Residential areaHungary

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.


3. Residential area

A residential area is a street or group of streets where housing and access to local properties are the main functions. Drivers should expect pedestrians, cyclists, children, parked vehicles and vehicles entering or leaving driveways.

Some countries identify particular residential areas with traffic signs and apply special low-speed and residential-area rules. The speed limit, pedestrian rights, parking rules and permitted road users therefore depend on local signs and regulations.

Residential area in Balatonlelle, approached from the direction of Balatonboglár. (Hungary)
Wikimedia.org • Szajci • CC BY-SA
How do people refer to a residential area in Hungary?

The official Hungarian term is lakó-pihenő övezet. The entrance and exit signs define a special residential-area category with restricted motor-vehicle access.

🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary: KRESZ sections 17(1),39/A(1)-(3)

Start of a residential area. Start of a residential area.

English • Traffic sign figure 122 • Residential area. The sign marks the beginning of a residential area. Vehicles may travel at no more than 20 km/h. KRESZ section 39/A governs entry and traffic in the area.

Magyar • 122. ábra • Lakó-pihenő övezet. A lakó-pihenő övezet kezdetét jelzi. Járművel legfeljebb 20 km/óra sebességgel szabad közlekedni; a behajtásra és a közlekedésre a KRESZ 39/A. §-a irányadó.

End of the residential area. End of the residential area.

English • Traffic sign figure 123 • End of the residential area. The residential area ends.

Magyar • 123. ábra • Lakó-pihenő övezet vége. A lakó-pihenő övezet vége.

What speed limit applies in a residential area in Hungary?

The maximum in the specially signposted category is 20 km/h. Drive with extra care for pedestrians and cyclists and slow further whenever needed.

🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary: KRESZ sections 17(1),39/A(1)-(3)

What rights do pedestrians have in a signposted residential area in Hungary?

Drivers must be especially careful around pedestrians and cyclists. On a street without a pavement in this category, pedestrians may use the whole width but must not obstruct vehicle traffic unnecessarily.

🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary: KRESZ sections 17(1),39/A(1)-(3)

May anyone drive through a signposted Hungarian residential area?

Only the vehicle categories listed in the rules may enter, including bicycles, permitted vehicles serving residents or visitors, specified deliveries and essential services, and vehicles driven by or carrying a disabled person. Being a through route does not itself authorise a motor vehicle to enter.

🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary: KRESZ sections 17(1),39/A(1)-(3)

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 ...