Driving conditions vary widely throughout Romania. Romanian traffic laws are very strict. The traffic police can confiscate any form of driving licence or permit for 1-3 months and payment of fines may be requested at the time of the incident. For example, failure to give right of way, failure to give way to pedestrians at crosswalks, and failure to stop at a red/amber light or stop sign can all attract heavy penalties. Despite these strict rules, many drivers in Romania often do not follow traffic laws or give right of way.

City Driving

• Major streets in larger cities and major inter-city roads are in fair to good condition, however, most other roads can be in poor repair, badly lit, narrow, and it is not unusual for there to be no road markings

• City roads are often under reconstruction but these are not always clearly signposted and can dangerously damage the underside of the car

• Tram lines should also be approached at low speed

• Parking space is scarce and most of the streets in central areas are crowded with cars parked on both sides which makes access very difficult

• Failure to keep a fair distance from the car in front is the cause of most accidents, especially in wet weather

Country Driving

• In rural areas, the roads are used by pedestrians, animals, bicycles and horse-drawn carts that can be difficult to see, particularly at night

• Roads in the mountains can be especially dangerous when wet or covered with snow or ice

• Romanians tend to drive close to the centre of the road due to uneven verges or loose debris on minor roads