Romania 2026 Driving Rule Changes
Official Source: DRPCIV / Ministry of Internal Affairs
Last Updated: 1. фебруар 2026.
Summary
Romania introduces 2026 changes including EU GSR2 Phase 3 safety requirements, extended category B license for electric and hybrid vehicles up to 4.25 tonnes, stricter trailer towing regulations with severe penalties, and digital driver license rollout.
Key Changes
EU GSR2 Phase 3: Advanced Driver Distraction Warning
Effective 7. јул 2026.
Basic ADAS only
Since July 2024, new cars required basic systems including AEB, ISA, lane-keeping, and drowsiness warning
Camera-based distraction monitoring
All new cars sold in Romania must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) with camera monitoring to detect phone use or inattention
Official Source: EU General Safety Regulation 2
Instructor's Tip
“EU GSR2 Phase 3 adds camera-based distraction monitoring from July 2026. Your car will warn you if you look away from the road. AEB, ISA, and lane-keeping were already mandatory from July 2024.”
Category B License Extended to 4.25 Tonnes for EVs
Effective 1. јануар 2026.
3.5 tonne limit for category B
Standard category B license limited to vehicles up to 3,500 kg gross weight
4.25 tonnes for electric/hybrid
Drivers with category B license held for 2+ years can operate electric or hybrid vehicles up to 4,250 kg after completing a practical course without exam
Official Source: EU Directive 2023/2123
Instructor's Tip
“Good news for EV drivers: your category B license now covers heavier electric and hybrid vehicles up to 4.25 tonnes, as long as you've held the license for at least 2 years and complete a practical course. No new exam required.”
Stricter Trailer Towing Regulations and Penalties
Effective 1. јануар 2026.
Basic towing rules
General rules for towing trailers with category B license with less severe penalties
Criminal offense for violations
Towing an unregistered trailer is now a criminal offense with fines over 4,000 lei or imprisonment; maximum 3,500 kg for vehicle-trailer combination; mandatory functional braking systems
Official Source: Romanian Road Code Update
Instructor's Tip
“Trailer regulations are much stricter now. Towing an unregistered trailer can result in criminal charges - fines over 4,000 lei or even imprisonment. Always ensure your trailer is registered, insured, and the total combination doesn't exceed 3,500 kg with a standard B license.”
Changes by Category
⚠️Penalties & Fines(1)
Stricter Trailer Towing Regulations and Penalties
Effective 1. јануар 2026.
Basic towing rules
General rules for towing trailers with category B license with less severe penalties
Criminal offense for violations
Towing an unregistered trailer is now a criminal offense with fines over 4,000 lei or imprisonment; maximum 3,500 kg for vehicle-trailer combination; mandatory functional braking systems
Official Source: Romanian Road Code Update
📋Licensing(2)
Category B License Extended to 4.25 Tonnes for EVs
Effective 1. јануар 2026.
3.5 tonne limit for category B
Standard category B license limited to vehicles up to 3,500 kg gross weight
4.25 tonnes for electric/hybrid
Drivers with category B license held for 2+ years can operate electric or hybrid vehicles up to 4,250 kg after completing a practical course without exam
Official Source: EU Directive 2023/2123
Digital Driver License Introduction
Effective 1. јануар 2026.
Physical card only
Only physical driver license card accepted as proof of driving authorization
Digital license alongside physical
Digital driver license introduced alongside physical version as part of EU Digital Identity Wallet rollout; accepted for domestic use
Official Source: EU eIDAS 2 Regulation
🛡️Safety Rules(1)
EU GSR2 Phase 3: Advanced Driver Distraction Warning
Effective 7. јул 2026.
Basic ADAS only
Since July 2024, new cars required basic systems including AEB, ISA, lane-keeping, and drowsiness warning
Camera-based distraction monitoring
All new cars sold in Romania must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) with camera monitoring to detect phone use or inattention
Official Source: EU General Safety Regulation 2
Instructor Tips
Re: EU GSR2 Phase 3: Advanced Driver Distraction Warning
Instructor's Tip
“EU GSR2 Phase 3 adds camera-based distraction monitoring from July 2026. Your car will warn you if you look away from the road. AEB, ISA, and lane-keeping were already mandatory from July 2024.”
Re: Category B License Extended to 4.25 Tonnes for EVs
Instructor's Tip
“Good news for EV drivers: your category B license now covers heavier electric and hybrid vehicles up to 4.25 tonnes, as long as you've held the license for at least 2 years and complete a practical course. No new exam required.”
Re: Stricter Trailer Towing Regulations and Penalties
Instructor's Tip
“Trailer regulations are much stricter now. Towing an unregistered trailer can result in criminal charges - fines over 4,000 lei or even imprisonment. Always ensure your trailer is registered, insured, and the total combination doesn't exceed 3,500 kg with a standard B license.”
Re: Digital Driver License Introduction
Instructor's Tip
“Romania is introducing a digital driver license that works alongside your physical card. It will be part of the EU Digital Identity Wallet. For now, keep your physical license for international travel.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive heavier electric vehicles with my category B license in Romania?
What happens if I tow an unregistered trailer in Romania?
What new safety features are mandatory in cars sold in Romania?
Is a digital driver license available in Romania?
Sources & Methodology
All rule changes are sourced from official government transport agencies and legal publications. AutoviaTest is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with any government agency. Rules may be subject to change before their effective dates.
Information last verified: 2026-02-01
Primary Sources:
- DRPCIV / Ministry of Internal Affairs — Official regulatory body
- EU General Safety Regulation 2 — EU GSR2 Phase 3: Advanced Driver Distraction Warning
- EU Directive 2023/2123 — Category B License Extended to 4.25 Tonnes for EVs
- Romanian Road Code Update — Stricter Trailer Towing Regulations and Penalties
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
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