Widespread bribery lets unsafe cars pass Hungarian technical inspections, experts demand overhaul
Corruption at hundreds of Hungarian vehicle-inspection stations enables owners to obtain certificates for unroadworthy cars in exchange for cash, sparking calls for systemic reform.
A senior automotive-technical specialist, who asked to remain anonymous, warned that Hungary’s vehicle-inspection system has become riddled with bribery, allowing hundreds of stations to issue certificates for cars that emit smoke, have corroded bodies or illegal modifications. High-profile raids in Veszprém county, Dunavarsány and the Rétság station uncovered cash, euros and falsified brake-test data, leading to criminal charges for inspectors and dealers.
The specialist noted that the legacy of the dissolved National Transport Authority and fragmented oversight since 2017 have created legal loopholes that corrupt officials exploit. He estimates that at least a third of the existing fleet would fail current standards if inspections were uniformly strict. Calls for new, EU-aligned legislation, modern emissions-testing equipment and increased inspector capacity were echoed by representatives of the Hungarian Inspection Stations and Inspectors Professional Board. The Ministry of Transport and Investment has said it will review the relevant regulations, but concrete measures remain pending.
Why it matters
Unsafe, improperly inspected vehicles threaten public safety and environmental health across Hungary.
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