At present, drivers purchasing toll stickers through digital platforms typically pay an additional charge of around 400 forints (about €1) per transaction. With some five million e-vignettes sold online each year, the Ministry of Energy estimates the change will save drivers a total of roughly 2 billion forints (around €5 million) annually.

While toll stickers are already available without extra fees at some outlets, such as fuel stations, the majority of sales — around 60% — take place online, where the surcharge has been standard practice. From September, the price of an online purchase will simply match the base sticker cost, with no added fees.

Károly Balázs Solymár, State Secretary for Infocommunications at the Ministry of Energy, said that “hidden costs are the most dangerous,” stressing that the new rules will improve transparency and help clean up the market. He noted that the toll system remains financially sustainable without convenience fees.

The reform is expected to affect digital service providers differently. Larger platforms, many of which offer a range of services beyond toll stickers, are thought likely to absorb the change without difficulty.

However, smaller companies — some of which charged markups of 1,000 to 2,000 forints (€2.50–€5) for sticker purchases — may struggle to remain competitive. Currently, there are 35 platforms where toll stickers can be bought by phone in Hungary.
 

Minister János Lázár, who first announced the policy in July, underlined that the lack of regulation had previously allowed resellers to impose widely varying fees, sometimes several times higher than the standard 400 forints. The new measure aims to create consistent, fair pricing and make motorway use more affordable overall.

Looking ahead, Solymár also suggested that similar changes could be introduced in other areas, including digital parking services. Authorities are reviewing options for reducing or abolishing convenience fees more broadly, arguing that such surcharges are increasingly out of step with today’s digital-first environment.
 

*********************************

You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: 

Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoop’s groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary

You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters

Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop:

As an independent portal we’re grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here.