Romania on a Canadian Licence 2026: IDP, Rovinieta, Zero BAC
Canada
Romania
Carry a CAA-issued IDP with your Canadian licence (valid up to 6 months), buy a rovinieta before leaving the cities, keep headlights on and drink nothing: zero tolerance.
For a Canadian driver, Romania asks for one document more than most of Europe does, and the reason sits in an old treaty rather than in anything about your driving. On the road itself there is no side to switch: traffic keeps right, as at home.
Why the IDP is not optional here
Romania’s road traffic ordinance (OUG 195/2002, article 82(3)) says that anyone holding a licence issued in a state that is not a member of the 1968 Vienna road convention must also carry an international driving permit. Canada belongs only to the older 1949 Geneva convention, so the rule applies to every Canadian licence. In Canada the permit is issued by CAA, and only before you leave. Global Affairs Canada adds that a valid Canadian licence can be used to drive or rent a car in Romania for up to 6 months. Keep the licence, IDP and passport together; the driving permit checker shows how other countries on your route treat the same documents.
The rovinieta
Outside the major cities you need a rovinieta, Romania’s road vignette. Global Affairs Canada says it is sold at border points, post offices and large gas stations. A rental normally has one already; ask the desk to confirm it is valid for your dates. The vignette countries guide explains how these schemes work.
No alcohol at all
Global Affairs Canada describes zero tolerance for drink-driving, with heavy fines and possible jail on conviction, and refusing a breath test is itself an offence. Canada’s Criminal Code sets 80 mg per 100 ml of blood, so a beer that would be legal at home is not legal here.
Speeds, points and kit
Articles 49 and 50 of the ordinance set 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on ordinary roads outside them, 100 km/h on expressways and European roads and 130 km/h on motorways; drivers with under a year’s experience must stay 20 km/h lower. Speeding fines are calculated in penalty units, and points follow the size of the excess under article 108: 2 for 10-20 km/h over, 3 for 21-30, 4 for 31-40 and 6 for 41-50, with a 90-day suspension beyond 50 km/h over.
Headlights must be on at all times, and hand-held phone use is banned. The car must carry a fire extinguisher, first-aid kit and warning triangle, and UK advice adds a fluorescent jacket. Winter tyres are required whenever snow, ice or sleet is on the road; the law sets no fixed dates. The emergency number is 112. If a ticket follows you home, the guide to who pays driving fines abroad explains the process, and the Romania driving guide has the rest.
Sources
- Emergency Ordinance 195/2002, art. 82(3) and 83 (IDP for licences from states outside the 1968 convention), art. 49-50 (speed limits): lege5.ro
- Emergency Ordinance 195/2002, art. 108 (penalty points for speeding): lege5.ro
- UN Treaty Collection, Convention on Road Traffic 1968 (Romania 1980; Canada not a party): treaties.un.org
- UN Treaty Collection, Convention on Road Traffic 1949 (Canada 1965): treaties.un.org
- Global Affairs Canada, Romania travel advice (6 months on a Canadian licence; rovinieta; zero tolerance; headlights; equipment; winter tyres): travel.gc.ca
- Global Affairs Canada, international driving permit (issued in Canada by CAA): travel.gc.ca
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Romania, safety and security (fluorescent jacket; winter tyres when snow or ice is on the road): gov.uk
- Criminal Code of Canada, s. 320.14 (80 mg per 100 ml): laws-lois.justice.gc.ca
Speed limits, fines, equipment & license requirements
Your home country driving rules for reference
Renting a Car?
Compare prices from all major rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
Compare Car Rental PricesSome links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How our affiliate links work.
More Free Tools
Explore TyreMap
Winter tyres in Romania — 2026–27 season
Winter tyres are required in Romania whenever conditions are wintry — No fixed dates — required whenever the road is covered in snow, ice or black ice.
- Tread minimum: 1.6 mm — Romania sets no separate winter figure.
- Accepted marking: M+S / M.S. / MS / M&S required ("all seasons" alone is not enough; 3PMSF not required)
- Studded tyres: rules could not be verified from an official source
- Penalty: Class IV penalty: 9-20 penalty points plus seizure of the registration certificate (OUG 195/2002 art. 102(1) pt. 28)
In Romanian the rule is anvelope de iarnă, and snow chains are lanțuri de zăpadă — that is the wording on signs, in hire-car paperwork and on any penalty notice.
Checked against national legislation, 1 Oct 2026 · Full Romania tyre law · Compare all countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Romania's road ordinance (OUG 195/2002, art. 82(3)) requires an international driving permit from anyone whose licence comes from a state outside the 1968 Vienna convention, and Canada is not a party. In Canada the permit is issued by CAA, so get it before you fly. Global Affairs Canada says the Canadian licence itself can be used for up to 6 months.
Yes, once you leave the major cities. Global Affairs Canada says a rovinieta is required to travel outside them and is sold at border points, post offices and large gas stations. With a rental, ask the desk to confirm the car has a valid one.
There is no margin. Global Affairs Canada describes zero tolerance with severe penalties, and refusing a breath test is itself illegal. Canada's Criminal Code limit is 80 mg per 100 ml, so the habit from home does not carry over.