RomaniaRomania
Traffic rules
Romania
1. Romania
Romania lies in southeastern Central Europe, bordering Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine and Moldova, with a coastline on the Black Sea. The Carpathian Mountains arc through the country, while the Danube forms much of its southern border, creating a varied driving environment of mountain passes, broad plains, busy national roads and growing motorway and expressway networks. Traffic drives on the right. Romanian is the official language and is normally used for written information on road signs, while most regulatory and warning signs use internationally recognisable European symbols.
A particularly important rule for visitors is Romania's electronic rovinieta, required on much of the national road network. Romania introduced its new electronic road-charging infrastructure in 2026, with the rovinieta and distance-based TollRo tariffs applying through the new system since 1 October 2026. TollRo covers qualifying goods and mixed-transport vehicles over 3.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass; passenger cars remain subject to the applicable rovinieta rules. Winter driving is another important consideration: winter tyres are mandatory whenever roads are covered with snow, ice or black ice, rather than during a fixed calendar period.
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Which number can you call in an emergency in Romania?
Call 112 for urgent emergency assistance. Give the operator your location and explain what happened.
🔗 serviciipublice.gov.ro • Romanian Government, emergency service 112
What is the alcohol limit for driving in Romania?
Romania applies zero tolerance for drink-driving. Do not drive after consuming alcohol: positive alcohol readings can lead to penalties.
🔗 europa.eu • Your Europe / national authorities, Romania road rules, Alcohol limits
What speed limits apply to passenger cars in Romania?
Built-up areas: The general maximum speed in built-up areas is 50 km/h. On certain signed sections, higher limits of up to 80 km/h may be established for category A and B vehicles.
Motorways: For category A and B vehicles, including ordinary passenger cars, the general motorway maximum is 130 km/h, unless a lower limit is signed.
Expressways: For category A and B vehicles, the general maximum on an expressway is 120 km/h, unless signs indicate otherwise.
European E-roads: For category A and B vehicles, the general maximum on national roads designated as European E-roads is 100 km/h, unless another limit is signed.
Other rural roads: For category A and B vehicles, the general maximum on other roads outside built-up areas is 90 km/h, unless signs impose another limit.
New drivers: Drivers with less than one year of driving experience must observe maximum speeds outside built-up areas that are 20 km/h lower than the normal maximum for their vehicle category.
What are the seat-belt and child-restraint rules in Romania?
Drivers and passengers must use seat belts where the vehicle is fitted with them, subject to limited legal exemptions.
Children 135 cm tall or shorter must normally use a suitable child restraint in a car equipped with safety systems. Above 135 cm, they may use an adult belt only if it is adjusted so that it does not cross their neck or face; otherwise use a suitable child restraint.
Child restraints normally go on the rear seats. A front-seat installation is allowed only where the manufacturer permits it and the corresponding frontal airbag is deactivated. Separate exemptions apply to taxis, public-transport vehicles and certified serious medical conditions.
Can you use a mobile phone while driving in Romania?
Using a handheld mobile phone while the vehicle is moving is prohibited. A phone equipped with a hands-free system may be used, provided the driver remains in proper control of the vehicle.
🔗 europa.eu • Your Europe / national authorities, Romania road rules, Mobile telephone
Are winter tyres mandatory in Romania?
Winter tyres are mandatory when driving on public roads covered with snow, ice or black ice. There is no fixed nationwide date on which passenger cars must change to winter tyres; the requirement depends on actual road conditions.
What safety equipment must a car carry in Romania?
A car must carry an approved first-aid kit, two reflective warning triangles and a fire extinguisher.
Can a visitor use a driving licence issued in another EU country in Romania?
Yes. A valid, full EU driving licence is recognised for the vehicle categories it covers. You must meet the applicable minimum age. A learner licence or a temporary replacement certificate does not have the same automatic recognition.
Are motorcycle helmets compulsory in Romania?
Yes. On an ordinary, open motorcycle, both the rider and passenger must wear a protective helmet. Use a helmet that meets the applicable approval requirements and fasten it correctly. Check the specific rules before relying on an exemption for an enclosed or specially equipped vehicle.
🔗 europa.eu • Your Europe / national authorities, Romania road rules
