Sky-high parking fines in Budapest: Here’s what to look out for
If you are not careful, parking in Budapest can cost you an arm and a leg. Almost a third of parking places in some parts of Budapest are already subject to special rules. Parking fines in Budapest can cost up to five figures for inattentive offenders.
Changes
According to Vezess.hu, soon, in certain districts of the capital, 30% of outdoor parking spots will be designated exclusively for “residential parking” for a portion of drivers 13 out of 24 hours each day. In August 2021, the first traffic signs indicating exclusive residential parking were introduced in the 6th district.
Access to parking spaces beyond these signs will be restricted to vehicles with a district parking permit from 6 PM to 7 AM. Vezess.hu also notes that although the traffic signs are the same everywhere, the parking spaces are not the same: there are no uniform road signs, if any.
Lack of road signs
Infostart writes that, for instance, in the 9th district, there are no road markings to distinguish the spaces beyond the sign from the rest. Unlike the 6th district, where they are demarcated by white lines, each is adorned with the Terézváros coat of arms. Conversely, in the neighbouring 7th district, parking spaces reserved for locals in the evening are designated by yellow dashed lines painted on the pavement. Thus, the lack of clarity makes it hard to avoid parking fines in Budapest.
Parking fines in Budapest
Some districts confirmed monitoring of parking spaces between 6 PM and 7 AM, yet enforcement methods and fines vary. Penalties for unauthorised parking range from fines of HUF 11,500 (EUR 29.51) to HUF 13,000 (EUR 33.35), wheel clamping, or vehicle removal.
Short-term parking
A recent parking innovation known as “K+R” or “kiss and ride” allows parents to park briefly near schools and nurseries. However, parking without authorisation can result in fines, though enforcement of these rules can be challenging. Officers keep an eye on these places during the morning and afternoon peak hours, while also helping parents and students around schools.
A new solution to avoid parking fines in Budapest?
Additionally, underground parking has emerged, with some districts offering subsidies for residents to park in private garages. The 13th district pioneered this approach with the “Garage for Sticker” initiative. Local residents are financially subsidised by the municipality to park in the underground garage of a company, shopping centre or hotel.
While this provides an alternative, the cost is notably higher than surface parking, with rates typically around HUF 15,000 (EUR 38.49) to HUF 20,000 (EUR 51.32) per month after municipal subsidies. However, it is still cheaper than having to pay parking fines in Budapest all the time.
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Featured image: depositphotos.com