Fueling Up and Plugging In: Tips for Romania!

The Essentials

• If your vehicle already has visible damage when entering Romania, it must be declared and documented at the border. Vehicles with visible damage after the trip can only exit the country with a police damage confirmation ("Potrdilo").
• Drivers must be at least 18 years old – 21 years old if renting a car.
• During thunderstorms, heavy rain, snow, or icy conditions, mountain passes may be temporarily closed.
• The blood alcohol limit in Slovenia is 0.5. An exception applies to novice drivers with less than 2 years of experience and drivers under 21 years of age – for them, the limit is 0.0.

Things to Remember

First of all, it’s good to know that a German driving license is sufficient. You must carry it with you, along with the vehicle registration certificate (Part I). Proof of valid motor liability insurance is covered by your German license plate, but we recommend carrying the IVK (International Insurance Card). You can request it free of charge from your insurance provider. Also, check with your insurer beforehand for adequate coverage.

The nationality identifier must be included on the Euro license plate or attached to the vehicle.

It’s mandatory for the driver to have a safety vest, and in case of an accident or breakdown, all passengers exiting the vehicle must wear one. Therefore, it is recommended to carry one vest per person. Unlike in Germany, carrying a spare set of light bulbs is recommended – not applicable for vehicles with Xenon, LED, or neon lights.

A warning triangle and first-aid kit are also required.

Tolls and Vignettes

In Slovenia, vehicles are categorized into three groups:

• Category 1: Motorcycles
• Category 2: Cars, motorhomes, vehicles under 3.5 t GVW
• Category 3: Transporters, motorhomes, vehicles over 3.5 t GVW

The Slovenian toll system varies by vehicle type and weight. Vehicles up to 3.5 tons require a vignette, while those over 3.5 tons use the electronic DarsGo system.

Vignettes can be purchased at many sales points in Slovenia and neighboring countries – gas stations, border crossings, rest stops, and specialized stores. It’s even easier to buy your vignette online – no waiting, no physical sticker, and stress-free before your trip.

The DarsGo system applies to heavier vehicles. It’s a distance-based electronic toll system, meaning fees are calculated based on kilometers driven. The vehicle must have a DarsGo box installed on the windshield. The box automatically records trips and calculates fees. It’s available at service points along highways and border crossings, or online. Make sure it is installed and activated before driving on toll roads.

Traffic Rules

Blood Alcohol Limit

Slovenia's legal limit is 0.5. For new drivers (under 2 years of experience) and drivers under 21: 0.0.

Traffic Lights

Unlike in Germany, you must stop at yellow lights in Slovenia.

Overtaking

You must signal throughout the entire overtaking process.

School Buses and Public Transport

Do not overtake buses when they are loading/unloading passengers, even at walking speed.

Lights

Daytime running lights or dipped headlights are mandatory year-round on all roads.

Reversing

Hazard lights must be turned on when reversing.

Radar Detectors

Radar detectors are banned, as in Germany.

Tires

Winter tires (marked M+S) are required during snowy/icy conditions and from November 15 to March 15. Minimum tread depth: 3 mm.

Vehicles over 3.5 t must have winter tires on drive axles. Summer tires on all wheels are allowed only if snow chains are carried and used when necessary.

Maximum speed with snow chains: 50 km/h.

Speed Limits

Passenger Car / Motorcycle / Light Motorhome

• Urban: 50 km/h
• Rural: 90 km/h
• Urban expressways: 110 km/h
• Motorways: 130 km/h

Vehicles with trailer (up to 3.5 t GVW)

• Urban: 50 km/h
• Rural: 90 km/h
• Urban expressways: 100 km/h
• Motorways: 100 km/h

Heavy motorhome or trailer (over 3.5 t GVW and under 7.5 t GVW)

• Urban: 50 km/h
• Rural: 80 km/h
• Urban expressways: 80 km/h
• Motorways: 80 km/h

Fines

Excerpt from the fine catalog:

• Speeding by 20 km/h: from €40
• Not wearing a seatbelt: €120
• Phone use while driving: €250
• Blood alcohol level of 0.5 or more: from €300
• Speeding by 50 km/h: from €1,200

Fines in Slovenia can be high, but paying within 8 days may give up to 50% discount.

