Romanian road toll system to change from October 2026

2026. 09. 30. 14:01

From 1 October 2026, Romania’s road toll system will undergo significant changes. One of the most important changes is that for goods vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes, the previous time-based road use entitlement will be replaced by a distance-based toll system called TollRo.

For passenger cars and goods vehicles with a maximum authorised mass of up to 3.5 tonnes, however, the Romanian electronic vignette, known as the rovinieta, will remain the basis of toll payment. The change therefore directly affects hauliers in particular, but motorists travelling to Romania should also be aware of the new system.

According to the latest information from the Romanian road authority, CNAIR, the new toll system will go live at 0:00 on 1 October 2026, which may involve a system shutdown!

What is changing in Romania’s road toll system?

The main difference is that Romania will use two different toll payment models depending on the type of vehicle, similarly to the system used in Hungary.

Vehicles designed for passenger transport, as well as goods vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes, will continue to use the time-based rovinieta. Goods vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes, however, will move to the new TollRo distance-based road toll system.

This represents a significant change in approach. For heavy goods vehicles, the primary question will no longer be how many days they use the Romanian road network, but how much distance they travel on the toll road network.

Passenger cars: the rovinieta remains

For those travelling to Romania by passenger car, the vignette system is not being abolished. The rovinieta will remain in use, although following the change, the vehicle’s emissions classification will also be taken into account when determining the price.

Under the new rules, the toll will be determined based on:

• the vehicle category,
• the vehicle’s EURO emissions classification,
• and the duration of the road use entitlement.

For the time-based rovinieta, the law provides for validity periods of 1 day, 10 days, 30 days, 60 days and 12 months.

Who will have to pay the TollRo road toll in Romania?

The new distance-based system applies to vehicles that:

• are designed for the transport of goods,
• have a maximum authorised mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes,
• and use the Romanian road network covered by TollRo.

For the purposes of the regulation, mixed-use vehicles are treated as goods vehicles.

This means that motorists travelling to Romania in a passenger car or a light commercial vehicle weighing up to 3.5 tonnes will not need to purchase a TollRo ticket, but must continue to obtain the appropriate rovinieta.

What happens to Romanian vignettes purchased earlier?

Previously purchased rovinietas for passenger vehicles and goods vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes that are still valid will, in the cases specified by law, remain valid until their original expiry date.

For goods vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes, however, it is particularly important to check the transition rules, as these vehicles will fall under the TollRo system from October.

What should you pay attention to when travelling to Romania by passenger car?

From the perspective of Hungarian motorists, the most important point is that a rovinieta will still be required in Romania, meaning that the time-based toll system for passenger cars is not being abolished.

Before departure, it is advisable to check:

• The vehicle category: Selecting the correct road use entitlement always depends on the vehicle’s classification. For light commercial vehicles in particular, it is important to check the information shown in the vehicle registration document.
• The start of the vignette’s validity: As a general rule, the road use entitlement must be arranged before entering the Romanian toll road network.
• The registration number, country code and vehicle identification number (VIN).
• The vehicle’s EURO emissions classification: in vehicle registration documents issued by EU Member States, this is typically shown in field V.9.
• The route: the rovinieta is also required on certain parts of Romania’s national road network, so motorists should not assume that tolls can automatically be avoided simply by staying off motorways.

What does all this mean for travellers from Hungary to Romania?

For those travelling by passenger car, the change is less significant than it is for international road haulage. There is no need to calculate a distance-based TollRo charge, but it remains important to have the correct Romanian rovinieta.

A Hungarian e-vignette may also be required for the route

The journey to Romania often includes Hungarian toll motorway and expressway sections, for which a Hungarian e-vignette may also be required. It is advisable to purchase it online before departure.

Frequently asked questions

Will the Romanian motorway vignette be abolished from 1 October 2026?
No. Passenger vehicles and goods vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes will still require a time-based rovinieta. The distance-based TollRo system primarily affects goods vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes.

How will road tolls be paid in Romania for passenger cars?
Passenger cars will continue to use the time-based rovinieta, which will be available at different prices depending on the vignette category, validity period and the vehicle’s emissions classification.

When will the new system take effect?
According to the rules currently in force and the latest information from the Romanian road authority, TollRo will become operational at 0:00 on 1 October 2026.