Driving in Romania | Mandatory Vehicle Equipment 2026
Planning a trip to Romania? Here's what your vehicle must carry to comply with local laws and avoid costly fines in 2026.
Mandatory Vehicle Equipment | Romania 2026
First-aid kit
(DIN 13164)
Fire extinguisher
Working / usable
Warning triangle
Two warning triangles (ECE R27 approved)
Important
High-vis vest not required for cars, but mandatory for vehicles over 3,5 t. Romanian regulation reference: Minister of Health Order 623/1999
Motorcycles: what's required since 2024?
Since 2024, no equipment is required for motorcycles — only helmet and legal documents. First-aid kit and triangle are no longer mandatory.
First-aid kit: what must a kit include?
- Disinfectant, bandages, plasters
- Gloves, CPR mask/valve, foil blanket
- Scissors, pins, and must be packed in a hard, sealed box
Check expiry dates — expired kits and extinguishers are treated as missing.
Child seats: when and where must they be used?
Required for children under 150 cm and under 12 years. Must be used on rear seats only.
Recommended Equipment
- Spare wheel + tools (jack, wrench)
- Tow rope, jumper cables
- Engine oil, washer fluid, brake fluid
- Hi-vis vest (kept in cabin)
- Snow chains, ice scraper, charger, antifreeze, sand (winter)
Romanian police advise keeping a vest accessible for emergencies, especially at night or in fog.
Mountain roads are remote and weather can change quickly. Earthquakes are also possible — be ready.
Tip
Most European car kits include most of this by default. Bring your full set to avoid issues.
Fines
Missing equipment: 810–1012.5 RON (~€163–203)
Mandatory Documents | Romania
- Valid ID or passport
- Driving licence
- Vehicle registration (with valid inspection)
- Insurance certificate (OC)
- Proof of toll payment (e-vignette)
Reminder
If you're not sure about the exact requirements, check the Romanian government website for more details.
Tourist Registration
By law, all visitors must be registered in Romania:
- Hotels/campsites report guests automatically
- Private hosts should register you with local authorities
Key Traffic Rules | Romania
- Seatbelts mandatory for all occupants
- Alcohol limit: 0.0‰
- Headlights required outside urban areas 24/7; inside cities only at night or in bad weather
- Hands-free only for phones
- Children under 12 must travel in rear seats
- Motorcycles: dipped headlights required at all times
- Radar detectors allowed (if not jamming police systems)
- Active radar jammers are banned and a serious offence
Romania by car | Summary
Romania requires a first-aid kit, fire extinguisher and two warning triangles. Children must ride in proper seats (rear only under 12), and an e-vignette is mandatory. Check expiry dates to avoid fines.
Have a safe journey!
