Self-driving cars in Hungary – domestic developers are working to make this a reality

The licensing of autonomous systems in Europe is a cautious, step-by-step process, as driverless transportation simultaneously raises technological, legal and road safety issues. Currently, out of the six levels of driver assistance solutions, the second level is typically permitted, but in some countries (e.g. Germany) the third level has also appeared to a limited extent, where – in strictly designated environments – the responsibility for self-driving already lies with the vehicle system. The fourth and fifth levels of fully driverless automation are still in the research and development phase.

In cooperation with the Hungarian Public Roads Authority and the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, in 2025, a nearly 800-meter section of the M1-M7 motorway in Budaörs was equipped with sensors that support the development and testing of self-driving systems in a real traffic environment. The smart motorway section, which is currently unique in the world, is also connected to a so-called digital twin: a high-precision virtual model in which vehicles are displayed in real time, and whose data can be used by both road users and developers.

“Hungary is in the fortunate position of having excellent engineering education, so even university students can work on solutions that can shape the entire European transport system in the long term. The introductory section of the M1–M7 motorway clearly shows how infrastructure development and research and development can meet in a tangible way. At Magyar Közút, we firmly believe that creating the conditions for safe self-driving is a common interest, which is why we support all domestic developments that bring us closer to the wider application of autonomous systems” – said Tamás Bartal, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Magyar Közút.

Dr. According to Zsolt Szalay, Head of the Department of Automotive Technology at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, the M1–M7 smart motorway is one of the most important milestones in Hungarian autonomous vehicle research:

“On the Budaörs section of the M1–M7 motorway, BME’s research has created a complex system in which road infrastructure, vehicles and the digital environment are closely connected. This is not just a test road, but a research platform where solutions for autonomous transport can be tested and developed based on real traffic situations.”

The expansion of the M1-M7 smart motorway section is ongoing, and within a few months the length of the section equipped with sensors will increase to 1,500 meters.

Urban traffic poses a particular challenge for autonomous systems, where pedestrians, scooter riders, and cyclists often appear in traffic in ways that are difficult to predict, even violating the rules of the Road Traffic Act. An uncertain situation at a zebra crossing or an unexpected traffic change creates a decision-making situation, the handling of which is still a serious development challenge today.

“It is in these complex, difficult-to-formalize situations that the ability of autonomous systems to adapt to the real traffic environment is truly determined. BME research is aimed at ensuring that vehicles can make reliable, safe decisions in such situations.” – Dr. Zsolt Szalay emphasized.

The everyday challenges of autonomous vehicles are being examined not only on the M1–M7 smart motorway section, but also on the ZalaZONE automotive test track in Zalaegerszeg, which provides an open development and testing environment for domestic and international players. The design and technical features of the track allow developers to examine various, even extreme, traffic situations in safe conditions, and where multinational companies such as Ericsson, Bosch and Knorr-Bremse also test and develop.