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Driving Safety: Costa Rica vs. Hungary Explained

When navigating the roads of Costa Rica and Hungary, drivers encounter distinct regulations and practices that shape their journeys. Key variations include speed limits, lane usage, and traffic signals. Understanding these nuances is crucial for ensuring a secure experience abroad, making it essential to familiarize oneself with the driving landscape of each nation.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
costa rica:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
hungary:
Used for separating traffic in opposite directions.
Overtaking: On Right
costa rica:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
hungary:
Not allowed except in special cases.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
costa rica:
List length: 5
hungary:
List length: 4
Bus Lanes: Presence
costa rica:
No
hungary:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
costa rica:
Buses typically use regular traffic lanes.
hungary:
Reserved for buses and taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
costa rica:
N/A
hungary:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUSZ'.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
costa rica:
Limited
hungary:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
costa rica:
Shared roads marked or planned for cyclist use.
hungary:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
costa rica:
N/A
hungary:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
costa rica:
N/A
hungary:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
costa rica:
No
hungary:
Rare
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
costa rica:
Speed limits are generally static.
hungary:
Occasionally used, usually on electronic signs.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
costa rica:
25-40 km/h
hungary:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
costa rica:
25 km/h
hungary:
20-30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
costa rica:
60-80 km/h
hungary:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
costa rica:
60-80 km/h
hungary:
70 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
costa rica:
60-80 km/h
hungary:
70-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
costa rica:
80-100 km/h
hungary:
130 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
costa rica:
No
hungary:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
costa rica:
Speed limits are generally static.
hungary:
Displayed on electronic signs in controlled areas
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
costa rica:
Limited use
hungary:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
costa rica:
Common; fines may be issued by police roadside
hungary:
Yes; issued by traffic police

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
costa rica:
Not used in Costa Rica
hungary:
Prepares traffic for a green signal.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
costa rica:
Excessive use discouraged; can be subject to fines
hungary:
Unnecessary use is prohibited; local ordinances may apply.
Traffic Signs: Language
costa rica:
Spanish; symbols are standard
hungary:
Hungarian; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
costa rica:
Triangle-shaped with red border
hungary:
Triangular with a red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
costa rica:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
hungary:
Not allowed.
U- Turns Allowed
costa rica:
Prohibited unless indicated otherwise
hungary:
Restricted; only allowed at designated areas.

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
costa rica:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
hungary:
Accepted for short visits; ID card or passport needed
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
costa rica:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
hungary:
International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
costa rica:
Annual inspection required; proof required
hungary:
Annual inspection required; proof must be in the vehicle
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
costa rica:
Displayed on the windshield
hungary:
Displayed on the license plate or windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
costa rica:
Mandatory
hungary:
Required
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
costa rica:
Not mandatory
hungary:
Required

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
costa rica:
Frequent use is common to signal intentions
hungary:
Limited use
Pedestrians Priority
costa rica:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
hungary:
Pedestrians have right of way at designated crosswalks
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
costa rica:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
hungary:
Move to the side and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
costa rica:
0.05%
hungary:
0.00% - zero tolerance
Limits: Professional Drivers
costa rica:
0.00%
hungary:
0.00% - zero tolerance
Limits: Underage Drivers
costa rica:
0.00%
hungary:
0.00% - zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
costa rica:
Common; checkpoints are used throughout
hungary:
Common; alcohol checkpoints are frequent
Enforcement: Fines
costa rica:
Can be substantial; varies by offense severity
hungary:
Severe; license suspension is a possibility

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
costa rica:
911
hungary:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
costa rica:
911 or direct number depending on location
hungary:
107
Contact: Roadside Assistance
costa rica:
Contact your insurance provider or local services like INS
hungary:
188 or specific insurance hotline
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
costa rica:
Mandatory
hungary:
Required
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
costa rica:
Recommended
hungary:
Required

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
costa rica:
Varies; can range from 22,000 CRC and above
hungary:
Varies; fines start from 30,000 HUF and increase with severity
Common Fines: Alcohol
costa rica:
Varies; substantial fines, possible imprisonment
hungary:
Severe; substantial fines, possible license suspension
Common Fines: Seat Belts
costa rica:
Fines applicable for non-compliance
hungary:
Mandatory; fines apply for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
costa rica:
Fines applicable for use without hands-free
hungary:
Prohibited without hands-free; fines apply
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
costa rica:
Fines applicable for non-compliance
hungary:
Severe fines and potential demerit points
Payment: On The Spot
costa rica:
Common; police may issue fines on the spot
hungary:
Possible; fines usually paid on the spot or online
Payment: Deadline
costa rica:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
hungary:
Varies; often within 15-30 days