Renting a car in Romania gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. This guide covers everything you need to know — from driving rules and toll systems to insurance and cross-border policies.
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Winter tires mandatory (Nov 1 - Mar 31 (winter tires mandatory in winter conditions)) (Nov 1 - Mar 31 (winter tires mandatory in winter conditions))
| License From | IDP Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US | Yes | IDP required alongside US license |
| UK | No | UK license accepted for up to 90 days |
| AU | Yes | IDP required alongside Australian license |
| CA | Yes | IDP required alongside Canadian license |
Always book full insurance (SCDW) through your rental company or a third-party like DiscoverCars — credit card coverage often has exclusions for Romania.
Rovinieta e-vignette required for all national roads and motorways; 7-day pass ~€3.50, 30-day ~€7
| Zone | Limit (km/h) |
|---|---|
| Urban areas | 50 |
| Rural roads | 90 |
| Motorway | 130 |
100 on expressways; 120 on dual carriageways outside towns
| Offense | Fine Range |
|---|---|
| Speeding 20over | RON 580-1,160 (~€115-230) |
| No Seatbelt | RON 580-870 (~€115-175) |
| Phone Use | RON 580-870 (~€115-175) |
| Drink Driving | Criminal offense — license suspension + possible imprisonment |
Allowed: EU countries, Moldova, Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia
Restricted: Ukraine, Some companies restrict Moldova and non-EU destinations
Typical fee: €25-50 cross-border fee
Book your Romania rental at least 3 weeks in advance — last-minute prices can be 40-60% higher during peak season.
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It depends on your home country. US license holders: Yes, IDP required. IDP required alongside US license UK license holders: No IDP needed. UK license accepted for up to 90 days AU license holders: Yes, IDP required. IDP required alongside Australian license CA license holders: Yes, IDP required. IDP required alongside Canadian license
The minimum rental age is 21. Drivers under 25 typically pay a young driver surcharge of €8-15/day under 25.
Romania uses a vignette toll system. Rovinieta e-vignette required for all national roads and motorways; 7-day pass ~€3.50, 30-day ~€7 Payment methods: online, petrol stations, border crossings. Average cost is about €1.20 per 100km.
Urban: 50 km/h, Rural: 90 km/h, Motorway: 130 km/h. 100 on expressways; 120 on dual carriageways outside towns
Allowed to: EU countries, Moldova, Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia. Restrictions: Ukraine, Some companies restrict Moldova and non-EU destinations. Cross-border fee: €25-50 cross-border fee.
Yes, winter tires are mandatory. Snow chains: when-signposted. Period: Nov 1 - Mar 31 (winter tires mandatory in winter conditions).