Road Conditions

The road network in Slovenia is well developed and regularly maintained. Construction sites may be encountered. Mountainous western areas may have narrow, winding roads. Mountain passes can be closed during severe weather conditions like storms or snow.

Fueling and Charging

Fuel is widely available across Slovenia, especially on highways and in cities – often 24/7.

Charging stations are also widespread in urban areas but less frequent in rural/mountainous regions.

Hydrogen stations are virtually non-existent – hydrogen vehicles are not suitable for travel in Slovenia.

Car Rentals

Drivers must be at least 21 and have held a license for at least one year to rent a car. Driving your own car is permitted from age 18.

Conclusion

Driving in Slovenia is generally stress-free, except for possible construction zones. Roads are in excellent condition and the scenery is stunning. If you remember the rules and get your vignette in advance, your trip should be smooth and enjoyable.

Romania is a popular destination. Although infrastructure is being improved, the road network still presents challenges. Preparing properly can help ensure a smooth trip. This article contains everything you need to know about fueling and charging in Romania.

The Essentials

• Fueling in Romania is generally easy: a widespread network of stations covers both cities and rural areas. However, rural stations are not always open 24/7.
• Charging in Romania is less convenient, especially in rural areas. In cities, you will find some charging stations, but they are sparse outside urban centers.
• Fuel prices vary by region and provider, but gasoline and diesel are usually cheaper than in Germany.
• Gas stations and charging points accept various payment methods – usually credit cards or special charging cards. Since this isn’t always guaranteed, it’s best to carry some cash (RON) just in case.
• You will need a vignette for Romanian national roads and highways. You can buy it directly from us.

Overview of Fuel and Charging Networks in Romania

Fueling is well organized in Romania. The country has a dense network of gas stations, especially along main roads, in cities, and on highways. They usually operate 24/7. In rural areas, stations may close by 9 PM.

Electric charging infrastructure is growing, especially in cities and along major roads. However, rural areas have very few charging options. Plan rural trips accordingly.

Hydrogen cars are not practical in Romania – there are no hydrogen fueling stations.

Fueling in Romania

Fueling is straightforward and well-developed. Common brands include Lukoil, Shell, BP, Petrom, ÖMV, Rompetrol, and Mol. Many offer additional services such as car washes and mini markets. Some also have attendants who fuel the car, clean the windshield, and check tire pressure.

Fuel names in Slovenia:

• Super: Benzina Super
• Super Plus: Benzina Super Plus
• Diesel: Motorina

Payment Methods

Payment options vary. Most gas stations accept cash and credit cards. Some support mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Wallet. In rural areas, not all cards may be accepted, so carry some cash (RON).

Charging Electric Cars

Romania is actively expanding its EV charging infrastructure. The goal is to have a maximum of 60 km between stations. Charging should soon become as easy as fueling. For now, charging points remain limited but more are being added.

Major investors include Kaufland, E.ON, Lidl, and Eldrive. More investment is needed to meet national infrastructure goals.

Charging Stations in Romania

Charging infrastructure is still lacking, particularly in rural areas and along highways. Urban areas have more charging points, but route planning is recommended.

Top cities with many stations:

• Municipiul Timișoara
• Municipiul Sibiu
• Municipiul Constanța
• Municipiu Oradea
• Municipiu Craiova
• Municipiu Cluj-Napoca

Free charging points include:

• Kaufland in Constanța
• Kaufland in Sebeș
• Taverna Sarbului in Sinaia
• Parcarea Tei Satu Mare
• Strada Păcii in Tulcea
• Gaz Auto in Botoșani

Providers

Major EV charging providers in Romania:

• EV Connect Romania
• PlugShare
• MOL Plugee
• Enel X

Don’t Forget Your Vignette!

You need a digital vignette for all highways and expressways in Romania – regardless of vehicle type. It’s easy to purchase online from our shop.

Conclusion

Fuel stations are widespread across Romania. Charging stations are fewer, especially outside cities. With some planning and the right vignette, your road trip through Romania will go smoothly.

We wish you a safe journey! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected].

Milena Paasch