Last updated: 03.07.2025
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Why Do You Have to Pay Toll Fees?
Most countries in Europe charge toll fees. This is known as a toll obligation. But what does that mean? Tolls are charged for the use of specific roads, tunnels, and bridges. The money generated from tolls is invested into the road network, enabling a smooth and safe journey. The primary investment areas include infrastructure, traffic management and safety, and environmental protection measures.
- Infrastructure: Construction and maintenance of roads and highways
- Traffic Safety and Management: New technologies such as intelligent traffic systems or toll bridges
- Environmental Protection: Expansion of noise protection walls or emission reduction measures
How Is the Toll Collected?
Tolls can be collected in different forms. These include the vignette obligation, the distance-based toll, and special toll routes.
Vignette Obligation: All Vehicles Except Motorcycles
With the vignette obligation, tolls are not based on kilometers driven but are charged as a flat-rate fee, varying by the duration of the trip. You purchase a digital vignette before your journey and choose from different validity periods. Depending on the vehicle class, the price of the vignette may vary.
By purchasing the vignette, you make a one-time purchase that allows you to drive on all toll-required roads (excluding special toll routes). The vignette obligation in Romania applies to all vehicles. Only motorcyclists are exempt and do not need to purchase a vignette or pay any distance-based toll. For more detailed information about the different vehicle classes and vignette requirements, please refer to our guide.
Distance-Based Toll: Does Not Exist in Romania!
Although distance-based tolls do not exist in Romania, we would like to briefly explain how this type of tolling works. Unlike the vignette system, the distance-based toll is not a flat fee and varies depending on the road category, route length (number of kilometers), vehicle class (weight and axle count), CO₂ emission class, and time of day (higher prices may apply between 10 PM and 5 AM). Therefore, the amount can vary significantly. Distance-based tolls are collected using a transponder (transmitting device), which can differ depending on the country.
Distance-based tolls usually apply to vehicles over 3.5 t GVW. Please note that on your journey to Romania, you may pass through countries where distance-based tolls do apply. For example, while only a vignette is required for vehicles over 3.5 t GVW in Romania, in Hungary you must obtain a transponder to pay the distance-based toll. Therefore, if you travel through Hungary, the vignette system does not apply to your vehicle—you must pay the distance-based toll instead.
Special Toll: Applies to All Vehicles
Special toll routes are often tunnels or mountain passes. If you travel on a special toll route, you must pay an additional fee. This fee, like the vignette, is a flat amount that varies based on vehicle class.
The special toll is charged for specific routes that are not subject to either a vignette obligation or a distance-based toll. This means the following for your trip: Even if you have already purchased a vignette, there are route sections for which an additional fee applies. The special toll applies to all who wish to use those specific routes. In Romania, Danube crossings are classified as special toll routes.
Free Route Planner
With our free route planner, you can quickly and easily find out which toll products you need for your journey through Romania.
The DMC Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey!
We wish you an enjoyable trip through Romania and are happy to help with any questions you may have about toll regulations in Romania. Feel free to contact us via email.
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