Driving in Romania
Complete guide for tourists and expats. Learn the road rules, speed limits, and essential information before you drive in Romania.
Can You Drive in Romania?
Accepted Licenses From
Validity Period: EU/EEA: valid indefinitely while visiting. Non-EU: IDP valid for 1 year.
Important Note
EU/EEA licenses are valid. Non-EU visitors need an IDP alongside their national license. Romania recognizes both the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention IDPs.
What to Carry in Your Car
Mandatory Items
- Warning triangle
- First aid kit
- Reflective vest
- Fire extinguisher
- Valid driving license
- Vehicle registration document
- Insurance certificate
Recommended Items
- Spare bulb set
- Tow rope
- Dashcam (common and helpful for insurance claims)
Speed Limits
Urban Areas
km/h
Rural Roads
km/h
Highways/Motorways
km/h
Toll Roads
Payment Methods
Average Cost
Rovinieta: approximately €7 (7 days), €13 (30 days), or €50 (annual) for passenger cars
The Rovinieta is a road tax vignette, not a toll per use. It is mandatory for all vehicles on national roads and motorways. Can be purchased online at roviniete.ro or at gas stations near borders.
Parking
Line Colors
Parking Tips
- Pay for parking in Bucharest via the AMPark app or SMS
- Watch for unofficial parking attendants who may demand tips — only pay at official meters or via the app
- Parking in historic centers (e.g., Sibiu, Brașov) can be very limited — arrive early or use peripheral lots
Average Cost: RON 2–10 per hour in city centers; free in many rural areas and small towns
Common Mistakes Tourists Make
- 1Driving without a valid Rovinieta — enforcement is automated by cameras and fines are issued regardless of nationality
- 2Expecting Western European road quality on all routes — secondary roads can be in poor condition with potholes
- 3Overtaking slow horse-drawn carts on narrow roads without clear visibility — very common in rural areas
- 4Driving at night on poorly lit rural roads
- 5Not expecting stray dogs near villages
Traffic Fines
Speeding
RON 580–RON 2,900+ depending on speed over limit; license suspension for 50+ km/h over
No Seatbelt
RON 580–RON 725
Phone Use
RON 725–RON 1,450
Red Light
RON 870–RON 1,160
Illegal Parking
RON 200–RON 580
Ready to Drive in Romania?
Take a quick quiz to test your knowledge of the road rules.
Emergency Contacts
Police
112
Ambulance
112
Fire
112
Roadside Assistance
ACR (Automobil Clubul Român): +40 21 9222
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
Want to Master Romania Driving Rules?
Practice with our driving test questions and learn all the rules before you drive.
