RoadworksHungary

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


27. Roadworks

Roadworks are construction, maintenance, repair or inspection activities carried out on or beside a road. They may temporarily change the road layout, lane widths, speed limits, priority, permitted directions and facilities for pedestrians or cyclists.

Drivers must follow the temporary signs, traffic lights, barriers, road markings and instructions from authorised personnel. They should reduce speed, increase their following distance and remain prepared for narrow lanes, stopped traffic, workers, machinery and sudden changes in the route.

Roadworks
Roadworks warning sign at the junction of roads 7202 and 7207. (Berhida, Hungary)
Wikimedia.org • Solymári • CC BY-SA
What are roadworks?

Roadworks are construction, maintenance, repair or inspection activities carried out on or beside a road.

How can you recognise roadworks?

They may be indicated by a roadworks warning sign, cones, barriers, temporary markings, flashing lights, machinery or workers.

Does a roadworks sign impose a speed limit?

No, not by itself. A separate temporary or permanent speed-limit sign establishes the legal maximum speed.

Must you drive below the speed limit?

Yes, when necessary. Narrow lanes, workers, machinery, poor surfaces, congestion or limited visibility may require a substantially lower speed.

Are temporary traffic signs legally binding?

Yes. Correctly installed temporary signs must be obeyed for as long as they are in force.

Which road markings should you follow?

Follow the temporary markings that guide traffic through the works. Local law determines how they take priority over older permanent markings.

Must you obey temporary traffic lights?

Yes. Stop at the line or signal when required and do not proceed until the applicable light permits it.

Must you obey road workers directing traffic?

Obey instructions from workers or controllers who are legally authorised to regulate traffic. Their signals may temporarily replace the ordinary traffic arrangement.

What should you do when a lane closes?

Observe the signs and lane arrows, check mirrors and blind spots and merge safely into the continuing lane.

What is zipper merging?

Zipper merging means that vehicles in an ending or blocked lane merge alternately with vehicles in the continuing lane near the narrowing during congested traffic.

Should you merge early?

This depends on local law and traffic conditions. Where zipper merging applies during congestion, use both lanes and merge near the narrowing. In flowing traffic, change lanes when a safe gap is available.

Who has priority when your lane is obstructed?

Without another traffic control, the driver whose route is obstructed commonly has to yield before moving into the path of approaching or adjacent traffic.

Can temporary lights control alternating traffic?

Yes. Temporary signals may allow only one direction at a time through a narrow section.

May you enter when the exit is blocked?

No. Do not enter a narrow section, intersection or temporary crossing when congestion may leave you stopped inside it.

May you move cones or barriers?

No. Do not move, pass around or ignore traffic-control equipment unless an authorised person instructs you to do so.

May you overtake in roadworks?

Only when signs and markings permit it and sufficient width and visibility remain. Overtaking is often unsafe in narrow or shifted lanes.

May you stop or park in roadworks?

Only where temporary and permanent signs permit it. Do not obstruct workers, machinery, emergency access or temporary pedestrian and cycle routes.

What should you watch for near workers?

Expect workers to enter the road, machinery to move or reverse and vehicles to leave the worksite. Reduce speed and leave generous space.

What should cyclists do at roadworks?

Follow the signed temporary cycle route or lane. Check surrounding traffic carefully before leaving a closed or obstructed bike path.

What should pedestrians do?

Use the designated temporary walkway or crossing and follow barriers, signs, signals and instructions from authorised personnel.

Why should you increase your following distance?

Traffic may brake suddenly because of queues, lane changes, machinery, debris or changing signals. Additional distance provides more time to react.

What should you do if your vehicle breaks down in roadworks?

Move to the safest available location where possible, activate the hazard warning lights and contact assistance. Avoid standing in a live or narrow traffic lane.

Do ordinary traffic rules still apply?

Yes. Rules concerning safe speed, following distance, signalling, priority and vulnerable road users continue to apply unless a lawful temporary arrangement changes them.

1 Hungary 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian warning 8 Pedestrian zone 9 Slope 10 Bus stop 11 Stop sign 12 Give way 13 Roundabout 14 Priority road 15 Road narrowing 16 Priority over oncoming traffic 17 Give way to oncoming traffic 18 Pedestrian crossing 19 Railway crossing 20 Mandatory direction 21 School area 22 Overtaking 23 Crossing animals 24 Slippery road 25 Chevron 26 Wrong-way driving 27 Roadworks 28 Height limit 29 Weight limit 30 Radar speed sign 31 Selective barriers 32 Priority at the next junction 33 Traffic lights 34 Traffic lights warning 35 Road markings 36 Countdown markers 37 Traffic mirror 38 Cycling route 39 Parking 40 No parking 41 No stopping 42 Disabled parking 43 Reversing 44 U-turn 45 Uncontrolled crossroad 46 Road surface 47 City limit 48 Licence plate 49 Charging station 50 Dangers 51 Cyclist 52 Moped 53 Car 54 Bus 55 Police 56 Ambulance 57 Taxi 58 European emission standard 59 Pothole 60 Path 61 Particulates 62 Air pollution 63 Rush hour 64 Road code 65 Two-way traffic 66 Street gutter 67 Cargo bike 68 Forestry vehicle 69 Construction vehicle 70 Semi-trailer truck 71 Trolleybus 72 Speed pedelec 73 Delivery vehicle 74 Idling 75 Tow truck 76 Four-wheel drive 77 No vehicles 78 Bicycle 79 Motorcycle equipment 80 Rail track 81 Caravan 82 Trailer 83 Tow hitch 84 Fire truck 85 Siren 86 Convoy 87 Emergency vehicle lighting 88 Agricultural machinery 89 Electric bicycle 90 Electric vehicle 91 Pedelec 92 Quadricycle 93 Microcar 94 All-terrain vehicle 95 Van 96 Recreational vehicle 97 Scooter 98 Trikke 99 Personal mobility device 100 Skateboard ...