Romanian Driving Licence 2026
The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about getting your driving licence in Romania — DGPCI theory test format, driving school costs, speed limits, traffic fines, and the zero-tolerance BAC policy.
1,545
Road deaths in Romania (2023)
81 per million — HIGHEST in the EU
81/million
Highest road death rate in EU
EU average: 46/million — Romania nearly double
0.00%
ZERO BAC tolerance (strictest in Europe)
Absolute zero — one of only 5 EU countries
Click any card to copy the stat with source attribution
Key Findings
26 multiple-choice questions with 3 answer variants each (1–3 may be correct per question), 30 minutes, 22 out of 26 to pass (85%). Fee: ~89 RON for licence issuance. Administered by DGPCI.
Approximately 3,100–4,700 RON (~€620–940) total: medical + psychological exam 250–400 RON, driving school 2,700–3,800 RON, licence fee 89 RON.
1,545 fatalities in 2023 (81 per million inhabitants) — the HIGHEST rate in the EU. The EU average is 46 per million. Romania's rate is nearly double the European average.
ZERO tolerance: 0.00% BAC for all drivers — the strictest policy in Europe. Any detectable alcohol is an offence. BAC 0.01–0.80 g/L: administrative offence with 90-day suspension. Above 0.80 g/L: criminal offence with 1–5 years imprisonment.
Romania uses a penalty point system where each point equals ~202.5 RON. Accumulating 15 points within 6 months triggers licence suspension. Fines range up to 4,050 RON (~€810). 50% early payment discount if paid within 15 days.
Romania's death rate of 81/million far exceeds Germany (36/million), France (48/million), Poland (52/million), and UK (26/million). Licence cost (3,100–4,700 RON / €620–940) is moderate by EU standards.
Romania Road Safety: 5-Year Trend (2019–2023)
According to European Commission and IGPR data, road fatalities in Romania have decreased from 1,864 in 2019 to {deaths} in 2023 — an 18% reduction. Despite this improvement, Romania maintains the highest road death rate in the EU at 81 per million inhabitants, nearly double the EU average of 46.
Year-over-year changes
2019→2020
-11.8%
2020→2021
+8.2%
2021→2022
-8.1%
2022→2023
-6.6%
Deaths per 100,000 Population
Source: European Commission Road Safety Data, WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety. Per-capita rates are estimates and may vary by methodology.
Romanian Theory Test Format#
The computerized theory test is administered by DGPCI (Direcția Generală Permise de Conducere și Înmatriculări) at county-level offices
The Romanian driving theory test (examen teoretic) for Category B consists of 26 multiple-choice questions, each with 3 answer variants. Crucially, 1, 2, or all 3 answers may be correct per question — you must select ALL correct answers. To pass, you need at least 22 correct answers out of 26 (85%). You have 30 minutes to complete the test. The exam covers road signs, priority rules, speed limits, first aid, and vehicle operation. It is administered electronically at DGPCI county offices. The licence issuance fee is approximately 89 RON.
Questions
26 Qs
1–3 correct per question
Duration
30 Min
Total exam time
Pass Mark
85%
22 of 26 correct
Licence Fee
89 RON
~€18 licence issuance
What the Theory Test Covers
- Traffic signs (semne de circulație) & signals
- Priority rules (reguli de prioritate)
- Speed limits (limite de viteză)
- Pedestrian crossing rules
- Roundabout priority
- Vehicle equipment & safety systems
- Mandatory fire extinguisher & first aid kit
- Seatbelts & child restraint systems
- First aid basics (prim ajutor)
- Warning triangles (2 required)
- Motorway & expressway rules
- Hazard perception scenarios
- ZERO BAC rules & penalties
- Tunnel & railway crossing rules
- Penalty point system (puncte de penalizare)
How to Get Your Romanian Driving Licence#
From medical exam to permis de conducere — the complete 6-step process
Medical & Psychological Exam
Complete a medical examination and a mandatory psychological evaluation
250–400 RON total. Romania uniquely requires a psychological evaluation in addition to the medical exam. Tests vision, reflexes, cognitive ability, and general health.
Enrol at a Driving School
Register at a licensed școală de șoferi (driving school)
Driving school package 2,700–3,800 RON. Must be an authorised school registered with the county-level Serviciul Permise.
Complete Theory Training
Attend 24 hours of mandatory theory classes (curs teoretic)
24 hours of classroom instruction covering road signs, traffic rules, first aid, and vehicle operation. Attendance is mandatory.
