers, and rickshaws.
The draft proposals also suggest creating special cycling zones, accessible only to cyclists, other small transport vehicles, and pedestrians. There are plans to introduce regulations for cycle crossings, a concept not currently recognised under Hungarian traffic laws. The proposed code would allow cyclists to cross zebra crossings without dismounting, provided they are already riding on the pavement, although they would not have priority at pedestrian crossings and must ride at a maximum speed of 4 km/h.
Photo: Pixabay
Hungarian traffic rules for electric scooters to finally be clarified
The plans also include defining the status of electric scooters within the Highway Code. Róbert Major, head of the Department of Public Safety at the Faculty of Police Sciences at the National University of Public Service, stressed that when introducing new modes of transport, the priority is to first clearly define them before establishing usage rules.
Good gosh, what a mess. Way too complicated, unenforceable, and extremely expensive to implement (especially yet more absurd bicycle-only infrastructure).
How about this:
* If you’re a pedestrian, you walk on the sidewalk; if you’re anything else, you ride on the roadway, abide by the rules of the road, and godspeed!
* If you violate the above, a week in the slammer or a 500,000 Fts. fine.