Romania Driving Guide for Americans (2026): What to Know Before You Drive

1. Quick Answer: Can Americans drive in Romania with just a U.S. License?

• Yes, U.S. license holders can drive in Romania for up to six months without the need for an International Driving Permit (“IDP”). For a longer period, you may need to acquire an IDP or exchange your U.S. license for a Romanian one. Most rental car companies still require you to have an IDP.

• If your license was issued in a country other than the United States, check out this blog about who is eligible to get an IDP.

• Requirements:

  • Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license

  • Rental companies often require a valid IDP

  • Must be 18+ to rent a car; some companies require 21+ or 25+

2. How to legally drive in Romania as a foreigner

Is an IDP required to drive in Romania if I have a U.S. license?

• No, as of September 25, 2025, U.S. license holders are no longer required to have an IDP to drive in Romania for stays of up to six months. 

• However, rental car companies and insurance companies often still require you to have an IDP.

How to get an IDP (U.S. license holders)

Holders of U.S. driver’s licenses must obtain an IDP from an authorized issuer. PriorityIDP obtains legitimate IDPs on behalf of its customers from AAA and express ships them internationally. This is the fastest, most reliable way to receive an IDP while abroad.

3. Renting a Car in Romania (What to Expect)

Requirements

• Valid U.S. driver’s license

• Valid International Driving Permit

• Credit card for deposit

• Minimum age of 18 – see our blog about the minimum age required to rent and drive a car / motorcycle

How does insurance work when renting a car in Romania?

Check out our blog on this topic.

What other fees should I look out for while renting a car in Romania?

Check out our blog on this topic.

4. Romania-Specific Driving Rules You Must Know

Quick tips

• Driving side: Romania drives on the right side of the road (same as the U.S.). Be cautious at intersections and roundabouts if you're coming from left-hand traffic countries

• Road signs: Road signs are mostly posted in Romanian, though some areas may also have English. Make sure to review what different traffic symbols mean and also have a translation app handy.

• Speed limits: Romania uses both handheld radar and automated speed cameras to catch speeders, and speeding is actively enforced. If you are renting a car, tickets from speed cameras will be sent to your rental company who will bill you automatically, likely with an additional admin fee.

• Headlights: Running lights or low-beams are required during the day and headlights are required at night and in poor visibility (e.g., rain, fog, etc).

• Seat belts: Mandatory for all passengers.

• Car seats: Children under 4ft 6in (135cm) must be seated in car seats. Some rental car companies may have them on hand, but we suggest requesting ahead of time.

• Phone usage: Handheld phone usage while driving is strictly prohibited; hands-free usage is allowed.

• Alcohol limit: Romania has zero tolerance for driving after drinking. The BAC limit is 0.00%.

• Right-of-way:

  • Left turns (across oncoming traffic) must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning left.

  • If not explicitly marked by a sign, traffic coming from the right has priority.

  • Vehicles already in a roundabout have priority.

  • Must yield to pedestrians and cyclists in or waiting at crossings. Trams also have priority when present (mainly in cities like Bucharest).

• Right turn on red: Not allowed unless there is a green turn arrow.

• Required equipment (generally provided by rental company): All cars must have a reflective emergency triangle and a fire extinguisher.

Tolls: All vehicles, including foreign vehicles entering Romania from abroad, must have an electronic vignette called a rovinieta. There is a separate toll for the Fetești–Cernavodă bridge. Check with your rental company about these. If you are using a personal vehicle, you can pay for both on the eRovinieta website.

What to do if you get pulled over

Check out our blog on this topic.

What to do if you get into an accident

The emergency number in Romania is 112.

Check out our blog for more information on this subject.

5. How to get an IDP Quickly

Need an IDP? We can ship as quickly as next-day for domestic orders and 2 days for most major cities abroad. We can help figure out where to ship your IDP if you’re already abroad. Don’t panic! We’re here to help.