Yes, crossbows are legal in Hungary for recreational and hunting purposes, provided users comply with national firearms regulations. The Hungarian National Police (Országos Rendőrfőkapitányság) oversees licensing, while the Ministry of Agriculture regulates hunting-specific use. Recent 2026 amendments to Act XLIV of 2010 on Firearms and Ammunition require crossbow owners to register devices exceeding 150 Joules of kinetic energy with local police stations.
Key Regulations for Crossbows in Hungary
- Licensing Requirements: Crossbows with draw weights over 150 Joules or bolt speeds exceeding 100 m/s require a Category B firearms license, issued by the Hungarian National Police after background checks and training certification.
- Hunting Restrictions: Only crossbows approved by the National Food Chain Safety Office (NÉBIH) may be used for hunting, with seasonal bans on certain game species. Hunters must possess a valid hunting license (Vadászati engedély) and adhere to regional quotas.
- Storage & Transport: Crossbows must be stored in locked safes, separate from ammunition, and transported disassembled or in a locked case. Violations may result in fines up to 500,000 HUF under Act CXXXIII of 2005 on the Rules of Firearms Handling.
Local municipalities may impose additional restrictions in urban areas. Non-compliance with kinetic energy thresholds or licensing deadlines risks confiscation and criminal liability under Hungary’s 2023 Penal Code amendments.