Driving in Romania

Overview

Romania rewards adventurous drivers with some of Europe’s most dramatic mountain roads, medieval towns, and vast rural landscapes. The Transfagarasan Highway, made famous by Top Gear, winds through the Carpathians with hairpin turns and stunning views. Transylvania offers castle-to-castle driving through rolling hills and fortified churches.

Romania drives on the right side of the road. Infrastructure has improved significantly in recent years, with new motorways connecting Bucharest to major cities. However, rural roads often share space with horse-drawn carts, and mountain passes require careful navigation.

License & Documents

• EU license holders: Can drive in Romania with a valid EU driving license. No IDP required.
• Non-EU visitors: A valid domestic license is accepted for up to 90 days. An International Driving Permit is strongly recommended for licenses not in Latin script or English, as it simplifies interactions with police and rental agencies.
• Carry at all times: License, passport, vehicle registration (Carte Verde or rental agreement), and proof of insurance.
• Minimum age: 18 years to drive in Romania.

Rules of the Road

• Drive on the right, overtake on the left
• Give way to the right at unmarked intersections
• BAC limit: 0.00% for drivers with less than 2 years of experience; 0.08% for experienced drivers. Zero tolerance is increasingly enforced.
• Seat belts: Mandatory for all occupants. Children under 12 or under 1.35 m must use appropriate child restraints.
• Headlights: Must be on at all times, day and night, from November to March. Year-round use is recommended.
• Mobile phones: Hands-free only. Using a handheld device while driving incurs fines.
• Winter tires: Mandatory from November to March when road conditions require them.
• Speed cameras: Fixed and mobile cameras are common. Fines are issued and can be substantial.

Road Conditions & Types

Motorways and National Roads

Romania’s motorway network has expanded considerably. The A1 connects Bucharest to Pitesti and beyond; the A2 runs to Constanta on the Black Sea; the A3 links Bucharest to Ploiesti and Brasov. Surface quality varies from excellent on newer sections to adequate on older stretches.

• e-Rovinieta vignette: Mandatory for all motorways and national roads. Purchase online at rovinieta.ro or at border crossings, fuel stations, and post offices. Daily, weekly, monthly, and annual options available.
• Speed limit: 130 km/h on motorways, 100 km/h on express roads, 90 km/h on rural roads, 50 km/h in built-up areas (unless otherwise signed).

Transfagarasan Highway (DN7C)

The Transfagarasan is one of the world’s most spectacular drives. It climbs to over 2,000 meters through the Fagaras Mountains, with sharp switchbacks and tunnels. Open roughly from late June to October; check current status before traveling.

• Drive cautiously: narrow sections, steep drops, and tourist traffic
• Fuel up before ascending; services are limited
• Allow a full day for the crossing with stops

Transylvania and Rural Roads

Transylvania’s roads wind through villages, past fortified churches, and alongside forests. Expect:

• Horse-drawn carts: Legal and common. They often lack lights and reflectors. Pass only when safe and give wide clearance.
• Livestock: Cows, sheep, and goats may cross or graze near roads.
• Narrow lanes: Many village roads are single-lane with passing places.
• Potholes: Older secondary roads may have uneven surfaces. Reduce speed accordingly.

Mountain Passes

Besides the Transfagarasan, consider the Transalpina (DN67C), the Transbucegi, and passes through the Apuseni Mountains. All require careful driving, especially in bad weather.

Fuel & Charging

• Fuel types: Unleaded 95 (Euro Super), Unleaded 98 (Super Plus), Diesel. LPG available at many stations.
• Prices: Generally lower than in Western Europe. Pay in Romanian Lei (RON) or card.
• Payment: Most stations accept cards. Some rural stations may prefer cash.
• EV charging: Growing network in cities and along major routes. Coverage is still limited in remote areas. Plan charging stops in advance.

Parking

• Cities: Metered parking in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Brasov, and other urban centers. Use parking apps or pay at machines.
• Blue zone: Paid parking; display ticket or use app.
• Yellow zone: Often restricted to residents or short stays.
• Rural areas: Free parking is common; avoid blocking farm access or village roads.
• Fines: Illegal parking is enforced. Unpaid fines can complicate rental returns.

Tolls & Fees

• e-Rovinieta: Electronic vignette required for motorways and national roads. No physical sticker; registration is electronic. Ensure your license plate is correctly registered when purchasing.
• Bridge tolls: Some bridges (e.g., across the Danube) have separate tolls.
• Rental cars: Verify that your rental includes vignette or that you purchase it and register the rental plate.

Car Rental Tips

• Major companies: Europcar, Sixt, Hertz, Avis, Budget, plus local operators.
• Pick-up: Bucharest airports and city centers have the widest selection.
• Insurance: CDW is standard. See our car rental insurance guide — consider full coverage for mountain and rural driving.
• Manual vs automatic: Manual transmission is more common and often cheaper. Specify automatic if needed.
• Winter driving: If traveling November to March, ensure winter tires are fitted. Some rental companies charge extra.
• One-way: Possible between major cities; expect drop-off fees.

Emergency Information

Service	Number
Universal Emergency	112
Police	112
Ambulance	112
Fire	112
Roadside Assistance	Check rental agreement or insurance

• 112 is the single emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance across the EU.
• Keep your rental company’s contact details and insurance documents accessible.
• In remote areas, mobile coverage may be patchy. Inform someone of your route when driving in mountains.

Cultural Tips

• Horse carts: Treat them as full vehicles. Do not honk aggressively; wait for a safe place to pass.
• Patience: Rural drivers may drive slowly. Overtake only when visibility is clear.
• Honking: Used sparingly. Excessive honking is considered rude.
• Parking: Do not block driveways, farm gates, or village squares. Locals depend on access.
• Road conditions: Check weather and road status before mountain drives. Conditions can change quickly.

Useful Resources

• e-Rovinieta official site
• Romanian Traffic Police
• Transfagarasan road status
• Romania tourism

Related Destinations

• Hungary
• Greece
• Turkey