Complete Practical Training
Complete at least 30 hours of practical driving lessons
30 hours minimum behind the wheel with a licensed instructor. Must include urban driving, rural roads, and night driving sessions.
Pass the Theory Test
Take and pass the theory exam at the county DGPCI office
26 questions, 22/26 to pass (85%), 30 min. Electronic exam with multiple correct answers per question. Available in Romanian.
Pass the Practical Test
Pass the practical driving test with a DGPCI examiner
Real traffic driving test in urban areas. Includes manoeuvres, intersection handling, and road awareness assessment. Licence fee: 89 RON.
Romanian Driving Licence Fees#
Total cost typically 3,100–4,700 RON (~€620–940) depending on city and driving school
Costs vary by city and driving school. Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca tend to be more expensive. Additional costs apply if you fail and must retake tests. The psychological examination is unique to Romania among EU countries.
Licence Categories & Minimum Age
AM — Mopeds up to 50cc / 45 km/h
16
years
A1 — Motorcycles up to 125cc / 11 kW
16
years
B1 — Light quadricycles
16
years
A2 — Motorcycles up to 35 kW
18
years
B — Cars up to 3,500 kg
17 with accompanied driving (since 2025)
18
years
C — Trucks over 3,500 kg
21
years
A — Motorcycles unlimited
24 years, or 20 with 2 years A2 experience
24
years
D — Buses (8+ passengers)
24
years
Licence Validity Periods
Standard personal vehicle categories
Medical exam required at every renewal
Novice Driver Restrictions
- 1-year probationary period for all new licence holders
- 0.00% BAC — ZERO tolerance applies to ALL drivers (not just novice)
- Speed limits reduced by 20 km/h on expressways and motorways for novice drivers
- Licence revoked if 15+ penalty points accrued within 6 months
- Accompanied driving from age 17 (since 2025)
Penalty Points System (Puncte de Penalizare)
- Drivers accumulate penalty points for infractions (1–15 per offence)
- Each penalty point equals approximately 202.5 RON in value
- Accumulating 15 points within 6 months triggers licence suspension
- Suspended drivers must retake the theory exam to recover their licence
- Points are tracked by the county police (Poliția Rutieră)
- 50% early payment discount on fines if paid within 15 days
Speed Limits in Romania#
As per OG 195/2002 (Romanian Road Traffic Code) — all speeds in km/h
Romania has four main speed limit tiers: built-up areas (50 km/h), rural roads (90 km/h), expressways (120 km/h), and motorways (130 km/h). Novice drivers face reduced limits: 70 km/h on rural roads, 100 km/h on expressways, and 110 km/h on motorways. Romania's motorway network is still limited (under 1,000 km total), so most long-distance driving is on national roads with a 90 km/h limit. Speed enforcement includes fixed and mobile radar cameras operated by Poliția Rutieră.
| Road Type | Cars | Novice | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Localitate (Built-up area) | 50 | 50 | Same for all drivers |
| Drum național (Rural road) | 90 | 70 | Novice: 70 km/h |
| Drum expres (Expressway) | 120 | 100 | Novice: 100 km/h |
| Autostradă (Motorway) | 130 | 110 | Novice: 110 km/h — Rovinieta required |
Localitate (Built-up area)
50
Cars
50
Novice
Same for all drivers
Drum național (Rural road)
90
Cars
70
Novice
Novice: 70 km/h
Drum expres (Expressway)
120
Cars
100
Novice
Novice: 100 km/h
Autostradă (Motorway)
130
Cars
110
Novice
Novice: 110 km/h — Rovinieta required
Novice drivers (first year) face reduced speed limits on all non-urban roads. Romania has a limited motorway network (under 1,000 km), so most intercity driving is on 90 km/h national roads. Rovinieta (road vignette) is required on all national/state roads outside municipalities.
Traffic Fines & Penalties#
Penalty point system — each point ≈ 202.5 RON. 50% of minimum fine if paid within 15 days.
