Romania May Increase Vignette Prices for Older Cars

Update: Romania’s new road charging system is now scheduled to take effect from 1 October 2026. The final rules differ from some of the proposals described in this earlier article. Read our updated guide: Romania Vignette Rules from 1 October 2026.

Romania may change the way its road vignette, known locally as rovinieta, is calculated. The proposed system would make the price depend not only on the type of vehicle and the vignette validity period, but also on the vehicle’s EURO emissions class.

For owners of older cars, this could mean higher travel costs. In general, vehicles with lower environmental standards and higher emissions could be charged more for using Romania’s national road network.

How the Romania vignette could be calculated

Under the proposed pricing system, several factors would be taken into account:

• vehicle type;
• vignette validity period;
• period of use of the national road network;
• vehicle EURO emissions class.

In practice, newer and less polluting vehicles would pay lower rates, while older vehicles with lower EURO standards could fall into higher tariff categories.

How much could the vignette cost for passenger cars?

At the time the proposal was discussed, an annual vignette for a passenger car cost approximately 253–254 Romanian lei.

Under the proposed pricing model, the annual road vignette for passenger cars could have ranged from approximately 254 to 330 Romanian lei, depending on the vehicle’s emissions class.

The lowest rate was expected to apply to Euro 6 vehicles and electric cars, while Euro 5, Euro 4 and Euro 3 vehicles could pay progressively higher rates.

This meant that owners of older and more polluting vehicles could see the largest increase.

Romania vignette validity periods

Drivers would be able to purchase a vignette for different periods depending on the length of their trip:

• 1 day;
• 10 days;
• 30 days;
• 60 days;
• 12 months.

These options are particularly useful for drivers travelling from Moldova to Romania for a short trip — for example, to Iași, Bucharest, a Romanian airport, shopping destinations, holiday resorts, or onward to other European countries.

Which drivers could be affected the most?

The proposed tariff changes could have the greatest impact on owners of older vehicles and on transport operators using minibuses, buses and commercial vehicles.

For vehicles with high emissions, the increase in road charges could have been significantly higher than for modern passenger cars.

For example, according to the preliminary estimates discussed at the time, the annual vignette for a Euro 3 bus could have increased by more than 1,500 Romanian lei, from around 2,800 lei to approximately 4,420 lei.

What drivers from Moldova should know

The changes are particularly relevant for drivers from the Republic of Moldova who regularly travel to Romania.

Before travelling, it is useful to check:

• your vehicle’s EURO emissions class;
• the current Romania vignette price;
• how long you need the vignette for;
• your vehicle documents;
• valid motor insurance for international travel.

If you drive an older vehicle or one with a lower EURO emissions class, your road costs may be higher than for a newer vehicle.

For this reason, it is better to check the current vignette price before departure rather than dealing with it after entering Romania.

Is a vignette mandatory in Romania?

Yes.

A valid Romanian vignette, or rovinieta, is required for vehicles using the sections of Romania’s national road network covered by the road charging system.

The requirement applies to several vehicle categories, including passenger cars and various commercial vehicles.

Driving without a valid vignette can result in a fine.

Before travelling, make sure that your vignette has been issued correctly and that your vehicle registration number has been entered without errors.

Why should you also check your car insurance?

The road vignette is only one of the things drivers should verify before travelling abroad.

Drivers travelling from Moldova to Romania should also make sure that their motor insurance is valid for the entire trip and provides the necessary coverage for the countries through which they will travel.

Checking your documents, road charges and insurance before departure can help avoid unnecessary costs, delays and problems during your journey.

In short

Romania considered changing its vignette pricing system so that the tariff would also depend on the vehicle’s EURO emissions class.

Under the proposal discussed at the time, older and more polluting vehicles would pay more, while modern Euro 6 and electric vehicles would receive lower rates.

For passenger cars, the annual vignette was expected to cost approximately 254–330 Romanian lei, depending on the emissions category.

If you are travelling from Moldova to Romania, check the current vignette rules, vehicle documents and motor insurance before departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a vignette in Romania?

The Romanian vignette, known as rovinieta, is a road charge required for using the sections of Romania’s national road network covered by the vignette system.

Was the Romania vignette expected to become more expensive?

Yes. The proposal described in this article would have introduced different rates depending partly on the vehicle’s EURO emissions class.

Which vehicles could pay more?

Older and more polluting vehicles, especially cars with lower EURO emissions standards, could face higher road charges.

How much could an annual vignette cost for a passenger car?

According to the preliminary proposal discussed at the time, the annual vignette could have cost approximately 254 to 330 Romanian lei, depending on the vehicle’s emissions class.

Do drivers from Moldova need a vignette in Romania?

Yes. Drivers from the Republic of Moldova must have a valid Romanian vignette when using roads covered by the rovinieta system.

What should I check before driving to Romania?

Before travelling, check your vignette, vehicle documents, EURO emissions class and the validity of your motor insurance.

Check your Romania vignette before travelling

Planning a trip to Romania?

Check the current Romania vignette price in advance, verify your vehicle details and make sure your motor insurance is valid for the entire journey.

RapidaSig helps drivers prepare the necessary road and insurance products before travelling abroad.