Driving in Romania.
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The land of castles.
Romania is a diverse country that offers a variety of locations to visit and explore. The seaport town of Constanta is located on the Black Sea coast and is a popular destination for many visitors. Legendary Transylvania makes up a large portion of northern Romania and is also a great place to visit. There are many mountains in this region, which can be a challenge in poor weather conditions.
Renting a car is a fantastic way to discover this country with everything from traditional churches to forests and seaside escapes.
Read our Romania travel guide, you may also like to view information about destinations in Romania.
Tips for driving in Romania
Driving licence
A UK paper driving licence is only valid when accompanied by photographic proof of identity, e.g. passport.
Which side of the road do they drive on?
Drive on the right, overtake on the left. Trams are to be overtaken on the right. Moving trams may be overtaken on the left in a one way street or if there’s not enough room to overtake on the right.
Seat belts
If fitted, seat belts must be worn at all times by all occupants of the vehicle.
Driving with children
Children under 12 cannot travel in the front seat of a vehicle.
Blood alcohol limit
Romania operates a strict zero tolerance to drink driving.
Can I use a mobile?
It’s illegal to use a mobile unless you have a hands-free kit. Fines can be as high as €730.
Reflective vests, triangles & other essentials
A reflective vest must be kept in the vehicle at all times. It is compulsory to carry a warning triangle, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher.
Do I need winter tyres?
Between November 1st and March 1st, vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres.
Snow chains can be compulsory where the road is heavily covered with snow and no damage to the road surface is caused by the snow chains.
Parking
Parking is allowed on the right side of the street and cars must be parked in the direction of the traffic.
On the spot fines
The Romanian police are authorised to impose and collect on the spot fines for violations of traffic regulations. Foreign motorists may have their driving licenses suspended by the Romanian police.
Horns and headlights
Use dipped headlights or passing lights outside built-up areas at all times.
The use of a horn is prohibited between 22:00 & 06:00 in built up areas.
Variable speed limits
If you have held a license for less than 1 year you are restricted to a speed limit of 20kph below the indicated speed.
Do I need a vignette to drive on the motorway?
All vehicles using Romanian motorways and expressways must display a motorway tax sticker (vignette). The stickers, which are valid for one week, 30 days, 90 days, or 1 year, may be purchased at some petrol stations located close to the border in neighbouring countries.
This vignette (known as Rovinette) is available from petrol stations in the vicinity and at the borders. Fines for driving without a vignette can be severe (around €4,000).
What should I do if I breakdown?
If you breakdown, you must put on a reflective jacket and place the reflective triangle 30m behind the vehicle to warn other drivers. Call the supplier who will be able to advise you further.
It is recommended you contact ourselves at the same time to ensure you follow the correct procedure.
What should I do if I have an accident?
If you’re in an accident, you MUST notify the Police and the car rental provider and get an accident report for insurance purposes. Failure to do so may result in you footing the whole bill. It is recommended that you contact ourselves at the same time to ensure you follow the correct procedure.
Book nowPlaces to hire in Romania
- Bacau International Airport (BCM)
- Baia Mare
- Baia Mare Airport (BAY)
- Baia Mare Rail Station
- Brasov
- Brasov Railway Station
- Brasov-Ghimbav International Airport (GHV)
- Bucharest
- Bucharest Baneasa Airport (BBU)
- Bucharest Otopeni Airport (OTP)
- Bucharest Otopeni Railway Station
- Bucharest Railway Station
- Cluj-Napoca Airport (CLJ)
- Cluj-Napoca Railway Station
- Craiova Airport (CRA)
- Iasi Airport (IAS)
- Oradea Airport (OMR)
- Oradea Railway Station
- Otopeni
- Satu Mare Airport (SUJ)
- Satu Mare Railway Station
- Sibiu Airport (SBZ)
- Sibiu Railway Station
- Suceava International Airport (SCV)
- Targu Mures Airport (TGM)
- Timisoara Airport (TSR)
- Timisoara Railway Station
Average customer rating for car hire in Romania
(4.26 out of 5.00) based on 19 responses to our customer survey.
Speed limits
- Motorways - 130 kph / 80mph
- Open roads - 90 kph / 56mph
- Built up areas - 50 kph / 31mph
Phone numbers
- Police - 112
- Fire - 112
- Ambulance - 112
Useful phrases
- Danger - Pericol
- Diesel - Diesel
- Exit - Iesire
- Filling station - Benzinarie
- Petrol - Benzina
- Prohibited - Interzise
- Right of way - Drept de trecere
- Roadworks - Lucrari de drumuri
- Slow - Lent
Fuel
Credit cards are acceptable at most filling stations throughout Romania. Make sure you have plenty of fuel in your tank as gas stations can be few and far between outside of the major cities.
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