New road signs spreading in Europe – when will it reach Hungary?

Motorists travelling across Western Europe may have noticed unfamiliar road signs appearing more frequently along busy routes: a white diamond set against a blue background, which carries an important message – and one that many drivers are still unaware of. But what does it mean, and when will it come to Hungary?

New road signs appeared in Europe

The diamond sign marks a special traffic lane reserved for specific types of vehicles, reports Vaol.hu. These lanes are designed to prioritise more efficient and environmentally friendly forms of transport, helping to ease congestion in heavily trafficked urban areas and on major roads.

Under the rules currently applied in countries using these road signs, the dedicated lane may only be used by public transport vehicles, taxis, electric cars and private passenger cars carrying at least two people. Solo drivers in conventional vehicles are not permitted to enter the lane, even during peak traffic hours. It’s important to know that unauthorised single-driver use of these lanes means a fine of EUR 135 abroad.

Why did they create this road sign?

The core idea behind the system is straightforward: vehicles transporting more than one person are rewarded with faster, smoother journeys. By encouraging car-sharing and the use of cleaner transport options, authorities hope to reduce traffic jams while also lowering emissions.

Although these road signs are not yet recognised under Hungary’s Highway Code (KRESZ), its growing presence across Europe makes it increasingly relevant for Hungarian drivers travelling abroad. Failing to understand the symbol could lead to fines or traffic violations in countries where the rule is already enforced.

What does the expert say about the change?

According to István Koncz, a transport expert from Kaposvár, caution is needed when introducing new road signs. He argues that frequent, small-scale changes to established road rules can confuse drivers rather than help them. In his view, the existing sign system is largely sufficient, and traffic problems are more often caused by motorists ignoring regulations than by the lack of new symbols.

The concept itself is not new. Similar high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes were first introduced in the United States, where the diamond symbol appears in white on a black background. In Europe, France was the first country to adopt the system on a wider scale, particularly around major cities.

Spreading in Western Europe, but when will these reach Hungary?

Encouraged by positive early results, Germany and Spain have also begun testing diamond-marked lanes on selected road sections. Authorities there are closely monitoring whether the measure leads to smoother traffic flow and reduced congestion during rush hours.

For now, there is no official information on when – or if – the diamond sign will be introduced in Hungary. However, international trends suggest that as European cities continue to search for solutions to chronic traffic jams, this form of traffic management is likely to become increasingly common.