RRoad Clarity

AustriavsHungary

Austria and Hungary share a land border — here's how their driving rules differ, side by side.

VERIFIED 2026-07-29 & 2026-07-29 · METHODOLOGY
RULEAustriaHungary
Driving sideDrives on the rightDrives on the right
Urban speed limit50 km/h50 km/h
Rural speed limit100 km/h90 km/h
Motorway speed limit130 km/h130 km/h
Alcohol limit (general)0.5‰0.0‰
Alcohol limit (novice)0.1‰Same as general
Mandatory equipmentWarning triangle, Hi-vis vest, First aid kitWarning triangle, Hi-vis vest, First aid kit
TollsVignetteVignette
HeadlightsDipped headlights mandatory at all times, day and night, year-round.Dipped headlights are required at all times outside built-up areas, day and night; within towns they're required at night and in poor visibility.
Winter tires / chainsFrom 1 November to 15 April, winter tires (or chains fitted when required) are mandatory whenever roads are snowy, icy, or covered in slush — it's condition-based within that window, not a blanket date rule.No nationwide mandatory date-based rule for winter tires, though carrying them is strongly recommended in winter; some roads may be signed with a seasonal requirement in poor conditions.
Low-emission / restricted zonesNo nationwide low-emission zone network; some Alpine routes and tunnels have separate driving bans for older or high-emission trucks, and Vienna has limited local restrictions.No nationwide low-emission zone network; Budapest has limited local traffic restrictions in parts of the city center.
Child seatsChildren under 14 and shorter than 150 cm must use an approved child restraint suited to their age, height, and weight.Children under 150 cm must use an approved child restraint suited to their size.
Mobile phone useHands-free only; holding a phone while driving is prohibited.Hands-free only; holding a phone while driving is prohibited.
CurrencyEURHUF
Emergency number112112