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Driving in Hungary vs. Lithuania: Key Differences Explained

When exploring the roads of Hungary and Lithuania, understanding their distinct driving regulations is essential for a safe journey. Key disparities include speed limits, lane usage, and alcohol tolerance levels, which can significantly impact your driving experience. Familiarizing yourself with these variations ensures a smoother and more secure adventure in either country.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
hungary:
Used for separating traffic in opposite directions.
lithuania:
Separation of opposing traffic directions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
hungary:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
lithuania:
Passing permitted with caution.
Overtaking: On Right
hungary:
Not allowed except in special cases.
lithuania:
Allowed on multi-lane roads
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
hungary:
List length: 4
lithuania:
List length: 5
Bus Lanes: Usage
hungary:
Reserved for buses and taxis.
lithuania:
Reserved for buses and taxis during peak hours.
Bus Lanes: Markings
hungary:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUSZ'.
lithuania:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'A'; often with road signs.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
hungary:
Rare
lithuania:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
hungary:
Occasionally used, usually on electronic signs.
lithuania:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Residential Zones
hungary:
20-30 km/h
lithuania:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
hungary:
70 km/h
lithuania:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
hungary:
70-80 km/h
lithuania:
70 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
hungary:
80 km/h
lithuania:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
hungary:
80 km/h
lithuania:
90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
hungary:
Yes
lithuania:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
hungary:
Displayed on electronic signs in controlled areas
lithuania:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
hungary:
Yes; issued by traffic police
lithuania:
Yes, issued by police.

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
hungary:
Prepares traffic for a green signal.
lithuania:
Indicates prepared to start
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
hungary:
Unnecessary use is prohibited; local ordinances may apply.
lithuania:
Unnecessary use discouraged
Traffic Signs: Language
hungary:
Hungarian; symbols are standard
lithuania:
Lithuanian; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
hungary:
Triangular with a red border
lithuania:
Triangle-shaped with red border

Turns

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

Documentation

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

Road Etiquette

Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
hungary:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
lithuania:
Common practice
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
hungary:
Limited use
lithuania:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Pedestrians Priority
hungary:
Pedestrians have right of way at designated crosswalks
lithuania:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
hungary:
Move to the side and stop if necessary
lithuania:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
hungary:
0.00% - zero tolerance
lithuania:
0.04%
Limits: Professional Drivers
hungary:
0.00% - zero tolerance
lithuania:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
hungary:
0.00% - zero tolerance
lithuania:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
hungary:
Common; alcohol checkpoints are frequent
lithuania:
Common, particularly at night and weekends
Enforcement: Fines
hungary:
Severe; license suspension is a possibility
lithuania:
Substantial; varies based on BAC level
Enforcement: Imprisonment
hungary:
Possible for severe offenses
lithuania:
Possible for high BAC levels or repeat offenses
Test Refusal
hungary:
Can result in license suspension
lithuania:
Results in penalties and license suspension

Emergency Services

Contact: Traffic Police
hungary:
107
lithuania:
112
Contact: Roadside Assistance
hungary:
188 or specific insurance hotline
lithuania:
Contact your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
hungary:
Required
lithuania:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
hungary:
Required
lithuania:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
hungary:
Varies; fines start from 30,000 HUF and increase with severity
lithuania:
Varies; fines based on km/h over the limit
Common Fines: Alcohol
hungary:
Severe; substantial fines, possible license suspension
lithuania:
High fines, possible license suspension or imprisonment
Common Fines: Seat Belts
hungary:
Mandatory; fines apply for non-compliance
lithuania:
Mandatory, fines apply
Common Fines: Phone Use
hungary:
Prohibited without hands-free; fines apply
lithuania:
Fines apply, use of hands-free device required
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
hungary:
Severe fines and potential demerit points
lithuania:
Fines apply
Payment: On The Spot
hungary:
Possible; fines usually paid on the spot or online
lithuania:
Yes, by police
Payment: Deadline
hungary:
Varies; often within 15-30 days
lithuania:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay