Survival rules for motorway users, or how to drive according to the road transport and highway rules?

As it is known, in principle, driving on the road in quickest and safest form is driving on a highway. However,  the frequent accidents show that we have to recall the specifications in this matter.

The most important rule of the Hungarian roads  and highways is, that drive on the highway (after the warning sign) is authorised only for motors, vehicles or vehicles with trailer, which are able to go with a min. speed of 60 km / h on a flat road (legally). On these roads,  slower vehicles and pedestrians are prohibited. On highways and on roads with at least two lanes of traffic, parallel road rules should be applied.

If  due to the malfunction, the vehicle can not go with more speed then 60 km / h – or the vehicle is towed, the vehicle must go off the motorway at the nearest junction. Only the established waiting area may be used for the purpose of waiting on the Hungarian motorways. To drive on or exit a highway please use the acceleration and deceleration lane. In terms of the movement of traffic, can not be considered  separate traffic lanes. Passing by at the acceleration and deceleration lane is not considered an overtaking.

It is forbidden:

• to approach the highway from a drive along road or property;
  
  
• the reverse drive on the highway and road, turn around or to drive on the road dividing bars;
  
  
• to stop on the highway and road - unless required to stop- .
  Is possible to stop because of technical reasons only at the emergency lane or curb, but the vehicle must be removed as soon as possible. It is prohibited to stop for other reasons in the emergency lane
  
  
• except for traffic control -. The vehicle used in traffic control should be positioned in a way so that it can be detected from sufficient distance.
  
  
• to stop on the highway and roadway - unless required to -. It is forbidden to stop or wait in the emergency lane, unless: a) due to technical failure the vehicle is unable to progress further; b) traffic controls; c) the vehicle performs road maintenance, road cleaning; d) if the vehicle is removing or eliminating the technical malfunctions of another vehicle; e) distinctive mark of the equipment is operated. The emergency lane - if the road signs not requires – can be used in Hungary by vehicles as defined in point e). The vehicle doing traffic control on  the emergency lane, should be positioned so it can be detected from sufficient distance. After the tasks are done the emergency lane must be left as soon as possible.
  
  
• to use the emergency lane for continuous progress or overtake. A vehicle that uses the distinctive signs should be allowed to progress with pulling aside or  if necessary by stoping.

The best would be if the emergency lane would be used onlyby  technical defective vehicles until it is pulled out. If you can, even in this case (get out from the car in safety vest ), move away from the car and wait for help beyond the barrier tape.

Despite the fact that there are many rest stops next to highways, unfortunately, we often see that the reason people stopped in the emergency lane is to rest, or to take out something from the trunk or even to carry out their job. But this is a huge irresponsibility! Once there is a small jam, lot of impatient drivers use this lane with a high speed. The rescuers, firemen, policemen who rush to save use the emergency lane if there is a jam on the traffic lanes.

It would be important to everyone to pay attention to the precise rules of overtaking. The lane for overtaking  unfortunately, it is not always used properly, we often forget: KEEP RIGHT! Although over the highways sometimes it can appear information about this on the display hanging over, but in practice it is not always considered, just like the warning tone for correct following distance or for the belt switch.

In sum, therefore, strive to safety! Obey the Hungarian motorway speed limits. Indicated in time the intention of overtaking or lane changing.  Do not steer sudden movements, because you may lose control over the vehicles.

However, before leaving, or drive to highway plan the route in your mind or in the navigation system and pay attention to the toll sections! To purchase  Hungarian vignette click on the Vignette page.