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1.) In Hungary, a decree by the governing Ministry regulates transport by vehicles whose total weight, axle load and size exceed a set limit. It also sets the procedures for motorway management and regulations as well as the conditions for the payment of fees.
2.) In Hungary, a vehicle is liable to procure a route permit if its weight or its any dimensions – including the load of the vehicle – exceed a certain limit specified in the regulations.
3.) The applications for a route permit should be submitted by completing the relevant form and sending it to either of the following highway authorities:
- the local authority where the vehicle is registered.
- the local authority at the point of departure. The point of departure for vehicles entering Hungarian territory shall be the border crossing station.
The local authority can make an agreement with the operator of the vehicle that the fee imposed for the vehicle being overweight or over-sized may be covered by deferred payment. Moreover, an agreement on electronic route licensing and fee transfer can be made under certain conditions, and the application form and route permit may then be electronically transferred.
4.) The highway authority can refuse to issue the route permit in the following cases:
- If the gross weight, axle load, or over-sized nature of the vehicle can be broken-down or transported by a smaller vehicle.
- If the highway condition and carrying capacity – also taking into account any linear construction built under it, or the area above and next to it – is not suitable for use by vehicles whose gross weight and axle load exceed the permitted limit.
The highway authority shall specify the route to be used by the vehicle and the transport conditions in the route permit.
5.) Vehicles with a gross weight over 40 tons and with an axle weight exceeding the permitted maximum are charged a road permit fee (overweight fee) which is calculated on the official scale of charges and the distance the given vehicle will travel on the highway.
6.) An administration fee will be charged upon submission of the route permit application.
7.) The highway authority may require the vehicle to be escorted by the police or other vehicle specialized in that purpose for reasons of road or traffic safety.
- The route permit obtained does not grant exemption from the any payment of fee imposed (e.g. motorway toll).
9.) The gross weight, axle load, and dimensions of vehicles in international traffic are checked by the offices of Hungarian Public Roads. at the border stations. If a vehicle liable to a route permit has no valid route permit, the customs authority shall refuse permission for the vehicle to enter or leave Hungary.
10.) Vehicles travelling in Hungary are subject to spot-checks by mobile inspection groups from Hungarian Public Roads.
On the signal of an inspector, the driver of the vehicle is obliged
- to stop the vehicle;
- to produce the documents on the vehicle and the freightage;
- to permit the vehicle to be examined on the spot.
If a vehicle which is subject to a route permit has no such permit or travels on some route different than that set-out in the permit, the inspector shall make a report. If the driver of the inspected vehicle disagrees with the contents, the driver can record his/her comments in the report at the site. The driver shall sign the report and receive one copy of it. Should the driver fail to allow the inspection of the vehicle, he/she will be charged a fine of HUF 100.000. Based on the report, an excess charge or a fine may be imposed on the driver of the vehicle. The sum of the fine may be up to a maximum of ten times the standard route fee.