Romania's traffic fine system uses penalty points, where each point has a monetary value of approximately 202.5 RON (tied to the reference social indicator). Fines range from 405 RON for minor speeding to 4,050 RON for extreme offences, plus licence suspension. DUI is treated extremely seriously: any detectable alcohol (above 0.00%) is an offence, and BAC above 0.80 g/L is a criminal offence carrying 1–5 years imprisonment. A 50% early payment discount applies if fines are paid within 15 days.
| Violation | Fine | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding 10–20 km/h over limit | 405–607 RON | 2–3 | 50% if paid in 15 days |
| Speeding 21–30 km/h over limit | 810–1,013 RON | 4–5 | 50% if paid in 15 days |
| Speeding 31–40 km/h over limit | 1,013–1,418 RON | 5–7 | |
| Speeding 41–50 km/h over limit | 1,418–1,823 RON | 7–9 | 90-day suspension possible |
| Speeding 50+ km/h over limit | 1,823–4,050 RON | 9–15 | 90-day licence suspension |
| Mobile phone use while driving | 810–1,013 RON | 4–5 | Class II (holding); Class III (texting/streaming): 1,215-1,620 RON |
| No seatbelt | 405-608 RON | 2-3 | |
| Running a red light | ~850+ RON | 6+ | |
| DUI (0.01–0.80 g/L BAC) | 1,305–2,900 RON | — | 90-day suspension + criminal investigation |
| DUI (>0.80 g/L BAC) | CRIMINAL | — | 1–5 years imprisonment |
| No valid ITP (vehicle inspection) | 5,873–8,100 RON | — | Among highest fines in Romania |
Speeding 10–20 km/h over limit
Speeding 21–30 km/h over limit
Speeding 31–40 km/h over limit
Speeding 41–50 km/h over limit
Speeding 50+ km/h over limit
Mobile phone use while driving
No seatbelt
Running a red light
DUI (0.01–0.80 g/L BAC)
DUI (>0.80 g/L BAC)
No valid ITP (vehicle inspection)
Fines shown are standard amounts. A 50% early payment discount applies if paid within 15 days. DUI above 0.80 g/L is a criminal offence under the Romanian Penal Code carrying 1–5 years imprisonment. Romania enforces ZERO BAC tolerance (0.00%) — any detectable alcohol is an offence.
Know These Rules Before Your Theory Test
Traffic fines, speed limits, and the zero-tolerance BAC rule are heavily tested in the Romanian theory exam. Practice with real exam-style questions.
Start Practicing for FreeImportant Driving Rules in Romania
Right-Hand Traffic
Romania drives on the right. Priority to vehicles from the right at unmarked intersections. Always keep to the right lane unless overtaking.
ZERO BAC (0.00% — Strictest in Europe)
Romania enforces absolute ZERO alcohol tolerance for ALL drivers. Any detectable alcohol is an offence. BAC 0.01–0.80 g/L: administrative offence with 90-day suspension. Above 0.80 g/L: criminal offence with 1–5 years imprisonment.
RCA Mandatory Insurance
RCA (Responsabilitate Civilă Auto) third-party liability insurance is mandatory for all motor vehicles. Driving without valid RCA carries severe fines and impoundment.
ITP Vehicle Inspection
ITP (Inspecția Tehnică Periodică) is mandatory: first inspection after 3 years, then every 2 years until 12 years, then annually. Performed at authorised RAR stations.
Rovinieta (Road Vignette)
All vehicles must have a valid rovinieta to use national and state roads outside municipalities. Available for 1 day to 12 months. Annual cost: ~€50 for cars. Checked electronically.
Phone Prohibited
Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited: 810–1,013 RON fine and 4–5 penalty points. Hands-free systems are permitted.
Child Seats (Under 135 cm / 12 years)
Children under 135 cm tall or under 12 years of age must use an approved child restraint system. Children may not sit in the front seat unless using an appropriate CRS.
Mandatory Equipment
All vehicles must carry: 2 warning triangles, a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a reflective vest. This equipment is checked during ITP and police controls.
Daytime Lights on Motorways & Outside Towns
Dipped headlights or daytime running lights must be on when driving on motorways, expressways, and outside built-up areas, regardless of weather or time of day.
