IdlingHungary

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Hungary. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


74. Idling

Idling means allowing a vehicle's engine to continue running while the vehicle is stationary and the engine is not being used to move the vehicle. This may occur while waiting, parking, loading or unloading or before beginning a journey.

Unnecessary idling consumes fuel and produces exhaust emissions, air pollution and noise. Many countries or local authorities restrict prolonged or unnecessary idling, although exceptions may apply when the engine is required for safety, technical equipment or another necessary purpose.

A stationary vehicle with its engine running is idling. (Volkswagen Golf)
Wikimedia.org • Spacekid • CC0
What is idling?

Idling means keeping a vehicle's engine running while the vehicle remains stationary and the engine is not being used to propel it.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 7 and 23; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 123, stationary engines; national guidance example

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 22sexies and 44, pedestrian-zone access and passenger/load conduct; Belgian example

Why should unnecessary idling be avoided?

Unnecessary idling uses fuel, produces exhaust emissions and creates noise without moving the vehicle.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 7 and 23; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 123, stationary engines; national guidance example

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 22sexies and 44, pedestrian-zone access and passenger/load conduct; Belgian example

Is idling illegal everywhere?

Check the local rule and circumstances. For example, Great Britain prohibits unnecessary idling on a public road but recognises situations such as waiting in traffic or diagnosing a fault. Do not assume that every stationary engine is prohibited or that one country’s exceptions apply elsewhere.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 7 and 23; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 123, stationary engines; national guidance example

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 22sexies and 44, pedestrian-zone access and passenger/load conduct; Belgian example

1 Hungary 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian warning 8 Pedestrian zone 9 Slope 10 Bus stop 11 Stop sign 12 Give way 13 Roundabout 14 Priority road 15 Road narrowing 16 Priority over oncoming traffic 17 Give way to oncoming traffic 18 Pedestrian crossing 19 Railway crossing 20 Mandatory direction 21 School area 22 Overtaking 23 Crossing animals 24 Slippery road 25 Chevron 26 Wrong-way driving 27 Roadworks 28 Height limit 29 Weight limit 30 Radar speed sign 31 Selective barriers 32 Priority at the next junction 33 Traffic lights 34 Traffic lights warning 35 Road markings 36 Countdown markers 37 Traffic mirror 38 Cycling route 39 Parking 40 No parking 41 No stopping 42 Disabled parking 43 Reversing 44 U-turn 45 Uncontrolled crossroad 46 Road surface 47 City limit 48 Licence plate 49 Charging station 50 Dangers 51 Cyclist 52 Moped 53 Car 54 Bus 55 Police 56 Ambulance 57 Taxi 58 European emission standard 59 Pothole 60 Path 61 Particulates 62 Air pollution 63 Rush hour 64 Road code 65 Two-way traffic 66 Street gutter 67 Cargo bike 68 Forestry vehicle 69 Construction vehicle 70 Semi-trailer truck 71 Trolleybus 72 Speed pedelec 73 Delivery vehicle 74 Idling 75 Tow truck 76 Four-wheel drive 77 No vehicles 78 Bicycle 79 Motorcycle equipment 80 Rail track 81 Caravan 82 Trailer 83 Tow hitch 84 Fire truck 85 Siren 86 Convoy 87 Emergency vehicle lighting 88 Agricultural machinery 89 Electric bicycle 90 Electric vehicle 91 Pedelec 92 Quadricycle 93 Microcar 94 All-terrain vehicle 95 Van 96 Recreational vehicle 97 Scooter 98 Trikke 99 Personal mobility device 100 Skateboard ...