Romania Fines 9-20 Points for Bad Tyres on Snow, 2026-27

Romania doesn’t fix calendar dates for winter tyres; the requirement triggers whenever snow, ice or black ice actually covers the road. Get caught without appropriate tyres in those conditions and the penalty is steep: 9 to 20 points under the Class IV category, plus seizure of the registration certificate on the spot. Studded tyres are banned outright, and the tread floor is 1.6mm, with 4mm recommended before winter.

For anyone planning to drive in Romania, either as a resident or a visitor, most fines here are avoidable with five minutes of preparation.

Tyre Law Summary for Romania

Winter Tyre Requirements in Romania

Romania has a mandatory winter tyre requirement covering the period 1 Nov - 31 Mar.

During this period, all passenger vehicles on Romania’s roads must have tyres that meet the winter standard. Driving without them risks fines and insurance complications in an accident.

Compliant tyres in Romania must carry: the M+S or 3PMSF marking.

Practical advice for Romania:

• Fit winter tyres before the mandate starts — garages in Romania get fully booked in the final weeks
• Minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm applies, but 4.0 mm is the practical minimum for winter grip
• Snow chains may be required on specific mountain routes regardless of tyre type

Minimum Tread Depth in Romania

In Romania, the legal minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6 mm, measured across the central three-quarters of the tread width around the full circumference.

Safety organisations recommend that drivers in Romania replace tyres at 4.0 mm rather than running them down to the legal limit. The difference in wet braking at 80 km/h:

With motorway limits of 130 km/h in Romania, adequate tread is critical. Aquaplaning risk increases sharply above 80 km/h, and a tyre near the 1.6 mm minimum cannot channel water fast enough at high speed.

Studded Tyres in Romania

Studded tyres are prohibited in Romania. The ban reflects Romania’s road infrastructure priorities — stud damage to asphalt is expensive to repair. If you need maximum ice grip, look for friction winter tyres (sometimes called “Nordic compound” tyres) with the 3PMSF symbol.

All-Season Tyres in Romania

All-season tyres with the M+S or 3PMSF marking are accepted in Romania. For drivers who prefer not to switch tyres seasonally, they offer a practical middle ground — adequate in mild winters and acceptable in summer heat, though not optimal in either extreme.

Penalties for Tyre Violations in Romania

Tyre violations in Romania carry fines and may affect your licence. For context on enforcement severity: a seatbelt violation costs RON 580-1,450 (approx. EUR 120-300) + 2 points, so expect tyre offences to be taken at least as seriously.

On-the-spot fines: Romania issues fines at the roadside. Carry sufficient cash or a card to pay immediately.

An unpaid tyre fine is not something the EU chases automatically. The cross-border traffic directive (2015/413) lists eight offences — speeding, red lights, drink-driving and the like — and tyre violations are not among them. What can happen is slower and less certain: a notice reaching your address through commercial tracing, or, for fines above EUR 70, the general mutual-recognition route between EU states. On a hire car it is simpler — the rental company charges your card under the contract.

Tyre Choice for Romania’s Climate

Romania has a varied climate. This means tyres face both warm-weather wear and occasional cold-weather challenges:

• Summer: high temperatures increase tyre pressure and accelerate wear. Check pressure monthly and inspect for cracking or bulges
• Autumn/winter: wet roads and occasional frost mean tread depth matters more than in summer. If your area sees regular frost, consider winter or all-season tyres
• Year-round: all-season tyres are a practical choice if your winters are mild and you prefer not to swap tyres twice a year

Road Conditions and Tyre Wear in Romania

Roads in Romania range from well-surfaced highways near Bucharest to rough, unpaved tracks in rural areas. This variety means tyre condition matters even more than in countries with uniformly smooth roads.

• Potholes and broken surfaces cause sidewall damage — inspect tyres after rough sections
• Consider tyres with reinforced sidewalls for extended travel outside Romania’s main cities
• Carry a repair kit and compressor alongside your spare tyre

How Romania’s Tyre Laws Compare to Neighbours

If you are driving across borders from Romania, tyre regulations may change at each crossing:

• Hungary: Winter tyres situational (When conditions require (no fixed dates)). Tread: 1.6 mm. Studded: prohibited.
• Bulgaria: Winter tyres situational (15 Nov - 1 Mar (or when roads are snowy/icy)). Tread: 1.6 mm. Studded: prohibited.
• Serbia: Winter tyres situational (1 Nov - 1 Apr). Tread: 4.0 mm. Studded: prohibited.
• Ukraine: Winter tyres not required. Tread: 1.6 mm. Studded: prohibited.

Ukraine does not require winter tyres, so if you are leaving Romania you may be carrying winter tyres unnecessarily — but they still improve safety in cold weather.

Need the full picture? Our Driving in Romania page covers speed limits, fines, equipment rules, and more.