Changes in transportation are happening at the same time: all of this could also affect consumers

Cost pressure is easing: the toll increase planned for March is not yet due

The toll for trucks over 3.5 tons increased further in 2026, which means an increase in costs for the transport and freight sector. The increase was originally to be implemented in two stages: a 4.3% inflation-tracking increase in tolls, which affects the infrastructure fee component of the system, came into effect on 1 January 2026. A further adjustment of the tolls was to take place on 1 March. However, according to the latest news, this will not take place. The further adjustment of the tolls was originally planned for 1 March, but as a result of the latest negotiations, this increase will not take effect. Decision-makers had previously expected a toll increase of 54% and then 35% compared to the 2025 level. An increase of this magnitude would have placed a significant additional burden on the transport sector, the effect of which would have been indirectly reflected in consumer prices.

“The increasing toll directly increases the cost of transportation based on kilometers, may reduce the margins of businesses and may be expected to be incorporated into freight rates and ultimately into the consumer prices of goods. This may therefore affect not only carriers and other logistics players, but also consumers in the form of price increases,” said Tünde Szűcs, Sales Manager of the Hungarian Road Division of the world’s largest logistics and forwarding company, DSV.

The changes may particularly affect domestic and transit transportation, where tolls account for a significant part of the total cost. However, in addition to the toll increase, the restriction on trucks exceeding the maximum permissible total weight of 20 tons also has an impact on the logistics sector. As a result, heavy vehicles are forced to take detours, which in many cases means significant extra kilometers. In addition to the toll, this increases fuel and labor costs, depreciation and travel time, thus making transportation even more expensive.

Other changes affect hauliers this year, but not only in Hungary

From July 1, 2026, all light commercial vehicles with a maximum permissible gross weight of 2.5-3.5 tons performing international and cabotage transport within the EU must have a so-called G2v2 smart tachograph. The regulation requires compliance with driving and rest times, the application of provisions on the posting of drivers, and the presentation of data going back 56 days.

“The new regulations will force all hauliers to rethink their daily operations. Accurate tracking of driving and rest times and preparation for inspections will be a basic requirement for all hauliers,” emphasized the sales manager of DSV’s Hungarian road division.

As a result of the changes, a 3.5-ton vehicle will be able to travel an average of 800-900 km in one shift before having to take a minimum continuous rest of 11 hours. In the case of vehicles under 2.5 tons, the previous performance can be maintained, which will allow transit times to be maintained in certain segments. In addition, the field of driver training will also undergo a significant transformation in 2026, with particular regard to the legislative environment and support opportunities.

The planned changes to the Road Traffic Act may also have an impact on the transport of goods in Hungary

The planned changes to the Road Traffic Act may also have an impact on the logistics sector. In line with the new toll regulations that came into effect at the beginning of the year, the draft Road Traffic Act, for example, included a provision that trucks and vehicle combinations with a maximum permissible total weight exceeding 7.5 tons can only travel on motorways, expressways and main roads outside of residential areas.

“Of course, the draft also includes exceptions, since if, for example, the operator’s premises can only be accessed in this way, they will continue to create opportunities to use routes that are fundamentally prohibited in the draft,” the expert highlighted.

On motorways and expressways, where two or three traffic lanes are available in one direction, the use of the leftmost traffic lane and passing there are prohibited for certain trucks and vehicle combinations. The ban applies to all trucks over 7.5 tonnes, with a few exceptions, without any time limit, and also to trucks over 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 7.5 tonnes between 6am and 10pm daily.