Yes, flying drones over private property in Hungary is permitted under strict conditions. The Hungarian Transport Authority (NKFIH) enforces EU Regulation 2019/947 and national decrees, requiring operators to respect privacy and property rights. Overflight without consent risks liability under civil or criminal law, particularly if data collection occurs.
Key Regulations for Flying Drones Over Private Property in Hungary
- Privacy and Consent: Drones must not capture images or data of individuals without explicit consent, per the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Hungary’s 2021 Data Protection Act. Overflight alone does not constitute consent.
- Altitude and Proximity Limits: Maximum altitude is 120 meters (400 feet) AGL. Flying within 50 meters of private property requires prior written agreement from the landowner, except in open-air gatherings where 150 meters is mandated.
- Operational Zones: Drones are prohibited in restricted airspace (e.g., near airports, military zones) and over sensitive areas (e.g., prisons, nuclear facilities) as defined by the NKFIH’s 2023 airspace maps. Violations trigger fines up to 1.5 million HUF (~€3,800).
Additional Considerations:
- Insurance: Mandatory third-party liability insurance is required for drones over 250 grams, covering property damage or personal injury.
- Night Operations: Night flights demand special authorization from the NKFIH, with additional lighting and anti-collision measures.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: The NKFIH plans to integrate real-time geofencing by 2026, automatically restricting flights over private properties unless pre-approved via a digital permit system. Operators should monitor updates to Decree 5/2020 (XII. 15.) on drone operations.