Double parking fees are coming for 2-ton vehicles in Budapest from 2027

From 2027 in Budapest, the uniform parking fee system will end, and a weight-based system will take effect following the decision of the Metropolitan General Assembly. Owners of any vehicle weighing 2 tons or more will have to pay double parking fees. The rule applies regardless of powertrain, including petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric cars.

Vehicle weight determines the parking fee

Under the new system, the vehicle's own weight will be the determining factor. Vehicles weighing 2 tons or more will be subject to double parking fees. The change affects not only a specific powertrain or vehicle category, but every car that reaches the weight limit. According to the source, the metropolitan decree will take effect next January.

The measure is expected to affect mostly owners of larger SUVs, luxury off-road vehicles, models with true off-road bodywork, and seven-seat cars. Purely electric cars that reach the specified weight limit due to a large battery may also fall under the double fee. In every case, the decisive factor is the vehicle's weight, not the fuel or powertrain it uses.

Owners of compact crossovers and smaller SUVs are not affected by the change for now. According to the source, they will not have to reckon with the hourly parking fee of up to 1200 forints this time. However, for vehicles reaching the weight limit, twice the current fee will be payable.

It also affects electric car owners

The double fee also applies to electric cars that reach the weight limit. The source also points out that free parking for cars with green license plates will end. Owners of affected electric cars weighing 2 tons or more will therefore have to deal not only with the end of free parking, but also with the double parking fee under the weight-based system.

According to the source, the decision is based on several European examples. In Paris, a similar system was introduced for heavy SUVs in 2024. The rationale is that larger and heavier cars take up more space in public areas, put more strain on roads, and based on experience may also pose a greater road safety risk.

The method of enforcement is still unclear

One unresolved part of applying the decree is checking which cars must pay the double fee. The own weight of vehicles is listed in the registration certificate, but the staff checking parking currently cannot see this data. Based on the source, it still needs to be determined how vehicles reaching the weight limit will be identified during enforcement.

For motorists, the most important change will be that the amount payable will no longer depend solely on the parking area in question, but also on the weight of the vehicle concerned. If you park in a paid area in Budapest, you can check the zone code for the given location in the parking zone search tool. However, the source does not describe the exact technical solution for checking the weight-based fee.

The system introduced from 2027 will therefore mean a direct change in Budapest for owners of vehicles weighing 2 tons or more. The fee will be doubled regardless of powertrain, while the details of enforcement still need to be worked out.

Source: Nap Híre