Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Romania, you will encounter road conditions that significantly differ from those in the United States. Traffic accidents are arguably the single most dangerous threat for U.S. citizens visiting Romania. According to the European Union Road Federation, Romania has the highest per vehicle rate of traffic fatalities of any country in the EU. 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, poorly lit, narrow, and lacking marked lanes. It is essential to practice defensive driving techniques if you choose to drive in Romania.

Roads, especially in the mountains, can be particularly dangerous when wet or covered with snow or ice. Winter snow removal, even in cities and on major highways, can be intermittent. Pedestrians, animals, cyclists, and horse-drawn carts share many roads with motor vehicles and it can be extremely difficult to see, particularly at night in rural areas. Parked vehicles often block sidewalks, forcing pedestrians to walk in the streets. Maintain vigilance when driving to avoid hitting those who are walking in the streets. Cross the street only at crosswalks, and always look both ways before crossing. Crosswalks are generally poorly marked and may be ignored by drivers even if there is a traffic light.

Romanian traffic laws are very strict. The traffic police can confiscate any form of a driver's license or permit for 1-3 months and request payment of fines at the time of the infraction; this includes minor infractions such as failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. Police are required to give all drivers involved in an accident a breathalyzer tests on the scene. Refusal to take a Breathalyzer test will result in criminal penalties regardless of whether or not alcohol was involved. Driving under the influence of alcohol or causing an accident resulting in injury or death may result in imprisonment.

U.S. driver's licenses are only valid in Romania for up to 90 days. Before the 90-day period has expired, U.S. citizens must either obtain an international driving permit in addition to their U.S. driver's license or a Romanian driver's license. Wearing a seat belt is mandatory. Children under 12 years of age may not be transported in the front seat. The use of mobile phones while driving is banned, with exception of hands free systems.

For current traffic regulations and speed limits in Romania please visit the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

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" can be purchased 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 border. Foreign drivers failing to purchase a "rovinieta" during their stay may incur a fine between 3000 euro ($3600 USD) to 4000 euro ($4800 USD) when leaving the country. Proof of insurance and the cars registration document is required when purchasing the "rovinieta".

The host country authority responsible for road safety is the Traffic Police of the Romanian Ministry of Interior. You can reach emergency roadside help and information for vehicle assistance and towing services by dialing 9271. For ambulance services, fire brigade, or police dial 112.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the Bucharest Metropolitan Police Department website and Romania's National Tourist Office.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Romania’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Romania’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.