Hu-Go is an electronic toll system implemented in Hungary, with the sole purpose of allowing Heavy Goods Vehicles or HGVs (exceeding 3.5 tons in weight), to pay seamless tolls on highways and expressways. The service utilizes GPS-based (Global Positioning System) technology to properly track vehicles and collect tolls based on the total distance traveled.
The implementation of a GPS-based system in Hu-Go is the primary reason why the service is said to be unique and cost-effective, compared to traditional toll booths. Tolls are categorized and charged based on the number of axles, and drivers will have the option to either make the payment through the Hu-Go OBU (On-Board Unit) or purchase prepaid tickets before the start of a journey. Currently, vehicle categories that come under the Hu-Go scanner include automobiles having 2, 3, 4/4+, and 5/5+ axles, and it is expected that more HGVs will be included in the future as the system is constantly evolving.
With that being said, if you own and drive a heavy goods vehicle, then opting for a Hu-Go registration seems like a no-brainer. It simplifies your road trips and makes it easy to pay for your exact tolls without penalties. To start the application process, simply go through our extensive guide, and you will have all the information you need to complete your task at hand.
What are the Eligibility Requirements
As per the rules laid down by Hu-Go, all cargo vehicles and towing vehicles having a maximum gross weight exceeding 3.5 tons will be eligible for toll payment through the Hu-Go system. These also include tractors and all articulated vehicle combinations where the main unit is a motor vehicle and the attached unit is a towed trailer or a semi-trailer.
It should be known that the Hu-Go toll does not apply to passenger buses, cars, agricultural tractors and their trailers, motorcycles, slow vehicles, cargo vehicles, and campers with a maximum weight not exceeding 3.5 tons.
When applying for Hu-Go, you need to first provide your email address, which will be used as the primary source of communication as well as for verification purposes. Additionally, you need to provide your name, phone number, tax identification number, and billing address. Also, you need to state details regarding your registered motor vehicle, such as its make and model, year of manufacture, vehicle category, and registration number, as well as a copy of the vehicle registration certificate.
How to Apply and Activate
With the terms and conditions fully explained, it is time to go through the steps that you need to fulfill to complete the registration process, which have been neatly described below.
- Start the process by heading over to the official website here.
- On the landing page, you need to first state your name, email address, phone number, and billing address. Additionally, you also need to choose a strong password to secure your account.
- In the next step, provide details of your vehicle, such as the license plate number, vehicle category, make and model of the vehicle, vehicle’s manufacturing date, vehicle identification number, and a photo of the vehicle registration certificate.
- Once done, accept the stated terms and conditions, and then click on ‘Save’.
- A confirmation email will be sent to your registered email address for verification, and once you complete the verification, your account will be activated for usage.
After registration of your Hu-Go account, you need to purchase an on-board unit through which the toll declaration is to be made. On-board units can be purchased at toll declaration operators, at Hu-Go customer care offices, and also at multiple authorized resellers across the country.
Once you obtain your OBU, or On-Board Unit, which is a GPS-based tracking device, you need to affix it to your vehicle(s), through which the requisite toll payment will be made wirelessly and automatically (when your vehicle will pass through a toll-designated lane).
How to Contact For Help
To get in touch with Hu-Go customer support, you can make a phone call at +36 36 587 500. Phone lines are available between 8 AM and 4 PM, every day of the week. Alternatively, you can send an email to ugyfel@nemzetiutdij.hu or ugyfel@hu-go.hu.
Lastly, you can contact them via their postal address at Hungary – 1380 Budapest, PF – 1170.
How to Top Up Hu-Go Account Balance
The ideal way to top up your Hu-Go account balance is by signing into your registered Hu-Go account and making the online transaction either via a bank card or by bank transfer. On the other hand, you can also visit the customer support offices of Hu-Go or an authorized reseller to purchase your account top-up. All debit and credit cards from major vendors are accepted (VISA, MasterCard, Maestro, Visa Electron, and JCB). However, keep in mind that no American Express cards are accepted (as of January 1, 2022).
The minimum top-up balance is 500 Hungarian Forint, and the amount you add to your account must be utilized within two years from the date of addition. Also, remember that you cannot reclaim any unused balance or transfer your unused balance to another account.