Traffic rules Romania
In Germany, we have become accustomed and adapted to traffic regulations. However, traffic regulations are not the same in every country, and there are often traffic rules that don't exist in Germany at all. For example, speed limits differ, and the condition of the roads is also different. The traffic lights don't have a yellow phase, and where can you refuel? So that you can start your trip safely and relaxed, in this article you'll find everything about the traffic regulations and conditions in Romania.
The most important facts
If your vehicle already has damage when entering Romania, you must be sure to report it when crossing the border and have it documented. Vehicles that show visible damage after the trip may only leave the country with a police damage confirmation.
Rental cars: Although you can already drive a car in Romania at the age of 18, to rent a car there you must be at least 21 years old. In addition, you must have held your driving license for at least one year and should expect an additional young driver fee for those under 25.
In mountainous areas, there can also be road sections where snow chains are required.
After paying a fine, you should have a receipt issued to avoid misunderstandings and to have proof of your payment.
What do you need for the trip?
No international driving license is required for driving through Romania. The national German driving license is completely sufficient to drive a vehicle there. The driver must be at least 18 years old.
As proof of valid motor vehicle liability insurance, often just the German license plate is enough, but in Romania you additionally need the IVK (International Insurance Card). This shows that your car has liability insurance, and you can request the card free of charge from your car insurance company. This also includes checking with your car insurer before starting your trip to make sure you have sufficient insurance coverage.
Other things you must also bring with you include:
A fire extinguisher
A first aid kit
Enough warning vests for all passengers
A warning triangle
Everyone driving a vehicle through Romania must adhere to the local traffic regulations and the speed limit. Although locals sometimes overlook a road sign and drive somewhat recklessly, that doesn't mean the same is automatically allowed for you. You should drive defensively and carefully, as trucks and buses don't necessarily make an exception when it comes to following the rules and may abruptly swerve to avoid a pothole or start to overtake.
Since the road network in Romania is continuously being expanded and renewed, toll fees are an important source of income. The fees are collected using a digital vignette. The Romanian vignette (Rovinieta) is time-limited and applies to all motor vehicles, except motorcycles (which are exempt from the vignette requirement). Thanks to this system, you don't have to stop at toll stations, making your journey easier. To avoid stress, you can already purchase the digital Romania vignette here with us before starting your trip. The fees depend on the vehicle category and the duration of road use. You can find more information on the toll in our guide.
Here you'll find all Romanian vehicle classes:
Category A: Cars & motorhomes
Category B: Small vans
Category C: Vehicles
Category D: Vehicles (2 axles) > 7.5t-12t GVW
Category E: Vehicles from 12t GVW (2-3 axles)
Category F: Vehicles from 12t GVW (from 4 axles)
Category G: Cars with 9-23 seats (incl. driver)
Category H: Cars with > 23 seats (incl. driver)
If you would like to buy vignettes from us, you can do so stress-free before your trip.
However, if you'd rather buy the vignette on-site or at a border crossing, that's of course also possible. Cameras and sensors automatically check whether a valid digital or sticker vignette is present. The vignette requirement applies to all roads in the country, except for sections of national roads that lie within municipal boundaries between the entry and exit signs. For the Danube crossings towards Bulgaria, an additional special toll must be paid.
Sections subject to special tolls:
Regardless of the vignette, Danube crossings (by bridge or ferry) are considered subject to a special toll. This means that, in addition to your vignette, you must pay a fee for using the following routes:
Calafat (RO) - Vidin (BG) bridge
Giurgiu (RO) - Ruse (BG) bridge
Fetesti (RO) - Cernavoda (RO) bridge
Giurgeni (RO) - Vadu Oii (RO) bridge
Turnu Magurele (RO) - Nikopol (BG) ferry
Zimnicea (RO) - Svishtov (BG) ferry
Bechet (RO) - Oreahovo (BG) ferry
You can pay the additional toll directly on-site.
What is the condition of the roads?
Most sights can be reached easily by car, as the road network around major cities and important traffic hubs is in good condition and similar to the German standard.
On smaller roads and in remote areas, roads may be undeveloped and off-road-like, requiring special caution.
Speed limits and rules
Especially during the summer months, there may be random speed checks. However, you should stick to the speed limit and traffic rules not only because of this, but also for safety reasons. If you violate them, you could face fines or even have your driving license revoked and be banned from driving.
Speed limits apply nationwide, unless road signs indicate an exception. For novice drivers, who have held their driving license for less than a year, the speed limits outside built-up areas, on expressways, and on motorways are each 20 km/h lower.
Maximum speeds for novice drivers (driving licenseMotorways: 110 km/h Expressways: 80 km/h Outside built-up areas: 70 km/h In built-up areas: 50 km/hMaximum speedsMotorways: 130 km/h Expressways: 100 km/h Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h In built-up areas: 50 km/hFines
Fines can be imposed directly by the police on-site. Since the behavior and regulations of the Romanian police may differ from the German police, you should remember to have a receipt issued by the police. This way, in case of misunderstandings or sudden changes, you'll have proof of your payment.
