In urban areas, roads and road maintenance are also good. However, in rural areas, roads are narrow, badly lit, and can be in a state of poor repair in some places. These small rural roads are often used by pedestrians, agricultural machines, and farm animals. This requires increased caution on the part of drivers. Hungary has a policy of zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Police often conduct routine road checks where breath-analyzer tests are administered.
Possible penalties for a car accident involving injury or death are 1 to 5 years in prison. Police have also instituted a more widespread practice of stopping vehicles to check driver identity documents in the search for illegal aliens and residents in Hungary, and to check vehicle registration and fitness documentation, particularly in Budapest. American drivers' licenses will be accepted in Hungary for one year after arrival, provided that a certified Hungarian translation has been attached to the license. Those with IDPs do not need to have the license translated, but must present both documents together. After one year in Hungary, U.S. citizens must obtain a Hungarian driver's license.