Car owners alert: Hungary set for 35% price surge in technical services from February!
From the 1st of February, car and motorbike owners in Hungary will face sharp price hikes, with notable increases in the cost of authenticity certificates, technical inspections, and license plate replacements.
In the coming weeks, motorists should consider how they will deal with the upcoming price rises. A 35% increase in the price of number plates will make a significant difference, especially for those who want to opt for individual plates. If you have been considering a purchase for some time, now is the time to act, as prices after February could put many off.
Planning ahead for technical exams can also mean big savings. Car owners should consider whether it is worth bringing forward the date of their test, especially if it is only a few months away. This can save not only time but also money, especially as the lower traffic in January means that this type of issue can be dealt with more quickly and smoothly.
Technical inspections and authenticity certificate price increases
From 2025, car owners will face a significant price increase. The current fee for authenticity test, which was HUF 17,000–20,000 (EUR 41–48), will rise by 35% to HUF 23,000–27,000 (EUR 55–65) from the 1st of February. This amount will remain the same at all test stations as it is regulated by the authorities.
The basic technical inspection fee for M1 passenger cars has increased from HUF 16,290 (EUR 39) to HUF 26,700 (EUR 64), an increase of 63.91%. At private test stations, the total cost can be up to HUF 50,000 (EUR 121), and in special cases, such as all-wheel drive or LPG cars, this can rise to HUF 60,000–70,000 (EUR 145–169), which represents an increase of 20%–40%. For larger trucks, the situation is even more drastic: the various fees can amount to up to HUF 150,000 (EUR 363), a rise of 200% compared to standard technical inspections.
From the 1st of March, the registration tax on imported vehicles will also increase. Although the exact details will not be available until February, it is already clear that the new rules will adjust the tax rate according to engine power, instead of the previous approach based on the type of propulsion.
The average age of the Hungarian car is around 16 years, which means that it requires a lot of maintenance. Spare parts and service costs have doubled in the last two years (100% increase), leading many car owners to carry out repairs only before the MOT. In many cases, however, the cost of repairs exceeds the market value of the vehicle, resulting in an economic deadlock.
The number plate price changes
The price of standard number plates, which was previously HUF 8,500 (EUR 20), will rise to HUF 11,475 (EUR 27), an increase of 35%. While this increase is not insignificant in itself, the increase for individual number plates is even more dramatic. According to Totalcar, individually selected number plates, such as the 2+2+3 format, were previously available for HUF 112,450 (EUR 272), but under the new rules, they will cost HUF 151,810 (EUR 367). This is also an increase of 35%, which could make a significant difference for those who would like to choose a unique number plate to express their own style.
The price of fully customised number plates, such as the 3+4, 4+3, 5+2, or 6+1 format, will increase even more. The price will rise from HUF 435,000 (EUR 1,053) to HUF 587,000 (EUR 1,421), also 35% higher than before. This price increase may affect the average motorist less, as these plates are more of a prestige, but those who have been thinking about getting one for a long time may want to make a move in the coming weeks. The new prices will make the availability of these types of plates much more difficult.
The new rates clearly impose a higher financial burden on motorists. Both standard and individual number plates and technical examinations will increase in price, and these changes will come into force in February. However, proactive motorists can still take advantage of the current prices, whether for number plates or technical examinations. Decisions taken in good time can save tens of thousands of forints, so it is worth acting sooner rather than later.
Read also: