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Car Rental in Romania

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Renting a Car in Romania: What You Need to Know

When visiting Romania, renting a car can be a convenient and efficient way to explore the country’s beautiful landscapes and historic sites. However, it’s important to understand the local driving laws and requirements to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Understanding Local Driving Laws

Before renting a car in Romania, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the local driving laws. This includes knowing the speed limits, road signs, and right-of-way rules. In Romania, the speed limit is generally 50 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h on rural roads, but it’s important to be aware of any specific regulations in the areas you’ll be visiting.

Driver’s License and Age Requirements

To rent a car in Romania, you must have a valid driver’s license from your home country. Additionally, most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may have a minimum age requirement of 25. Be sure to check the age requirements with your chosen car rental company before making a reservation.

Insurance and Additional Fees

When renting a car in Romania, it’s important to understand the insurance coverage provided by the rental company. Most rental agreements include basic insurance, but additional coverage options may be available for purchase. Be sure to inquire about any additional fees, such as airport surcharges or fuel charges, to avoid any unexpected expenses.

Booking in Advance

It’s advisable to book your rental car in advance, especially if you’ll be traveling during peak tourist seasons. This can help ensure that you have a wider selection of vehicles to choose from and may also result in better rates.

Exploring Romania with a Rental Car

With its diverse landscapes and rich history, Romania is a country best explored by car. Whether you’re visiting the charming villages of Transylvania or the stunning natural beauty of the Carpathian Mountains, having a rental car gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore at your own pace.

By understanding the local driving laws and requirements, renting a car in Romania can be a straightforward and enjoyable experience, allowing you to make the most of your time in this captivating country.

Rental Requirements

Age Limits

In Romania, the minimum age for renting a car is typically 21 years old, although some rental companies may require renters to be at least 23 years old. Additionally, there may be a maximum age limit for renting a car, usually around 70 years old.

Driving License Requirements

To rent a car in Romania, most rental companies require drivers to have a valid driver’s license for at least one year. If your license is not in English, you may need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) to accompany your local license.

Documentation

When renting a car in Romania, you will need to provide a valid passport, a credit card in the name of the main driver for the deposit, and any other documentation the rental company may require. It’s always best to check with the specific rental company for their exact documentation requirements.

Insurance Information

When renting a car in Romania, it’s important to be aware of the insurance options available to make sure you are adequately covered in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Basic Insurance

The basic insurance typically includes Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection. CDW covers damage to the rental car in the event of a collision, while Theft Protection provides coverage in case the car is stolen.

Additional Insurance

In addition to the basic insurance, there are options available for additional coverage such as Personal Accident Insurance and Supplemental Liability Insurance. Personal Accident Insurance provides coverage for medical expenses in the event of an accident, while Supplemental Liability Insurance offers protection in case you are held liable for damages to a third party.

Insurance Tips

For travelers renting a car in Romania, it’s recommended to check their existing travel insurance policies to see if they already have coverage for rental cars. This can help avoid paying for duplicate coverage and ensure that you have the necessary protection during your trip. It’s also important to thoroughly review the terms and conditions of the insurance coverage offered by the car rental company to understand what is included and any potential exclusions.

Local Driving Laws and Regulations in Romania

General Traffic Rules

Driving Side: In Romania, driving is on the right side of the road.
Speed Limits: The typical speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on highways.
Other Useful Info: Keep an eye out for speed limit signs as they may vary in certain areas.

Overtaking and Lane Usage

Overtaking Rules: Overtaking is only allowed on the left side and prohibited in tunnels, on bridges, and at pedestrian crossings.
Lane Discipline: The ‘keep right except to overtake’ rule is observed on multi-lane roads.
Other Useful Info: Be cautious of aggressive drivers when overtaking.

Seat Belt and Child Safety

Seat Belt Laws: Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and children under 12 years old must use appropriate restraints.
Child Safety: Children under 3 years old must be secured in a child seat.
Other Useful Info: Ensure all passengers are buckled up before driving.

Use of Mobile Phones

Mobile Phone Restrictions: It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving unless with a hands-free system.
Other Useful Info: Pull over in a safe area if you need to use your phone.

Alcohol and Driving

Legal Blood Alcohol Limits: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.0% for drivers with less than one year of experience and 0.0-0.4% for all other drivers.
Zero Tolerance Policies: New drivers and commercial drivers have a stricter zero-tolerance policy.
Other Useful Info: Plan for a designated driver or use public transportation if drinking.

Tolls and Charges

Toll Roads: There are several toll roads in Romania, and payment can be made in cash or with electronic devices.
Congestion Charges: There are no urban congestion charges in Romania.
Other Useful Info: Keep change or electronic toll devices handy for toll roads.

Roundabouts and Intersections

Navigating Roundabouts: Roundabouts are common, and vehicles inside the roundabout have the right of way.
Intersection Rules: The vehicle that arrives first has the right of way, and turning right on red is not allowed.
Other Useful Info: Be patient and cautious at busy intersections.

Headlight and Windshield Wiper Laws

Headlight Usage: Use headlights at all times, even during the day.
Windshield Wiper Rule: There is no specific requirement to use headlights when using wipers.
Other Useful Info: Keep headlights on for visibility and safety.

Emergency Vehicles

Right of Way for Emergency Vehicles: Pull over to the right and stop when an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and sirens.
Other Useful Info: Be aware of emergency vehicles and make way for them.

Driving Tips for Romania

Road Conditions

In Romania, the road conditions can vary greatly. While major highways are generally well-maintained, rural roads may be rough and uneven. It’s important to drive cautiously and be aware of potholes and uneven surfaces.

Urban vs. Rural Driving

Driving in urban areas like Bucharest can be hectic, with heavy traffic and aggressive drivers. In rural areas, roads may be narrower and less well-maintained. It’s important to adapt your driving style accordingly and be prepared for different road conditions.

Navigational Tips

Using a GPS can be very helpful in Romania, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. However, it’s also a good idea to have a physical map as a backup, as GPS signals can sometimes be unreliable in rural areas.

Other Useful Tips

– Be aware of local driving laws and regulations, such as speed limits and right-of-way rules.
– Keep an eye out for livestock on rural roads, as they may wander onto the highway.
– Pay attention to road signs, as they may be in Romanian or Hungarian in some areas.

Roadside Assistance and Emergency Procedures

Breakdown Procedures

If you experience a breakdown while driving in Romania, the first step is to safely pull over to the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers, and then contact the rental company’s roadside assistance hotline for help. They will provide you with instructions on what to do next, which may include waiting for a tow truck or arranging for a replacement vehicle.

Emergency Services

In case of a medical emergency or accident, dial 112 for emergency services in Romania. This number will connect you to the police, ambulance, or fire department as needed. It’s important to stay calm and provide as much information as possible about your location and the situation.

Rental Company Policies

Most rental companies in Romania offer 24/7 roadside assistance for their customers. This means that help is just a phone call away, no matter the time or day. Additionally, many rental companies also provide towing services if your vehicle needs to be transported to a repair shop. Before you begin your journey, familiarize yourself with the specific policies and procedures of your rental company to ensure a smooth experience in the event of an emergency.

Where can you Rent a Car in Romania?

You can browse all the city locations below, sorted alphabetically. Use Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F on a Mac) to quickly find the one you want to explore.