Romania |  |
Updated: 01 May 2012 13:34:35
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Romania Driving
Information
The World
Economic Forum ranks Romania 126 out of 134
states for road quality. Currently Romania has a total of only 270
kilometers
of motorways. While major streets in larger
cities and major inter-city roads are generally in fair to good
condition, many
secondary roads are in poor repair, unpaved,
badly light, narrow, and lacking road markings. A main contributor to
this issue
is that the infrastructure has failed to keep
pace with the dramatic increase in motor vehicles since 1990.
Driving practices in Romania can be aggressive
and other drivers and pedestrians are often inattentive. Combined with generally poor road conditions, the result is a significant traffic mortality rate. According to the EU stats, Romania has the highest per vehicle rate of traffic fatalities of any country in the EU. It is essential for drivers to be alert to potential issues and to be be prepared to be defensive when driving.
If you are looking to drive in Romania then you you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid UK driving
licence, insurance and vehicle documents.
When entering Romania your vehicle is classed as a temporarily imported vehicle and a road tax is
levied on all motor vehicles. Road tax badges known as "rovinieta" are purchaseable from border crossing
points. Drivers of vehicles registered
abroad who are not in possession of a valid green card must take out
short term insurance at the frontier, so make sure your car insurance policy covers Romania and includes a "Green Card". Foreign drivers failing to
purchase a "rovinieta" during their stay may incur a fine between €3000 to €4000 when leaving the country. Proof of insurance and the cars
registration document is required when purchasing the "rovinieta".
If a temporarily imported
vehicle is damaged before it arrives in Romania, the owner must ask for a report on the damage so
that he can export the vehicle without problems. This can be done with either a Customs Officer or a Policeman. If any damage occurs
inside Romania, then a report must be obtained at the scene of the
accident. Damaged vehicles may only be taken out of the country on
production of this evidence.
Fuel in Romania is similar to the UK and leaded, unleaded petrol, diesel and LPG
are all available. Petrol stations will allow you to top up a jerry can but note that you cannot leave the country with them full. Many European Breakdown Cover policies will not provide cover if you mistakenly refuel you vehicle with the wrong fuel.
The Romanians take there drinking and driving laws very seriously and drinking and driving is strictly forbidden.
Offenders can face having their driving licence suspended for a maximum of 90 days or a prison
sentence.
It is compulsory in Romania for front and rear seat
occupants to wear seat belts, if fitted. It
is the driver’s responsibility to ensure all passengers under 18 are
appropriately restrained. Children under the age of 12 are not
permitted to travel on the front seats of vehicles.
In built-up areas the speed limit is 50 km/hr (31 mph) ,
outside built-up areas 90 Km/hr (56 mph). 110 km/hr (68 mph) on dual carriageways separated by a central reservation and 130Km/hr (80 mph) on motorways. No minimum speed on motorways. A 10 km/rh reduction of the
standard speed limit applies if towing a caravan or trailer.
Romanian Police can impose
fines and collect them on the spot, but a receipt must be obtained. A
vehicle which is illegally parked may be clamped and removed. If you are fined, the amount is halved if the fine is paid within 48 hours.
It is forbidden to drive
at night if you have faulty lighting and additional headlamps are also prohibited.Motorcycles driving in Romania are required to raise their profile to other road users and the use of dipped headlights during the day is compulsory. The wearing of crash helmets is also compulsory for both driver and passenger of any two-wheel motorised vehicle. Dipped headlights must be used by all vehicles outside built up areas during the day is recommended for all in poor daytime visibility in any location.
It is recommended
in Romania to carry the following safety equipment within any vehicle
with more than 2 wheels. A Fire Extinguisher, Warning triangle, Reflective Jacket and snow chains if driving in the mountains in winter time. A Spare
bulb kit is recommended.
Please note, a dirty vehicle is against the law in Romania
The
use of the horn is prohibited between 2200hrs & 0600hrs in built up
areas
The team at European Breakdown Cover hope that this information has been useful and wish you "în condiţii de siguranţă
călătorie" on your next trip to Romania
For General European driving tips click here