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

The new road toll increase is coming in March: it could also affect consumers’ wallets

The toll for trucks over 3.5 tons will increase significantly in 2026, which means a significant increase in costs for the transport and freight sector. The increase will be implemented in two stages: a 4.3% inflation-tracking increase in tolls will come into effect on 1 January 2026, affecting the infrastructure toll component of the system. A further adjustment of the tolls will take place on 1 March. Based on the information currently available, the new increase will result in infrastructure tolls on main roads being around 35% higher than the 2025 level. This increase is still the result of a compromise, as decision-makers had previously planned for a 54% increase.

“The increasing toll directly increases the cost of transportation per kilometer, may reduce the margins of businesses and may 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 change is particularly sensitive to domestic and transit transport, where tolls account for a significant part of the total cost. In addition to the toll increase, the restriction on trucks exceeding the maximum permissible gross 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 wage costs, depreciation and travel time, thus making transportation even more expensive.

Other changes will affect carriers this year, but not only in Hungary

From July 1, 2026, all light commercial vehicles between 2.5 and 3.5 tons of maximum permissible gross weight 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 carriers to rethink their daily operations. Accurate tracking of driving and rest times, as well as preparation for inspections, will be a basic requirement for all carriers”

– 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 cover 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 significant transformation in 2026, with particular regard to the legislative environment and support opportunities.

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

The planned amendments 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 Road Traffic Act draft, for example, stipulates that trucks and vehicle combinations with a maximum permissible total weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes can only drive 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 still create the possibility of using routes that are fundamentally prohibited in the draft”

– the expert highlighted.