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Uber drivers will be fined if they don't apply for proper permits

Authorities will remove cars used by drivers for unlicensed passenger transport

Hungary's parliament has approved a proposal allowing authorities to block ride-sharing apps and websites like Uber for up to a year if they continue to operate without the necessary permits after being fined.

The amendment was approved today in a 119-61 vote with three abstentions, supported by deputies from the governing Fidesz party and its Christian Democratic allies.

Authorities will also be empowered to remove from circulation the cars used by drivers for unlicensed passenger transport.

Taxi drivers in Budapest have held several protests blocking or slowing traffic to pressure the government into banning Uber and similar services, which have become popular in the capital.

Uber has said it has 1,200 drivers and 150,000 users, while there are about 4,200 traditional taxis in Budapest.