Driving in Romania with a Foreign Licence – What You Need to Know
Welcome, road‑trippers! If you’re planning a road adventure across the Carpathians, the Black Sea coast, or the medieval towns of Transylvania, you’ll quickly discover that Romania’s scenery is as diverse as its driving regulations. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to drive legally and safely in Romania with a foreign licence.
1. Quick‑Start Checklist
| ✅ Action | 📋 What You Need | 📅 When to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Check licence validity | Original foreign driving licence (must be in force) | Before you leave home |
| Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) | Valid national licence + IDP (photo‑card style) | 2‑4 weeks before travel |
| Arrange insurance | Third‑party liability (“RCA”) proof, optional CDW/TPF | Upon car rental or before registering your own vehicle |
| Carry required documents | Licence, IDP, passport, vehicle registration, insurance certificate | Every time you get behind the wheel |
| Familiarise yourself with local rules | Speed limits, road signage, alcohol limits | Before you start driving |
| Plan emergency numbers | 112 (EU emergency), 0800‑10‑222 (road assistance) | Keep saved in your phone |
Pro tip: Print a copy of all documents and store them separately from the originals—Romanian police may ask for them at a border checkpoint or a traffic stop.
2. Do You Need an International Driving Permit?
| Country of Licence | IDP Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EU / EEA (e.g., Germany, France, Spain) | No – EU licences are directly recognised | Still advisable to carry an IDP for police who may not be fluent in English |
| USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea | Yes – Romania requires an IDP in addition to the home licence | The 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna convention IDP is accepted |
| Other non‑EU nations (e.g., Brazil, India) | Yes – IDP mandatory | Some countries may need a translation certified by the Romanian consulate |
Bottom line: If your licence is not from an EU/EEA member state, obtain an IDP before you depart. The permit costs typically €15‑€25 and is valid for one year.
3. Legal Requirements for Driving a Foreign‑Registered Vehicle
| Situation | Required Paperwork | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist with rental car | Rental agreement, valid insurance (RCA), IDP if needed | No extra registration needed |
| Own car from abroad (temporary stay) | Original registration, proof of ownership, insurance, customs declaration (if > 6 months) | Up to 90 days without Romanian registration |
| Long‑term stay ( > 90 days) | Romanian registration, technical inspection (ITP), local insurance, road tax | Must register within 30 days of crossing the border |
Tip: If you plan to stay longer than three months, consider importing the vehicle. The process involves customs duties, a one‑time registration fee (≈ €100), and an annual road tax (≈ €30‑€50 depending on engine size).
4. Road‑Safety Essentials You Shouldn’t Forget
- Speed limits –
- 50 km/h in built‑up areas (unless otherwise posted)
- 90 km/h on open roads, 100 km/h on expressways, 130 km/h on motorways
- Blood‑Alcohol Limit – 0.0 ‰ (zero tolerance). Even a single drink can lead to a fine and licence suspension.
- Seat‑belt & Child‑seat rules – Mandatory for all passengers. Children under 12 kg must sit in an appropriate child‑restraint system.
- Lighting – Low‑beam headlights are compulsory from sunset to sunrise and during reduced visibility (rain, fog). Day‑time running lights are optional but recommended.
- Winter tyres – Mandatory from 1 November to 31 March if conditions demand it (snow/ice). Studded tyres are allowed only from 1 December to 31 March.
- Mobile phones – Hands‑free only. Using a handheld phone while driving results in a €50 fine.
5. What to Expect at the Border
When you cross into Romania, border officers may ask for:
- Your passport (or national ID if you’re an EU citizen)
- Your foreign driving licence (original)
- International Driving Permit (if required)
- Vehicle registration and proof of insurance
If you’re traveling with a rental car, the rental company will usually provide a “Border Crossing Permit” (also called a “Carnet de Passage”). Keep it handy; the officer may stamp it.
Common pitfall: Forgetting to switch your vehicle’s headlights to the “right‑hand” position (the low‑beam dip). Romanian police often stop drivers who haven’t dimmed their lights after sunset.
6. Renting a Car in Romania – Step‑by‑Step
- Choose a reputable company – International brands (Europcar, Sixt, Hertz) and local firms (Autonom, Avis Romania).
- Book online – Early bookings lock in lower rates and guarantee availability in high‑season (June‑August).
- Pick‑up – Present passport, foreign licence, and IDP (if needed). The agent will scan your licence and issue a rental agreement.
- Inspect the car – Note any pre‑existing scratches or dents on the contract. Take photos.
- Insurance options –
- CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) – Reduces your excess to €0‑€500.
- TPF (Theft Protection) – Covers loss or theft.
- Super‑CDW – Full coverage with zero deductible.
