Toll in Romania

Romania is a fascinating travel destination and a significant transit country in Eastern Europe. Thanks to its diverse landscapes, ranging from the Carpathians and Danube Delta to the Black Sea coast, the country attracts both tourists and business travelers.

Romania is also of central importance for international freight transport, as it acts as a bridge between Eastern and Western Europe. However, anyone wishing to use Romania’s road network, whether as a tourist, commuter, or hauler, must deal with toll charges.

In this comprehensive guide, you will find all the information you need regarding tolls in Romania, including the various toll systems, fee structures, purchasing options, and legal consequences of violations.

Why are there tolls in Romania?

Like many other European countries, Romania charges tolls to finance the maintenance and expansion of its road infrastructure. These fees are essential to keep the road network in good condition, given the increasing traffic volume.

Romania has made significant investments in its infrastructure in recent years, particularly in expanding highways and national roads to meet the needs of national and international traffic.

Since the country is attractive to both tourists and transit traffic, toll fees represent an important source of revenue that ensures roads remain modern, safe, and well-developed.

Unlike many Western European countries, Romania does not charge tolls at toll booths. Instead, the country relies on a digital toll system, where an electronic vignette (known as the “Rovinieta”) must be purchased. This system is efficient and facilitates traffic flow since no stops at toll booths are required.

The Romanian Toll System: An Overview

The toll system in Romania is based on the use of electronic vignettes (Rovinieta), which are mandatory for all types of vehicles. There are no physical toll stations, only a digital system that records vehicle license plates.

This makes toll collection efficient and straightforward, as drivers can purchase their vignette online or at various points of sale. Fees vary depending on the vehicle category and the duration of road use.

Vehicle Categories and Toll Obligations

In Romania, almost all vehicles except motorcycles are subject to toll fees once they use the national road network. This includes cars, trucks, buses, and motorhomes. Motorcycles do not require a vignette. The toll rates vary depending on the vehicle type and are divided into several categories:

• Category A: Passenger cars and motorhomes (regardless of gross vehicle weight)
• Category B: Commercial vehicles up to 3.5t GVW
• Category C: Commercial vehicles over 3.5t up to 7.5t GVW
• Category D: Commercial vehicles (2 axles) over 7.5t up to 12.0t GVW
• Category E: Commercial vehicles (2-3 axles) over 12.0t GVW
• Category F: Commercial vehicles (2-3 axles) over 12.0t GVW
• Category G: Cars with 9 to 23 seats (including driver's seat)
• Category H: Cars with more than 23 seats

Travelers with cars (Category A) and small commercial vehicles up to 3.5t GVW (Category B) must ensure they purchase the correct Rovinieta.

For example, when traveling with a truck, make sure the gross vehicle weight is correctly listed, as heavier vehicles incur higher toll fees. There are no different fees for cars and motorhomes based on weight.

Time-Based Toll Rates

The Romanian Rovinieta is time-limited and can be purchased for various periods, making it particularly convenient for travelers.

Depending on the length of stay in Romania or frequency of travel, drivers can choose from several options:

• 1-Day Vignette: This is the shortest option and is suitable for transit or short trips. For cars, the price starts at 5,90 €.
• 7-Day Vignette: Available only for buses and trucks over 3.5t GVW, starting at 25,90 €.
• 10-Day Vignette: This option is for travelers staying a week or less in Romania. It costs for cars from 6,90 €.
• 30-Day Vignette: For longer stays, the 30-Day Vignette offers more flexibility. It is available from 12,90 €.
• 60-Day Vignette: Frequent travelers who visit Romania regularly or stay for extended periods can purchase a 60-Day Vignette from 14,90 €.
• Annual Vignette: For those who travel frequently in Romania, the annual vignette is valid for 12 months and costs from 39,90 €.

The fees for heavy commercial vehicles and buses are correspondingly lower or higher. For example, fees for trucks and buses can be significantly higher depending on weight and axle count.

Where and How to Buy the Rovinieta?

The Rovinieta can be purchased in various ways. The system is designed to make the purchasing process as easy as possible for both local and foreign drivers.

Below are the main ways to purchase the electronic vignette:

Sales Points in Romania

• Gas Stations: There are numerous gas stations in Romania that sell the Rovinieta. This is the most common method for purchasing the vignette, especially for travelers already in the country.
• Border Crossings: International travelers entering Romania can buy the vignette at border crossings, where special sales points accept both cash and card payments.

Online Purchase

An increasingly popular option is to buy the Rovinieta online. This is especially beneficial for travelers from abroad, as they can purchase the vignette before entering Romania, thus avoiding potential delays at border crossings.

Online purchase is available through the following platforms:

• Official Romanian Toll Website: The National Company for Road Infrastructure Administration (CNAIR) operates an official website where travelers can buy the Rovinieta. The process is simple, and the purchase is made by entering the vehicle license plate number.
• Online Shops: There are also apps and platforms like digitale-vignette-ro.online that facilitate the purchase of the Rovinieta. These platforms often offer multilingual interfaces and accept multiple payment methods.

After online purchase, the Rovinieta is automatically activated for use on Romania’s road network. There’s no need to print anything or display anything physically, as the system tracks your vehicle through its license plate number.

Consequences of Violating the Toll System

If a driver fails to purchase the correct vignette, they risk being fined. In Romania, fines for toll violations are substantial, especially for foreign drivers who may be unfamiliar with the system.

Penalties can range from a fine of 250 RON (about 50 €) up to 4500 RON (around 900 €) depending on the severity of the violation, such as using a road without a vignette or using an incorrect vignette for the vehicle category.

In addition to financial penalties, offenders may also face difficulties in terms of vehicle registration or future travel to Romania if violations are recorded. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the vignette is valid and correctly matches the vehicle category before traveling.

Conclusion

Romania’s toll system is designed to be efficient and convenient for both tourists and business travelers. The electronic vignette makes it easy to pay tolls without stopping at booths, while a variety of options ensures there is a suitable choice for every traveler.

By following the guidelines outlined in this guide and ensuring the correct vignette is purchased, you can enjoy a smooth journey through Romania’s road network. Safe travels!