Permissible Blood Alcohol Content in Romania – as of 2026
Traveling by car through Romania is an amazing adventure, but it requires full driver discipline. Unlike many Western European countries, Romania does not provide a margin of error. The permissible blood alcohol limit is 0.0 per mille. This means that even after consuming one small beer or a glass of wine, the driver becomes an offender under the local traffic code.
These regulations apply to everyone – both Romanian citizens and tourists. The Romanian road police (Poliția Rutieră) are known for their uncompromising approach, and sobriety checks are a routine part of officers' work, especially on weekends and around large cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, or Constanța.
Why does Romania enforce "Zero Tolerance"?
Romanian authorities have been combating a high number of road accidents for years. The introduction of the strict 0.0‰ limit aims to eliminate any risk. This system works in conjunction with severe financial and administrative penalties. It is worth mentioning that Romania is a country with specific terrain – mountain roads, such as the famous Transfăgărășan or Transalpina, require maximum concentration and excellent reaction time from the driver.
Penalties and fines for driving under the influence of alcohol
In Romania, the law divides alcohol-related offenses into two categories, depending on the alcohol concentration detected in the driver's body:
1. Concentration from 0.01 to 0.40 mg/l in exhaled air
This is treated as an administrative offense. However, the consequences are very severe:
- High financial fine (usually from 1,305 to 2,900 RON).
- Driver's license suspended for 90 days without the possibility of shortening this penalty.
- Inability to continue driving – the vehicle must be picked up by a sober person.
2. Concentration above 0.40 mg/l in exhaled air (approx. 0.8‰ in blood)
Exceeding this threshold elevates the case from a misdemeanor to a criminal offense. In such a case, the driver must expect:
- Imprisonment from 1 to 5 years or a very high court fine.
- Confiscation of the driver's license for a much longer period (or its lifetime revocation).
- Entry into the criminal record, which may prevent the performance of many professions.
Road control in Romania – how to behave?
If you are stopped for a check, remain calm and cooperate. The officer has the right to ask for documents: driver's license, vehicle registration, and confirmation of a valid e-vignette Romania.
Warning: Refusal to undergo an alcohol test or blood test in Romania is treated almost as severely as driving while heavily intoxicated and usually results in a court case and imprisonment.
Vignettes and other road tolls
When planning your route, don't forget that alcohol is not the only legal aspect. Romania requires a Rovinieta on all national roads. The system is fully digital. You can purchase it instantly via Winiety24.eu, which will help you avoid queues at border crossings like Nădlac or Giurgiu.
Specifics of driving in Romania
Driving in Romania differs from traveling on motorways in Austria or the Czech Republic. Infrastructure is developing rapidly, but single-lane roads passing through numerous villages still dominate. In such places, the risk of unforeseen events (e.g., agricultural vehicles or animals on the road) is high, which further supports the justification for the 0.0‰ limit.