No, spearguns are prohibited for civilian use in Hungary under the 2023 Weapons Act (Act CXXXV of 2023), enforced by the National Police Headquarters. Only licensed hunters with special permits may use modified spearguns for underwater fishing, subject to strict regional quotas and seasonal restrictions. Violations incur fines up to 5 million HUF or criminal liability under the Hungarian Penal Code.
Key Regulations for Spearguns in Hungary
- Permit Requirement: Civilian ownership is banned; only licensed hunters with a spearfishing endorsement (issued by the National Police) may possess spearguns. Permits require proof of membership in an approved fishing association and completion of a mandatory safety course.
- Regional Bans: Spearguns are illegal in all inland waters (e.g., Lake Balaton, Danube) and restricted to designated coastal zones in the Adriatic. The 2026 amendment to Decree 31/2014 (FVM) further limits spearfishing to 10% of marine protected areas.
- Equipment Standards: Only manually powered spearguns (no pneumatic or spring-loaded mechanisms) are permitted. Barbed spears exceeding 1.2 meters or with detachable heads are classified as Category D weapons, requiring additional permits.
Non-compliance triggers immediate confiscation under the 2024 Police Enforcement Protocol on Illegal Weapons. Foreign nationals face deportation for violations. Consult the Hungarian Fisheries Authority (NAK) for updated regional restrictions.