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Road conditions in Romania aren't great, and traffic laws are strict. Find out how to stay safe while driving in Romania.
Photo © Getty Images/Slawomir Olzacki / EyeEm
With countless natural wonders and interesting historical sites, one of the best ways to travel around Romania is by road. Unfortunately, driving in Romania comes with poor road conditions. Whether you're a driver or a pedestrian in Romania, be aware of your surroundings and all times.
Don't forget:- Romanians drive on the right-hand side of the road
- Give way to the right on a roundabout
- To drive on toll roads, you need to buy a vignette (sticker) at the border. They are also for sale at most petrol stations. Failure to display the sticker may lead to a heavy fine. You can find out more about prices by using the website Roviniete.ro.
- Carry the following in your car: first aid kit, fire extinguisher, red warning triangles and a fluorescent jacket.
Poor road quality in Romania
The World Economic Forum ranks Romania 120 out of 137 states for road quality with limited freeways and infrequent passing lanes.
While major streets in urban areas and major inter-urban roads are generally in fair to good condition, many secondary roads are in poor repair, unpaved, have poor lighting, narrow and lacking marked lanes.
Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when driving in Romania:
- In the mountains, roads are particularly dangerous when wet or covered with ice
- In the cities and on major highways, winter snow removal is intermittent
- If you plan to drive on wet or icy roads, make sure your car has snow tires or "winter tires" with deep treads providing adequate traction
- Test your brakes and learn how to get maximum efficiency (a balancing act between tires and brakes) before you're faced with an emergency
- Make sure your demister and windscreen wipers are functional.
Traffic fatalities in Romania
According to the European Union Road Federation, Romania has the highest per vehicle rate of traffic fatalities of any country in the EU. Motorists are well-advised to drive carefully and defensively. Even if your driving skills are faultless, don't assume other drivers share your competence.
In rural areas, pedestrians, cyclists, horse-drawn carts, livestock and wild animals share many roads with motor vehicles. These are difficult to see especially at night.
Don't speed, and if at all possible, avoid driving at night.
In many built-up areas parked vehicles often block pavements forcing pedestrians to walk in the street. When driving, be prepared to slow down when pedestrians are forced onto the road.
When walking, always look both ways before attempting to cross the road and don't trust the crossings. These are often poorly marked and even where there are traffic lights, drivers often ignore them.
Strict traffic laws are in place
Despite these many dangers or perhaps because of them, Romanian traffic laws are very strict. Traffic police can confiscate any form of driver's license or permit for 1-3 months. They can also retain a driver's license by for driving under the influence of alcohol or for causing an accident resulting in injury or death. Fines may be requested at the time of any traffic infraction, including failure to yield to pedestrians at a crossing.
There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. Police routinely administer breathalyzer tests to all drivers involved in an accident. Irrespective of whether or not you have been drinking, refusal to take a breathalyser test results in criminal penalties.
Intending drivers must obtain an international driving permit or a Romanian driver's license.
Children under 12 years of age may not be transported in the front seat and all occupants must wear a seat belt.
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