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.
