What Is an E-Vignette in Hungary? Complete Guide for Romanian Drivers in 2025

What is the Hungarian e-Vignette and why is it mandatory

If your journey takes you toward Western Europe or even just to Budapest, the first thing you need before entering Hungary is the e-vignette. It represents the mandatory toll for using highways and express roads.

The system is completely digital – there are no more stickers on the windshield as there used to be years ago. Everything is managed through a centralized database where your vehicle’s license plate number is registered immediately after purchase.

This means you don’t need any physical proof, but it is essential to enter the vehicle data correctly when buying the vignette. From our experience as resellers, we see that most fines are not due to missing vignettes but to typing errors made during purchase.

Vehicle categories and types of available e-vignettes

Hungary has a well-organized system in which each vehicle is placed into a specific category. This ensures fair pricing and avoids confusion.

E-vignette for cars (Category D1)

This is the most commonly used vignette. It applies to standard cars with up to 7 seats and a maximum weight of 3.5 tons. Practically any family car fits this category. It’s chosen by most of our clients, whether they’re going on vacation or just passing through Hungary.

E-vignette for motorcycles (Category D1M)

Motorcyclists have their own, cheaper vignette, granting the same rights to use expressways and highways. Note that a car vignette cannot be used for a motorcycle, even if the plate number looks the same.

E-vignette for vans and motorhomes (Category D2)

This category is for vehicles larger than regular cars but not trucks. It’s commonly used by owners of camper vans and motorhomes. Many drivers are unsure how to classify their vehicle and often choose the wrong category, so it’s recommended to double-check the specifications before purchasing.

E-vignette for heavy vehicles and buses (Categories B2, U)

Trucks, buses, and other large vehicles require dedicated vignettes. For transport drivers, this is a legal obligation as well as an investment in safe and lawful travel.

Types of validity: daily, weekly, monthly, and annual

Flexibility is one of the advantages of the Hungarian system — you only pay for the time you actually need.

Weekly (10-day) e-vignette

Ideal for transit or short holidays. It’s the most popular option among Romanians traveling to Western Europe or visiting family. Buy it once and you’re covered for the entire trip.

Monthly e-vignette

Perfect for those who travel frequently within a short time — for instance, commuters or transport operators with multiple trips per month.

Annual and County e-vignettes

The national annual vignette grants full access to Hungary’s entire motorway network for 12 months. It’s advantageous for companies or individuals who frequently travel across the country.

The county vignette is more affordable and applies only to one specific county. It’s useful for those living near the border who regularly use the same routes.

How to purchase the Hungarian e-vignette

There are two options — online and offline.

Online purchase

At www.rpay.eu, you can buy the vignette in just a few minutes. The process is simple: choose the vehicle category, select the validity period, enter your license plate number, and pay online. You’ll receive immediate confirmation via email.

Many drivers prefer this method because it’s fast, secure, and saves time at the border.

Physical purchase

You can also buy the vignette at gas stations or border points. However, queues are common, and manual data entry can lead to mistakes. That’s why we recommend buying online in advance.

How to check if your e-vignette is valid

Once purchased, the vignette becomes active immediately, but it’s good practice to verify the details. The confirmation email you receive serves as your main proof of purchase. Additionally, Hungarian authorities provide an online platform where you can enter your license plate to check validity.

Fines for missing e-vignettes and how to avoid them

Hungary has an advanced control system. Fixed and mobile cameras automatically scan license plates to verify if a valid vignette exists.

Fines are substantial, and there is zero tolerance for missing or incorrect vignettes. Therefore, our recommendation is to purchase it early and double-check the license plate number before confirming payment.

Practical tips for Romanian drivers transiting Hungary

• Buy the vignette before entering the country — you’ll avoid stress and long queues.

• Keep the confirmation email handy — it’s your official proof of payment.

• Choose the correct vehicle category — many RV or large car owners make mistakes that lead to fines.

Advantages of buying your e-vignette online

Buying online offers several clear benefits:

• It’s fast and can be done from your phone or laptop.

• You receive instant confirmation — no hassle.

• Fewer chances of data entry errors.

• You can set the start date of validity, even if you purchase it a few days before your trip.

Why it’s important to buy your e-vignette in advance

The Hungarian e-vignette is more than just a formality — it’s the key to a safe, worry-free journey. Purchasing it online before entering Hungary guarantees peace of mind, saves time, and protects you from fines.

At www.rpay.eu, the process is simple, transparent, and fast. Whether you’re going on vacation, transiting through Hungary, or traveling regularly, the vignette is your first step toward a smooth and stress-free trip.