Cross-border route

Hungary Romania

Driving across the border

Yes — you can drive from Hungary into Romania: carry a certified IDP translation of your licence alongside the original so border officials and rental desks can read your credentials. Romania expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, prepared in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. The M43/A1 corridor crosses at Nădlac toward Arad and Timișoara.

Get my permit for Romania Romania requirements

Last reviewed July 2026

Route at a glance

FromHungary

ToRomania

IDP in RomaniaStrongly recommended

Accepted format1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna

Driving sideright (no change)

Currency in RomaniaRON

Emergency number112

Top speed limit130 km/h motorways

Hungary → Romania

Crossing the border

The M43/A1 corridor crosses at Nădlac toward Arad and Timișoara.

Driving rules in Romania

Road vignette (rovinietă) required.
Headlights on outside built-up areas.
Zero-tolerance alcohol policy (0.0%).
Reflective vest and triangle mandatory.

What to see when you arrive in Romania

Bran (Dracula's) Castle
the painted monasteries of Bucovina
the medieval citadel of Sighișoara
the Transfăgărășan road
the Danube Delta

Once you're driving in Romania

Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.

Driving on a foreign licence

EU/EEA and International Driving Permits are accepted; you must hold a full valid licence (rental firms typically require it for at least one year). Non-Latin-script licences need an accompanying IDP.

Tolls & road charges

Romania uses the electronic Rovinieta vignette (no physical sticker) required on national roads for all vehicles except motorcycles; buy online at e-rovinieta.ro or at fuel stations for 7-day, 30-day, 90-day or annual terms. Driving without it risks a fine of at least about 50 EUR. The Fetești-Cernavodă bridge has a separate toll.

Parking in the cities

Bucharest uses pay-and-display zones with varying tariffs and app payment; park on the right in the direction of traffic. Illegal parking is fined and cars are towed, especially in the centre.

Fines & camera enforcement

Fines scale by penalty-point bands: speeding 50+ km/h over the limit can cost around 265+ EUR with 9-20 points and a 90-day licence suspension; phone use and no seatbelt are ticketed. Rental firms forward camera fines to the renter.

If you have an accident

Call 112 for any injury, unsettleable damage or blocked traffic; police notification is mandatory for accidents with death or injury. Photograph the scene, exchange insurance/registration details, and use the amicable European report only for minor agreed damage.

Driving in the capital

Bucharest traffic is notoriously congested, especially on the central ring and Piața Unirii; the A1 motorway is complete only Bucharest-Pitești, so expect crowded national roads beyond it.

Sources: theromanianlawyers.com · europa.eu · romaniatourism.com · expatcenter.ro

Common questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Hungary to Romania?

Yes — Romania commonly asks foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Romania recognises the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format, which is the format your certified IDP translation is prepared in.

Does the driving side change between Hungary and Romania?

No. Both Hungary and Romania drive on the right.

What is the emergency number and speed limit in Romania?

In Romania, dial 112 for emergencies; 112 also works from most GSM phones. The maximum for cars on the fastest road class is 130 km/h motorways, but posted limits in towns and on secondary roads are lower and always take precedence.

How do tolls and road charges work in Romania?

How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?

International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.