Common Road Hazards in Romania
1,545 road fatalities in 2023 (highest rate in EU) — know these hazards to stay safe on Romanian roads
Horse-Drawn Carts
Horse-drawn carts (căruțe) are common on rural roads, especially in Moldavia and Transylvania regions — often without reflectors or lights, particularly dangerous at night
Stray Dogs
Stray dogs remain a hazard on rural and semi-urban roads — can suddenly dart into traffic, requiring constant vigilance
Potholes & Poor Road Surface
Many national and county roads have poor surface conditions with potholes, uneven patches, and missing road markings — especially in rural areas
Carpathian Mountain Fog
Dense fog is frequent in Carpathian mountain passes and valleys, especially autumn and spring — visibility can drop below 30 metres on DN7, DN1, and other mountain routes
Pedestrian Jaywalking
Pedestrians frequently cross roads outside designated crossings, particularly in rural areas and small towns — a leading cause of fatalities
Limited Motorway Network
Romania has under 1,000 km of motorway — most long-distance travel is on two-lane national roads (90 km/h) shared with trucks, agricultural vehicles, and carts
Romania's 41 Counties + Bucharest (Județe)
Driving licence administration is handled by DGPCI through county-level offices (Serviciul Permise de Conducere). Romania has 41 județe plus the municipality of București, totalling 42 administrative divisions.
| County (Județ) | County Seat | Population |
|---|---|---|
| București | București | 1.8M |
| Iași | Iași | 0.8M |
| Prahova | Ploiești | 0.7M |
| Cluj | Cluj-Napoca | 0.7M |
| Timiș | Timișoara | 0.7M |
| Constanța | Constanța | 0.7M |
| Dolj | Craiova | 0.6M |
| Suceava | Suceava | 0.6M |
| Argeș | Pitești | 0.6M |
| Bacău | Bacău | 0.6M |
| Brașov | Brașov | 0.5M |
| Bihor | Oradea | 0.6M |
| Mureș | Târgu Mureș | 0.5M |
| Maramureș | Baia Mare | 0.5M |
| Neamț | Piatra Neamț | 0.5M |
| Hunedoara | Deva | 0.4M |
| Galați | Galați | 0.5M |
| Buzău | Buzău | 0.4M |
| Alba | Alba Iulia | 0.3M |
| Sibiu | Sibiu | 0.4M |
București
București · 1.8M
Iași
Iași · 0.8M
Prahova
Ploiești · 0.7M
Cluj
Cluj-Napoca · 0.7M
Timiș
Timișoara · 0.7M
Constanța
Constanța · 0.7M
Dolj
Craiova · 0.6M
Suceava
Suceava · 0.6M
Argeș
Pitești · 0.6M
Bacău
Bacău · 0.6M
Brașov
Brașov · 0.5M
Bihor
Oradea · 0.6M
Mureș
Târgu Mureș · 0.5M
Maramureș
Baia Mare · 0.5M
Neamț
Piatra Neamț · 0.5M
Hunedoara
Deva · 0.4M
Galați
Galați · 0.5M
Buzău
Buzău · 0.4M
Alba
Alba Iulia · 0.3M
Sibiu
Sibiu · 0.4M
Driving laws are national (OG 195/2002), but licence examinations are administered at county level by DGPCI. Driving school costs vary by region — Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca tend to be the most expensive. Romania has 41 județe plus the municipality of București.
Emergency Numbers
All available 24/7. {number} is the EU-wide emergency number.
112
General Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
9271
ACR Roadside Assistance (Automobil Clubul Român)
Common Misconceptions About Driving in Romania#
Myth: Romania has a 0.5‰ BAC limit like most of Europe
Fact: Romania enforces ZERO alcohol tolerance (0.00% BAC) for ALL drivers — the strictest policy in Europe. Any detectable alcohol is an offence. This is one of only 5 EU countries with zero tolerance.
Myth: Winter tyres are only mandatory during winter months
Fact: Winter tyre requirements in Romania are condition-based, not calendar-based. When road conditions require them (snow, ice), winter tyres become mandatory regardless of the month. Police can fine drivers without appropriate tyres during winter conditions.
Myth: The speed tolerance means you can drive 10 km/h over the limit
Fact: Romania applies a measurement tolerance to speed camera readings, but this is a technical margin for the equipment — NOT permission to exceed the posted limit. You are legally required to stay at or below the posted speed.
Myth: Studded tyres are allowed in winter
Fact: Studded tyres are PROHIBITED on Romanian roads year-round. Only non-studded winter tyres (with the M+S or snowflake symbol) are permitted during winter conditions.
Myth: Rovinieta is only needed for motorways
Fact: The rovinieta (road vignette) is required on ALL national and state roads outside municipalities — not just motorways. This includes DN (drum național) and DJ (drum județean) roads. Electronic enforcement is widespread.
