🇷🇴 Drive Romania with Confidence
Know the rules. Carry the right documents. Enjoy the road.
Do You Need an IDP in Romania?
Recommended — Required by Most Rental Companies
EU/EEA license holders can drive freely in Romania. Non-EU visitors should carry an IDP alongside their domestic license. Rental companies including Hertz, Europcar, and Autonom require non-EU drivers to present an IDP at the counter. Romanian police frequently conduct roadside checks, especially on national roads.
Transfagarasan Highway
The Transfagarasan (DN7C) is one of the most spectacular mountain roads in the world, crossing the Carpathians at 2,042m. It is only open from late June to late October. The road features dramatic hairpin turns, tunnels, and breathtaking views. Check the opening status before planning your route — conditions change yearly.
Driving Rules in Romania
Drive on the Right
Romania drives on the right. Headlights must be on at all times outside built-up areas. At unmarked intersections, traffic from the right has priority. Horn usage is prohibited in built-up areas except for emergencies.
RO-Vignette Required
An RO-vignette (rovinieta) is mandatory for all national roads and motorways. Options: 7 days (RON 16), 30 days (RON 32), or 12 months (RON 96). Purchase online at roviniete.ro or at gas stations. Cameras enforce compliance with fines from RON 250.
Zero Alcohol Tolerance
Romania has a strict 0.0% blood alcohol limit. Any detectable alcohol results in criminal charges, heavy fines, and license suspension. Police checkpoints are common throughout the country, particularly on weekends and near tourist areas.
Speed Limits & Hazards
Urban: 50 km/h. Rural: 90–100 km/h. Motorways: 130 km/h. Watch for horse-drawn carts and livestock on rural roads, especially in Transylvania and Maramures. Road conditions vary widely outside major cities.
Renting a Car in Romania
Romania is a road trip paradise — Transylvania, painted monasteries, the Carpathians, and the Danube Delta await.
Required Documents
IDP (for non-EU drivers), original license, passport, and credit card. Minimum age is 21 at most agencies. Under-25 surcharges may apply. Cross-border travel to Moldova is often restricted.
Typical Costs
Compact cars from €15–30/day — excellent value. Full insurance adds €8–15/day. Fuel costs approximately RON 7.00–7.50/liter (~€1.40–1.50). Romania is among the most affordable EU countries for road trips.
Top Rental Companies
Hertz — Bucharest airport and city. Autonom — Leading Romanian chain with excellent local coverage. Europcar — Good fleet variety, allows travel to most EU neighbors.
“The Transfagarasan was the highlight of our two-week Romania road trip. We rented from Autonom in Bucharest — they asked for our IDP immediately. Buy the RO-vignette online before you start. Rural roads can be rough but the scenery through Transylvania is absolutely worth it.”
Get Your IDP for Romania — From $29
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Romania IDP FAQ
EU/EEA license holders do not need an IDP. Non-EU visitors are recommended to carry one, especially for car rental. Romanian rental agencies typically require an IDP from non-EU drivers.
Typically from late June to late October, weather permitting. The road crosses the Carpathians at 2,042m and is closed in winter. Check official announcements before planning your route.
Yes, an RO-vignette is required for all national roads and motorways. Purchase online at roviniete.ro for 7 days, 30 days, or 12 months. Cameras enforce compliance automatically.