In recent months, many Polish road carriers have been surprised by fines from Hungary, amounting to several thousand zlotys. These penalties were the result of incorrect vehicle categorization in the HU-GO toll system. Although changes to the regulations came into force at the beginning of 2024, many drivers and transport company owners were not properly informed, which led to numerous misunderstandings and financial losses.

The New J5 Category and Its Consequences

As of January 1, 2024, the Hungarian HU-GO toll system introduced a new vehicle category – J5. This applies to trucks with five or more axles. Previously, these vehicles were classified as J4. The change aimed to more precisely define toll rates based on vehicle technical parameters. Unfortunately, many carriers were unaware of this modification and continued assigning their vehicles to the old category, resulting in incorrect toll calculations and, consequently, fines.

Lack of Proper Communication

One of the main problems was the insufficient communication from the Hungarian authorities. Information about the changes was available mainly in English and Hungarian, and the HU-GO website included only brief mentions, often difficult to read on mobile devices. Drivers using their phones on the road had trouble noticing these notices. Additionally, the lack of clear instructions in Polish meant many hauliers were unaware of the need to update vehicle data in the system.

The Scale of the Problem Among Polish Carriers

A notable example is the company Euro-Trans, which received 16 fines totaling 16,000 PLN. The fines began arriving in September 2024, even though the toll errors occurred as early as January. This delayed response from Hungarian authorities meant that carriers were unaware of the ongoing violations and continued to travel with incorrectly categorized vehicles.

Amount of Fines and How They Are Calculated

Hungarian regulations impose varying fines depending on how much time has passed since the offense:

• Up to 120 minutes: Around 670 PLN for J4 and 760 PLN for J5.
• From 121 to 240 minutes: Around 1,860 PLN for J4 and 2,030 PLN for J5.
• From 241 to 480 minutes: The highest fines, reaching approximately 2,790 PLN for J4 and 3,050 PLN for J5.

Importantly, incorrect vehicle categorization is treated the same as a complete lack of toll payment – something many carriers consider unfair.

Possibility of Appealing the Fines

Although in theory it is possible to appeal these fines, in practice it is a complicated and often ineffective process. Many law firms refuse to take on such cases, arguing that the Hungarian authorities have formally fulfilled their duty to inform. Carriers, like the owner of Euro-Trans, choose to pay the penalties, seeing little chance of having them overturned.

How to Avoid Similar Problems in the Future?

To prevent similar situations, hauliers should:

• Regularly update vehicle data in the HU-GO system, paying close attention to the number of axles and emission class.
• Use on-board units (OBUs) that automatically calculate tolls, minimizing the risk of errors.
• Monitor changes in toll regulations in the countries they travel through, using reliable information sources.
• Train drivers on how to use toll systems and update vehicle data properly.

Conclusion

The situation with fines in Hungary highlights the importance of keeping up-to-date with changes in road regulations and toll systems in the countries through which hauliers operate. A lack of proper information and failure to comply with new requirements can lead to serious financial consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to invest in driver education, use modern technologies, and maintain regular contact with industry organizations that can provide essential information and support.