Unlike in Germany, you can receive up to a 50% discount if you pay the fine within two days. This rule applies in many countries. So if you take care of paying your fine in time, you won't provoke an even higher penalty and might even get away with a lower fine.
Of course, this depends on the offense and the discretion of the police.
Fines for speeding violations:
20 km/h over the limit: from 60 euros
50 km/h over the limit: from 265 euros
Fines for other violations
No warning vest when leaving the vehicle, e.g. in the event of an accident: from 45 euros
Violation of the seatbelt requirement: from 60 euros
No valid vignette: from 80 euros
Using a phone while driving: from 115 euros
Running a red light: from 175 euros
Illegal parking: up to 175 euros
Drink driving: from 265 euros
The fine for alcohol at the wheel is so high partly for safety reasons, because in Romania the blood alcohol limit is 0.0%, and doing so endangers not only your own safety but also the safety of other drivers.
What happens if you violate Romanian traffic law?
If you violate the Romanian road traffic regulations, the police there can confiscate your driving license and issue you a driving ban for Romania. You will then receive a certificate that allows you to continue driving in Romania for 15 more days from the date of issue before the ban takes effect. During these 15 days, you can appeal the police's decision and apply for the (provisional) return of your driving license. If you are only staying in Romania briefly, 24 hours after your driving license has been confiscated, you can apply to have your driving license handed back to you one day before you leave Romania for another country. To do so, you must submit the following documents to the relevant traffic police office:
A declaration to be submitted to a notary, in which you state the day of your departure
A copy of your flight, train, or bus ticket, if you are not leaving by car
A copy of the "Dovada" (see above: the certificate allowing you to drive in Romania for 15 days without a driving license)
A copy of the police report ("proces verbal")
A copy of the proof of payment of the imposed fine
A copy of your ID card/passport.
If you do not submit an application, the driving license will be sent to the German Embassy after about 15 days. The driving license is sent from the local traffic police, via the district police and the Bucharest police's road traffic directorate, to the German Embassy. The embassy then forwards your driving license via the Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt) in Flensburg to the responsible German authority. Since the driving license is not sent directly, but via several stations to the Federal Motor Transport Authority, this can take several weeks.
General basic traffic regulations
Lights requirement
In Romania, on motorways and outside built-up areas, there is a general daytime lights requirement all year round. In Germany, on the other hand, there is no general daytime lights requirement. This only applies to cars. For motorcycles, lights must be on even within built-up areas, and they must also be driven with dipped headlights or daytime running lights switched on during the day. This applies in both Romania and Germany.
Traffic checks
During a traffic check in Romania, the driver must keep their hands on the steering wheel. No one, including passengers, may open a car door, and the police's instructions must be followed.
Overtaking
On bridges, strict no-overtaking rules apply.
Traffic lights
Traffic lights in Romania often have no yellow phase between red and green. The change is often announced by a countdown timer. Depending on the turning options, there are sometimes two traffic lights directly next to each other. If one light is green and the other is red, only those in the direction the arrow points may drive. If the arrow points left, but you're in the right-turn lane, you must wait until your arrow also turns green.
Roundabouts
Roundabouts are more common in Romania than in Germany. In addition, they often consist of several lanes. To avoid ending up in the wrong lane or blocking others, it's important to know the rules for roundabouts. First, you must signal left for as long as you intend to remain in the roundabout. When you're about to take your exit, signal right in good time. There are also rules for getting into the correct lane. For example, if the roundabout has three lanes and three exits and you want to take the first exit, get into the right lane. If you want to take the second exit, get into the middle lane, and if you want to take the third exit, get into the left lane beforehand. This way, several cars can drive through the multi-lane roundabout at once without chaos, since everyone taking a different exit will already be positioned in the correct lane in advance.
Refueling and charging
Refueling works just like in Germany. Prices are roughly at the European average. Usually a bit below that.
For electric cars, charging options are somewhat more limited, as there are fewer gas stations with charging functionality. However, it is largely fine. There are several charging options in cities. In rural areas, you cannot rely on this.
Tires
In snow or ice and in wintry road conditions in general, winter tires (M+S marking) must be used.
If the roads are covered with snow and ice, especially in mountainous areas, it is recommended to use snow chains.
Spikes are prohibited, just as in Germany.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant trip!
Driving in Romania is not much more dangerous or difficult than in Germany. Be sure to drive more defensively and carefully than in Germany and to follow the traffic regulations described in this guide. With a bit of preparation and by following the rules, you shouldn't run into any problems.
We wish you a good trip and an unforgettable travel adventure. Feel free to use our route planner for your planning. If you have any questions, you can reach us anytime by email.
