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Traffic drives on the right. Motorways are marked by 'M' and international roads by 'E'. Minor roads are designated by two or more digit numbers. Hungary has eight main routes (the numbering goes clockwise from the west towards the south), seven of which start from Budapest. The M0 ring road around Budapest eases access to destinations in Budapest. Approaching Budapest, the two main highways are the M1 from Gy?r and Vienna, and the M7 along Lake Balaton. The M3 connects Budapest with eastern Hungary. Most motorways are toll-free, with the exception of the M5 from Budapest to KecskemÉt, the Gy?r-Hegyeshalom stretch of the M1, and the M3 between Budapest and Füzesabony. In 2000, motorway vignettes (passes) were introduced on the M1 and M3. An annual vignette costs Ft22,000; a monthly vignette Ft2400; and a nine day vignette costs Ft1300. They can be bought at Hegyeshalom border crossing point, at the former gates of motorways, and at filling stations near the motorways.

Speed limits are 120kph (75mph) on motorways, 100kph (62mph) on dual carriageways, 80kph (50mph) on main roads and 50kph (30 mph) in built-up areas. Seat belts are compulsory in the front seats, and outside built-up areas for passengers in the back seats. There is a total alcohol ban when driving; licences are withdrawn if drivers are found to be under the influence of alcohol. On-the-spot fines can be up to Ft10,000, and the police officer must provide a receipt. Fines for other offences may reach Ft30,000. The pink format EU licence is accepted but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required if a green UK licence is held. A car registration document and country sticker is also necessary. Third-party liability insurance is compulsory. For drivers based in Hungary for over six months, customs clearance must be sought.

24-hour emergency phone lines are located every two kilometres (one-and-a-quarter miles) along motorways M1, M5, M7 and Road 5. Magyar Autóklub has reciprocal agreements with many automobile associations and provides a 24-hour breakdown service.

Emergency breakdown service:
Magyar Autóklub (1) 345 1755

Routes to the city: The A4 from Vienna leads to the Austro/Hungarian frontier at Hegyeshalom, from where the toll road M1 leads to Budapest.

Driving times to Budapest: from Prague - 2 hours 40 minutes; from Vienna - 2 hours 45 minutes; from Warsaw - 11 hours 30 minutes.

Coach services: Volánbusz Rt operates international services to 18 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) and the UK. For information on services to Western Europe: ErzsÉbet tÉr Coach Station (tel: (1) 485 2162; fax: (1) 266 5419); for information on services to Eastern Europe: NÉpstadion Coach Station, Hungária körút 48-52 (tel: (1) 252 1896).

Volánbusz also operates 108 services to Hungarian towns and resorts. Services to the west are provided from ErzsÉbet tÉr Coach Station; services to the east from NÉpstadion Coach Station; services to the Danube Bend from Árpád híd Coach Station (tel: (1) 320 9229).



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