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Practical legal guide · Hungary

Fine from Hungary: do I have to pay it? Alcohol limits and penalties

Received a Hungarian camera fine by post or a surcharge for a missing vignette? Hungary has a zero alcohol limit, and the authority cannot reduce or waive a camera fine. A final fine of EUR 70 or more can also be enforced in the Czech Republic.

Describe your case

Updated and verified:

Short answer

  1. Pay, or send a complaint by post within 15 days
  2. A final fine from EUR 70 can be enforced in Czechia
  3. Pay a vignette surcharge within 60 days

Hungary has a zero alcohol limit. The authority cannot reduce or waive a camera fine, only spread or defer it. Find a lawyer on LawBridge.

Describe your case

Quick answers

Do I have to pay a fine from Hungary?
Yes, if it is justified. Hungary finds the vehicle keeper in the Czech vehicle register and sends a letter, usually in the language of the registration certificate, so in Czech. A final fine of EUR 70 or more can also be enforced in the Czech Republic. If you disagree, you challenge it in Hungary under local rules and deadlines.
What is the alcohol limit in Hungary?
Zero for all drivers, novice and professional alike. Driving under any drug is a crime.
How do I pay a fine from Hungary?
Camera fines, for example for speeding, a red light or an unpaid toll, are sent by Hungarian police by post. You pay online or by transfer to the police account in the letter. The authority cannot reduce or waive the fine; it can only allow instalments or a 6-month deferral.

When this situation arises

  • You received a letter with a fine from Hungary for speeding, parking or another offence
  • Police in Hungary stopped you and want a fine or a deposit on the spot
  • You face a driving ban or criminal proceedings in Hungary for alcohol or high speed

What options do you have

Pay the fine

If you accept the offence, pay within the deadline in the letter or on the spot. Keep the proof of payment.

Challenge it in Hungary

If you disagree, file an objection or appeal with the authority that issued the fine, within its deadline. The case follows the law of Hungary.

Challenge enforcement in the Czech Republic

If a Czech district court decides on recognising the foreign fine, it can refuse, among other things, for a fine below EUR 70. What you already paid abroad is deducted.

Recommended step-by-step process

  1. 1.

    Check the letter

    Check the date, place, registration number, the authority that issued the fine and the deadline to pay or object.

  2. 2.

    Decide before the deadline

    Pay, or challenge it in time with the authority in Hungary.

  3. 3.

    Keep the proof of payment

    It shows the fine is paid if anyone tries to enforce it again.

  4. 4.

    A lawyer for a serious offence

    Alcohol, high speed or an accident can mean criminal proceedings in Hungary. A lawyer helps with the defence and with what follows in the Czech Republic.

What documents to prepare

  • The fine letter or decision and the envelope with the date of delivery
  • Vehicle registration certificate and driving licence
  • Proof of payment of the fine or deposit
  • Photos, witnesses or a recording from the scene if you dispute the offence

Common mistakes

  • Ignoring the letter because nobody will enforce a foreign fine
  • Missing the deadline to object abroad
  • Sending a complaint against a Hungarian fine by e-mail: only post is accepted

Risks and important deadlines

15-day deadline

A complaint against the fine must be sent by post within 15 days.

Collection agency

A vignette surcharge for a foreign car can end up with a collection agency that adds costs.

Short deadlines

The deadlines to pay and to object are set by Hungary and are often short.

When it's worth contacting a lawyer

When you face a driving ban, criminal proceedings for alcohol or speed, or a seized car in Hungary, or when a Czech court serves you a request to recognise a foreign fine. A lawyer looks at the defence in Hungary and the consequences in the Czech Republic. On LawBridge, a search engine for lawyers, you can find a traffic lawyer and describe your situation in a request. Legal services are always paid.

Describe your case

Related pages

Frequently asked questions

How can I challenge a fine from Hungary?

Send a complaint by post within 15 days; e-mail is not accepted. Then you have 15 more days for an appeal, which has a fee. The owner is not liable if they prove the car was sold, leased or stolen.

How much is driving without a vignette in Hungary?

The base surcharge is HUF 27,790 if paid within 60 days, then HUF 95,730. For foreign-registered cars the Hungarian toll operator passes collection to partner agencies abroad, which may add costs. After that you can only pay through the agency.

Can a vignette surcharge be reduced?

Yes. Within 75 days you can ask for it to be capped at two base surcharges, or cancel it by buying an annual vignette. The toll operator explains the discounts on its website.

What happens if I do not pay a fine from Hungary?

Hungary can have a final fine of EUR 70 or more enforced in the Czech Republic. A district court where you stay decides on recognition, and the customs office then collects the amount. For a fine below EUR 70 the court can refuse. What you already paid abroad is deducted.

Does a driving ban from Hungary apply in the Czech Republic?

We did not find the scope of a Hungarian driving ban for foreign drivers in official sources. No EU rule in force yet makes a foreign driving ban apply automatically in the Czech Republic. From 26 November 2029, the country where you got a ban of at least 3 months for a serious offence, such as alcohol or high speed, will notify the Czech Republic, and the Czech authorities will withdraw, suspend or restrict the licence.

What changes from 2027?

EU countries must apply new rules by 20 July 2027. The traffic offence notice must then be issued within 11 months, in the language of the registration certificate, and say how to pay and how to object. The country of residence will then recognise a final fine above EUR 70 without further formality, if it was served on you and you could defend yourself.

Verified sources

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