The Hungarian transport organization MKFE announced that the upcoming movement restrictions related to St. Stephen’s Day will be shortened. They will not start this evening, but only tomorrow (August 20) at 6 AM. The ban will last until 10 PM of the same day and will apply to all vehicles with a permissible total weight over 7.5 tons.
The transport ministry justifies the change with concerns for the uninterrupted supply of goods and preventing losses in supply chains. Transport companies thus gain more flexibility in organizing transport.
Permanent Night Exemptions?
MKFE reminds that it has long been in talks with the transport ministry regarding the introduction of a permanent night “window” – an exemption from the movement ban every Saturday and Sunday from 10 PM to 6 AM. Although the regulations have not yet been changed, the movement restrictions are regularly shortened by the ministry.
Exemptions from the Ban
MKFE reminds which transports are not subject to movement restrictions in Hungary. Exclusions apply to, among others, vehicles carrying:
- live animals,
- fresh milk and dairy products,
- meat and meat products,
- bread and other perishable food items,
- fresh vegetables, fruits, and grains.
The exemption also includes empty vehicles heading to or from the loading place of such goods.
Additional specific exemptions are defined in government decree no. 190/2008.
Humanitarian Transport and Documentation
Vehicles meeting at least EURO 3 standard, carrying out humanitarian transports, are also exempt from the ban. In July and August, however, there is a restriction – such vehicles cannot use roads listed in Annex No. 3 to the aforementioned regulation.
In all cases, the driver must have appropriate transport documents with them, and in the case of perishable goods, also markings on the vehicle (“perishable”).
Return to Base During the Ban
Regulations provide for the possibility of trucks returning from abroad – from the state border to the first unloading place or to the company’s base. On weekends and holidays during the summer, however, it is not possible to use 19 designated road sections, including the M7 motorway and main routes No. 2, 6, 7, 10, 11, 37, and 86.
