Whilst driving in Romania may seem daunting at first, it is something that many of us will do to make family life easier. We have previously written about some paperwork regulations related to driving and owning a car in Bucharest. This article is about changes to traffic regulations, in particular the increase in fines and driving suspensions (many offences will receive fines 10 times the current level). If fines are not paid the driver’s licence will be suspended.

This information has been translated from this news story. http://www.astazi.biz/noul-cod-rutier-a-fost-aprobat-e-jale-pentru-soferi-inchisoare-pentru-alcool-si-fara-permis-pentru-centura-si-vorbit-la-telefon/

There are new regulations for the transport of children, namely no child under 12 years old should be in a front seat, except babies in special seats. Children under three years old or less than 135cm in height must be transported in special child seats. The requirement for child seats does not apply in.licenced taxis (as is the law in other countries), we’re not sure how this applies to Uber vehicles though.

Using a mobile phone while driving or not wearing a seat belt will attract fines up to 1600 lei (£315). Exceeding the speed limit by 51 to 60kph (32 to 38mph) will attract a fine between 720 lei (£140) and 1600 lei (£315) plus suspension of driving licence for 90 days.
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 60kph (38mph) will attract fines between 1680 lei (£329) and 4000 lei (£784) plus suspension of driving licence for 180 days. If causing an accident with damage to vehicle/s while exceeding the speed limit by more than 60kph (38mph) the fine will be between 4,080 lei (£800) and 9600 lei (£1882) plus suspension of driving licence for one year. If persons are injured in an accident caused while exceeding speed limit by more than 60kph (38mph) the period of suspension increases to two years. Driving under the influence of alcohol in excess of 0.2gm of alcohol per litre of blood will attract a fine between 1680 lei (£329) and 4000 lei (£784) plus suspension of driving licence for 180 days. If alcohol level is more than 0.5gm per litre of blood the offence will be punished by automatic imprisonment for one to five years. A maximum fine of 9600 lei (£1882) will be applied for going over a level crossing when red lights are flashing and acoustic signal is sounding. Ignoring red traffic light will attract a fine of 4000 lei (£784). Failing to give way at junctions, overtake or pass a red traffic light and cause an accident with no injury to persons will be fined between 720 lei (£140) and 1600 lei (£315) plus suspension of driving licence for 180 days.