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AIC RENT A CAR · DRIVER'S GUIDE
Driver's guide: speed limits in Romania
Find out at what speed you can legally drive in towns, on motorways, express roads and national roads, as well as what rules apply to novice drivers and vehicles towing trailers.
Observing speed limits is essential for the safety of all road users. In Romania, the maximum permitted speed depends on the type of road, the vehicle category, and any signposted restrictions. In addition, every driver must adapt their speed to traffic, visibility, weather, and road conditions.
Below you will find the main legal limits and a few important rules to keep in mind before setting off on your journey.
Important: the maximum legal limit is not a recommended speed for every situation. If it is raining, foggy, the road is slippery, or visibility is reduced, you must reduce speed so that you can drive safely.
1. Speed limits in built-up areas
In built-up areas, the general speed limit is 50 km/h. On certain sections, for vehicles in categories A and B, higher limits may be set by signage, but these may not exceed 80 km/h and must be approved in accordance with the law.
Do not assume that the limit is the same on all streets. Signs may impose lower limits near schools, pedestrian crossings, intersections, or in high-risk areas.
50 km/h
The general limit in built-up areas, unless signs provide otherwise.
Up to 80 km/h
Possible on certain signposted sections, for categories A and B, under the conditions provided by law.
2. Speed limits for cars outside built-up areas
For category B cars, the general limits outside built-up areas are as follows:
| Road type | Maximum speed |
|---|---|
| Motorway | 130 km/h |
| Express road | 120 km/h |
| European national road (E) | 100 km/h |
| Other road categories | 90 km/h |
These are general limits for category B, not a guarantee that you can drive permanently at the maximum speed. The signs on the respective section and the actual traffic conditions must be observed.
3. Limits for other vehicle categories
The limits differ for transport vehicles, certain subcategories, and vehicles with special characteristics. The values intended for category B passenger cars must not be applied automatically.
According to Article 50 of Emergency Ordinance No. 195/2002, outside built-up areas, the general limits are:
- Categories A and B: 130 km/h on the motorway, 120 km/h on the expressway, 100 km/h on the European road and 90 km/h on other roads.
- Categories C, D and D1: 110 km/h on the motorway, 100 km/h on the expressway, 90 km/h on the European road and 80 km/h on other roads.
- Categories A1, B1 and C1: 90 km/h on the motorway, 85 km/h on the expressway, 80 km/h on the European road and 70 km/h on other roads.
Warning: for agricultural or forestry tractors and mopeds, the law sets different limits. Vehicles with excess weight or dimensions, or those transporting dangerous goods, also have special rules. For these situations, check the updated version of the legislation and the regime applicable to the vehicle.
4. What is the speed limit for novice drivers?
Outside built-up areas, drivers who have less than one year of driving experience must observe a maximum limit that is 20 km/h lower than the limit applicable to the vehicle category they are driving.
For example, for a category B car, the values resulting from this rule are:
| Road type | General limit category B | Driver with less than one year of practice |
|---|---|---|
| Motorway | 130 km/h | 110 km/h |
| Express road | 120 km/h | 100 km/h |
| European road (E) | 100 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Other roads | 90 km/h | 70 km/h |
These values are indicative for category B and for roads outside built-up areas. In built-up areas, the signposted limit and the rules applicable to the respective section must be observed.
5. What happens if you tow a trailer?
Outside built-up areas, the maximum permitted speed for a vehicle towing a trailer or semi-trailer is 10 km/h lower than the limit set for the category of the towing vehicle.
For example, for a category B car that would have a general limit of 130 km/h on the motorway, the trailer rule results in a limit of 120 km/h, unless there is a lower restriction.
Also check the requirements regarding the trailer's weight, the car's towing capacity and the required licence category.
6. When should you reduce your speed?
Even if you are driving below the legal limit, your speed may still be too high for the conditions encountered. The driver must adapt their speed so that they can carry out maneuvers safely.
- In rain, snow, black ice, or on a slippery road surface.
- In fog or conditions of reduced visibility.
- On sharp bends, when descending slopes, and on mountain roads.
- Near pedestrian crossings, schools, and intersections.
- In heavy traffic or when the distance to the vehicle in front is insufficient.
7. Useful tips before setting off on the road
A safe journey begins with following traffic rules and properly preparing the car. Before departure, keep in mind the following recommendations:
- Watch the road signs and respect the speed limits, including temporary restrictions.
- Adapt your speed to traffic, weather, visibility, and road conditions.
- Keep a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front, so you can brake safely.
- Avoid using your phone and any other activity that distracts you from driving.
- Check the tires, lights, and main safety systems before long journeys.
Legislative source: Government Emergency Ordinance No. 195/2002 on traffic on public roads, in particular Articles 48–50. Consult the updated version of the normative act on The Legislative Portal of the Ministry of Justice.
This article is for informational purposes and does not replace the legislation in force, road signs, or the instructions of the competent authorities.
AIC Rent a Carrecommendation: always respect the speed limits indicated on the route and adapt your speed to the actual traffic conditions. Do not try to make up for lost time by accelerating. Keep a safe distance and anticipate traffic situations to reach your destination safely.