Trucks Over 20 Tonnes Banned from Parts of the Road Network in Hungary

Hungarian transport organisations are sounding the alarm over the escalating problem of introducing local restrictions for trucks over 20 tonnes without any consultation with the industry. According to the Hungarian Road Transport Association (MKFE), carriers were taken by surprise when, on 15 November 2025, a no-entry sign for heavy vehicles appeared on national road 3501 between Polgár and Hajdúnánás.

MKFE reported the situation in a letter addressed to the State Secretary for Transport, emphasising that this is yet another case of restrictions being imposed without dialogue. In previous weeks, similar actions were taken in the Győr region on roads 81 and 82, as well as in northern Hungary near Tokaj and Tállya on national road 39. The organisation stresses that such measures could only be justified in relation to transit traffic, where vehicles crossing Hungary are required by regulation to use motorways as their primary routes. However, imposing weight limits on major roads has disastrous consequences for domestic transport, which is responsible for local deliveries and regional supply chains.

MKFE estimates that the new restrictions may generate additional costs amounting to several million forints per vehicle per year. They force long detours, extend journey times, reduce operational efficiency, and worsen working conditions for drivers. The letter also notes that the restricted roads form part of the national road network, which was designed to accommodate heavy traffic; therefore, the decision to close them to transport has been deemed unjustified. Moreover, the industry points out that the detours lead drivers onto lower-quality roads with increased accident risks, while carriers are exposed to fines and police sanctions for breaching local signage that often conflicts with national road traffic regulations. MKFE warns that these measures may further deepen the shortage of professional drivers, as they hinder the execution of transports and make it impossible to comply with driving and rest-time rules.

MKFE and NiT Hungary are calling for the immediate withdrawal of the restrictions and emphasise the need for industry consultation before implementing any measures affecting the road transport sector.