Destinations / Romania
Driving in Romania as a visitor
Usually yes. Romania expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Romania expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 130 km/h motorways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in RON. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Tolls | Road vignette (rovinietă) required. |
|---|---|
| Lights | Headlights on outside built-up areas. |
| Alcohol | Zero-tolerance alcohol policy (0.0%). |
| In the car | Reflective vest and triangle mandatory. |
On the road in Romania
At the pump
Petrol (benzină 95/98), diesel (motorină) and LPG are widely available at mostly self-service stations with broad card acceptance; prices are mid-range for the EU.
After a crash
Call 112 for any injury, unsettleable damage or blocked traffic; police notification is mandatory for accidents with death or injury. Photograph the scene, exchange insurance/registration details, and use the amicable European report only for minor agreed damage.
Sources: theromanianlawyers.com · europa.eu · romaniatourism.com · expatcenter.ro
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Romania?
Usually yes. Romania expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Romania accept?
Romania recognises the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Romania ask for one?
Bucharest desks request an IDP for non-EU licences; rovinietă usually included.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.