Myth: Fines are cheap in Romania
Fact: Following recent reforms, Romanian traffic fines can reach 4,050 RON (~€810) for extreme speeding. No valid ITP can cost 5,873–8,100 RON. DUI above 0.80 g/L carries 1–5 years imprisonment. Romania's penalties are significant and increasing.
Penalty point value increase, digital licence, EU GSR2 Phase 3
Penalty point value raised to ~216 RON. Digital driving licence rollout continues. TollRo system for HGV tolling. EU General Safety Regulation Phase 3 mandates ISA (Intelligent Speed Assistance) and EDR (Event Data Recorder) in all new vehicles.
Accompanied driving at 17, penalty point reform
Romania introduced accompanied driving from age 17 for Category B. Penalty point value raised to ~202 RON. Rovinieta annual cost set at ~€50 for cars. Enhanced electronic enforcement of rovinieta compliance.
Vehicle confiscation for extreme DUI
Romania implemented vehicle confiscation provisions for drivers caught with extreme BAC levels or causing serious accidents while intoxicated. Tighter enforcement of zero-tolerance BAC policy.
Updated theory question bank
DGPCI updated the theory exam question bank with new questions covering modern vehicle safety systems, updated road signs, and revised first aid protocols. Question pool expanded significantly.
How Romania Compares Globally#
Romania's driving regulations compared to other major countries — data compiled from official government sources
| Parameter | Romania | Germany | France | Poland | UK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAC Limit | 0.00% | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.02% | 0.08% |
| Min. Age (Car) | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 17 |
| Driving Side | Right | Right | Right | Right | Left |
| Motorway Speed | 130 km/h | No limit* | 130 km/h | 140 km/h | 112 km/h |
| Test Questions | 26 | 30 | 40 | 32 | 50 |
| Licence Cost | 3,100–4,700 RON | €2,000–3,500 | €1,500–2,500 | 3,500–6,000 zł | £200–1,500 |
| Road Deaths/yr | 1,526 | 2,770 | 3,170 | 1,893 | 1,695 |
| Deaths/million | 81 | 36 | 48 | 52 | 26 |
ZERO tolerance — strictest in Europe. Most EU countries: 0.05%. UK: 0.08%.
17 with accompanied driving since 2025. Same as most EU countries.
Standard EU level. Novice drivers: 110 km/h. Germany has no general Autobahn limit.
~€620–940. Cheaper than Germany (€2,000–3,500), similar to Poland (€800–1,400).
among the highest in EU. Nearly double EU average (46/million). UK is best at 26/million.
Road deaths: Romania 1,545 (2023, 81/million), Germany 2,770 (36/million), France 3,170 (48/million), Poland 1,893 (52/million), UK 1,695 (26/million). BAC: Romania 0.00% = zero tolerance. UK BAC is 0.08% for England/Wales; Scotland is 0.05%.
Sources & Methodology
Primary Sources
- OG 195/2002 — Ordonanța de Urgență (Road Traffic Code) — Romanian Government
- DGPCI — Driving licence regulations and exam format — Direcția Generală Permise de Conducere și Înmatriculări
- IGPR — Statistici accidente rutiere (Road accident statistics) — Inspectoratul General al Poliției Române
- European Commission — Road Safety Statistics — European Commission
- RAR — Vehicle inspection (ITP) regulations — Registrul Auto Român
- CNAIR — Motorway and national road information — Compania Națională de Administrare a Infrastructurii Rutiere
Verification Methodology
Every fact on this page has been cross-referenced against at least two authoritative sources. Our process:
- Primary data collected from official Romanian legislation (OG 195/2002) and DGPCI publications
- Cross-verified against European Commission road safety data and IGPR statistics
- Regional variations noted where applicable (driving school costs differ by county)
- Page reviewed and fact-checked on {date}
If you find an error, please contact us so we can correct it immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a driving licence cost in Romania?
What is the Romanian theory test format?
What is the BAC (blood alcohol) limit in Romania?
Why does Romania have the highest road death rate in the EU?
What is the penalty point system in Romania?
What is a rovinieta and do I need one?
Are winter tyres mandatory in Romania?
What is the ITP vehicle inspection?
What speed limits apply in Romanian built-up areas?
What mandatory equipment must I carry in my car in Romania?
Can I convert my foreign driving licence in Romania?
What is the fine for using a phone while driving?
How long does the licence process take in Romania?
Is the psychological exam really mandatory?
What is accompanied driving and who qualifies?
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