Traveling to Romania – What you need to know about paying road tolls in Romania
2026. 06. 02. 13:58
Romania is an excellent travel destination, especially if you are looking for historic cities, castles, and nature-based experiences. Due to the country’s geographical characteristics, it is worth planning a longer trip, as the distances between destinations can be quite significant and are easier to cover by car.
However, foreign drivers should prepare before their journey and set off with the necessary information. Complying with traffic regulations, carrying the mandatory vehicle equipment, and obtaining the required road-use permit are all important factors to ensure a hassle-free trip.
What Is worth visiting in Romania?
If you are setting off on a journey, it is worth planning your trip so that you can see as much as possible of Romania’s mountainous landscapes and historic cities.
Among the most popular destinations are Brașov, Sibiu, and Sighișoara, which attract visitors with their charming old towns and rich history. Bran Castle, often referred to as Dracula’s Castle, is also a popular attraction, as is the Transfăgărășan Highway, one of Europe’s most famous scenic roads.
For nature lovers, the Carpathian Mountains, Bicaz Gorge, Red Lake, and even the Danube Delta offer unique experiences. During the summer season, the Black Sea coast is also a popular destination, with beaches, resort towns, and seaside activities awaiting travelers.
The easiest way to explore the country is by car, so it is important to be well prepared and purchase your Romanian road toll vignette in advance.
What vignette is required in Romania (Rovinieta)?
In Romania, not only motorways are subject to tolls, but also expressways, international roads, national highways, and secondary national roads. As a result, it is almost unavoidable for road users to possess a valid road-use permit, known as a rovinieta. The Romanian vignette system is electronic, making it easy to purchase a Romanian vignette online.
How much does the Romanian road toll cost?
Romanian toll vignettes are available in 8 categories, but passenger cars fall under Category A. Since most international travelers drive passenger vehicles, the following prices apply to Romanian Category A toll vignettes in 2026:
| Validity Period | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Day | €3.50 |
| 10 Days | €6 |
| 30 Days | €9.50 |
| 60 Days | €15 |
| 12 Months | €50 |
What should you pay attention to when purchasing a Romanian vignette (Rovinieta)?
The most important thing is to purchase it in advance. According to Romanian regulations, only vehicles registered in Romania are granted a grace period. Therefore, foreign vehicles are strongly advised to have a valid permit before using any toll roads.
During the purchase process, it is essential to enter your country code and license plate number accurately and select the correct vehicle category. In addition, for all vignettes except the 1-day and 10-day options, you must also provide the vehicle identification number (VIN).
Where can you find the VIN number?
The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) can be found both in the vehicle documentation and on the vehicle itself, typically in several locations:
- In the vehicle registration certificate, under the “E” field,
- On the driver’s side door frame or door pillar,
- Under engine bay,
- On the floor panel near the front passenger seat,
- On the left side of the dashboard, visible from the driver’s side,
- In the trunk, underneath the spare wheel.
Which vignette is the best choice?
For shorter trips, the 10-day vignette is usually the most practical option. For transit travel, if you will no longer be using Romanian roads after midnight, a 1-day vignette may also be sufficient.
Where should I buy a Romanian vignette?
It is recommended to purchase your Romanian road toll vignette online before departure. At the same time, it is also advisable to obtain toll permits for any other countries you will be traveling through. Since it is best not to leave this until the last minute, the easiest solution is online vignette purchase:
- Step 1: Select the vehicle category,
- Step 2: Choose the desired validity period,
- Step 3: Enter the vehicle details: country code, license plate number, and for longer-validity vignettes, the VIN number,
- Step 4: Verify all entered information,
- Step 5: Provide your email address and complete the payment.
It is important not to drive on toll roads without receiving the vignette confirmation email, as the purchase process alone does not prove that a valid vignette has been issued. You should always wait for the confirmation email before using any toll road.
What equipment must be kept in the vehicle?
During a roadside inspection in Romania, authorities may request the vehicle documents, the driver's ID card and driving license, and they may also check whether the mandatory safety equipment is present in the vehicle. These include:
- Two warning triangles,
- A fire extinguisher,
- A reflective safety vest,
- A spare wheel and basic tool kit,
- A first aid kit.
It is important to ensure that all of these items are available in the vehicle, as their absence may result in a fine ranging from 810 to 1,012 Romanian lei (approximately €155–193).
Summary
In Romania, a valid rovinieta is required for the use of motorways and most national roads. Therefore, obtaining a road-use permit should be considered just as important as arranging accommodation or planning your route.
Thanks to the electronic toll system, the vignette can be purchased online within minutes, allowing travelers to secure the necessary authorization before departure.
Choosing the correct vignette, entering vehicle information accurately, and checking the mandatory equipment will help ensure a smooth and trouble-free journey. Once these essentials are taken care of, all that remains is to enjoy Romania’s impressive natural landscapes and cultural attractions, which are sure to make your trip memorable.
FAQ
What fine can I expect if I drive without a vignette in Romania?
Driving without a valid rovinieta may result in a substantial fine. For passenger cars, penalties typically range from 500 to 1,000 Romanian lei (approximately €95–190). To avoid fines and ensure a stress-free trip, it is highly recommended to purchase your Romanian vignette before entering any toll road.
Do motorcycles also require a vignette?
No. Motorcycles are exempt from road toll vignette requirements in Romania.
Where can I buy a Romanian vignette?
The easiest solution is to purchase a Romanian vignette online. It is fast, convenient, and ensures that your valid road-use authorization is ready before your journey begins.