- Pay the deposit – Usually a credit‑card hold of €500‑€1,000.
Money‑saving tip: If your personal car insurance or credit‑card benefits already cover rental cars, you may decline the extra CDW, but keep the rental company’s policy documents in case of a claim.
7. Navigating Romanian Roads – Practical Advice
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Mountain passes (e.g., Transfăgărășan) | Check weather forecasts; snow chains may be required even in spring. Drive at 40‑50 km/h on sharp bends. |
| Urban traffic (Bucharest, Cluj‑Napoca) | Expect congested rush‑hour periods (7‑9 am, 5‑7 pm). Use “viață” (life) lanes for public transport where available. |
| Rural gravel roads | Keep a safe distance; many villages lack proper street lighting. |
| Toll roads (A1, A2, A3) | Payment is electronic via “Rovinieta” stickers (valid for 7 days, 30 days, or a year). Purchase at border points, post offices, or online. |
| Parking | In city centres, look for blue‑marked “parking paid” zones (pay at nearby kiosks). Illegal parking can result in a €25‑€100 fine and vehicle towing. |
How to Get a Rovinieta (Road Tax Sticker)
- Online: Visit the official platform https://www.rovinieta.ro (English version available).
- In‑person: Purchase at gas stations, post offices, or border checkpoints.
- Cost (2024 rates):
- 7‑day sticker: €3‑€4
- 30‑day sticker: €7‑€9
- Annual sticker: €70‑€80
Remember: The sticker must be affixed to the windshield’s lower‑right corner. Failure to display it draws a €30‑€100 fine.
8. Emergency Situations – Who to Call
| Emergency | Phone Number | What to Say |
|---|---|---|
| Police, accident, crime | 112 (EU emergency) | “I am involved in a traffic accident on the DN1 near Brașov. My car is a Renault Clio, licence plate B‑12‑XYZ.” |
| Road assistance (breakdown) | 0800‑10‑222 (Romanian Automobile Club) | “My car broke down on the A3 near Ploiești. I need a tow to the nearest garage.” |
| Medical emergency | 112 | “I need an ambulance, I am at the Hospital Street, Timișoara.” |
Keep these numbers saved under “Emergency” in your phone and write them on a small card in your glove compartment.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I drive in Romania with just my US driver’s licence?
A: No. Romania does not recognise a US licence alone. You must carry a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your US licence.
Q2. How long can I use my foreign‑registered car without Romanian registration?
A: Up to 90 days for tourists. After that, you must register the vehicle in Romania, obtain a Romanian licence plate, and pass the technical inspection (ITP).
Q3. What happens if I’m caught driving without a seat‑belt?
A: The fine is €30 for the driver and €15 per passenger. Repeated offences may lead to licence points and higher penalties.
Q4. Are there any toll‑free highways in Romania?
A: Yes. The “DN” national roads (e.g., DN7, DN1) are toll‑free, but they can be slower and less maintained than the motorways (A‑roads) that require a Rovinieta.
Q5. Do I need to wear winter tyres in the Carpathian region?
A: From 1 November to 31 March, winter tyres (M+S) are mandatory when road conditions demand them (snow, ice). Studded tyres are allowed only between 1 December and 31 March.
Q6. Can I drive a manual transmission car if I only have an automatic licence?
A: In Romania, a licence does not differentiate between manual and automatic. If your home licence allows you to drive a manual car, you can do so in Romania; otherwise, you must stick to automatic vehicles.
Q7. How are traffic violations recorded?
A: Romania uses a point‑system. Each offence adds points (e.g., speeding 20 km/h over limit = 3 points). Accumulating 12 points within a year leads to licence suspension.
Q8. Is it legal to use a GPS navigation app while driving?
A: Yes, provided you use a hands‑free mount and do not operate the phone while the vehicle is moving. The police may request to see the device if they suspect distracted driving.
10. Final Thoughts – Your Road‑Ready Checklist
- Passport & ID – Keep them together with your licence.
- Foreign licence + IDP – Verify expiry dates.
- Rovinieta sticker – Affixed correctly on the windshield.
- Insurance documents – RCA proof, CDW/TPF if rented.
- Emergency numbers – 112 and 0800‑10‑222 saved.
- Winter gear – Snow chains, winter tyres, blankets (mountain routes).
- Local knowledge – Familiarise yourself with speed limits and road signs (most are similar to EU standards).
Armed with the right paperwork, a dash of caution, and a sense of adventure, you’ll find Romania’s winding roads as inviting as its folklore. From the misty forests of Maramureș to the sun‑kissed beaches of Constanța, every kilometre promises a story—just remember to drive responsibly, respect local laws, and enjoy the ride.
Safe travels! 🚗💨