Romania Driving Guide: Rules, Tolls and Local Etiquette

Driving in Romania gives you the freedom to explore beyond the main cities — mountain passes, painted monasteries, Saxon villages and the Danube Delta are all easier to reach by car. But before you set off, it helps to understand the rules of the road, the paperwork you need and the unwritten customs that keep things running smoothly.

Getting started

To drive legally in Romania, you need a valid full driving licence. Most EU and UK licences are accepted, and an International Driving Permit is recommended for non-EU visitors. You must carry your vehicle registration document and proof of insurance. Third-party liability insurance is compulsory; your own policy may cover you, but check before travelling.

Vehicles must be fitted with a warning triangle, a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher. Reflective jackets are not mandatory but are useful if you break down at night. Headlamp beam deflectors are required for right-hand-drive cars.

Speed limits

Romanian speed limits are clearly signposted. In built-up areas the limit is 50 km/h, on open roads outside towns it is 90 km/h, on expressways 100 km/h and on motorways 130 km/h. Limits may be lower in adverse weather or in areas with many pedestrians.

Speed cameras are common, and fines are issued on the spot. Always slow down when entering a village — even if the sign is small, the limit applies immediately.

Tolls and vignette

To use national roads and motorways, you need an electronic vignette (rovigneta). It can be bought online, at border crossings, petrol stations or post offices. The vignette is linked to your registration number, so you do not need to display anything on the windscreen. Make sure you buy the right duration — a day pass is not available; the minimum is one week.

Some bridges, such as the one over the Danube at Fetești, have a separate toll, paid in cash or by card at the booth.

Road conditions

Motorways connect Bucharest with the coast, the mountains and the western border, but many secondary roads are narrow and winding. In rural areas, expect potholes, uneven surfaces and occasional horse-drawn carts. Drive defensively and be prepared for slow-moving traffic.

Winter driving requires snow tyres on certain mountain roads, and snow chains may be needed on high passes. Always check the weather forecast before heading into the Carpathians between November and March.

Local customs

Romanian drivers are generally courteous but assertive. Hazard lights are used to say thank you — for example, when someone lets you merge. It is common to flash headlights to warn of a police checkpoint or hazard ahead. When turning left at a junction, drivers often wait in the middle of the intersection, so be patient.

Drink-driving is strictly forbidden: the legal blood alcohol limit is zero. Seat belts are compulsory for all passengers, and children under 12 must sit in the back with appropriate restraints.

Parking

In city centres, parking is often paid and controlled by meters or mobile apps. Look for blue lines and signs; parking on yellow lines or in resident-only zones can result in fines or clamping. In smaller towns and villages, you can usually park for free, but avoid blocking driveways or entrances.

When parking on a slope, leave the car in gear and turn the wheels towards the kerb. It is also polite to park in the direction of traffic on one-way streets.

Safety tips

Keep your doors locked in urban areas and do not leave valuables visible. In the countryside, watch for animals on the road, especially sheep, cows and dogs. If you are involved in an accident, do not move the vehicles until the police arrive, and call 112 for emergencies.

With a little preparation, driving in Romania is a rewarding way to discover the country at your own pace. Enjoy the journey.