Romania enforces mandatory RCA insurance for all registered vehicles

In Romania, vehicle owners are legally required to maintain valid mandatory third-party liability insurance (RCA). According to updated regulations and a 2021 decision by the Court of Justice of the European Union, this obligation applies to all registered vehicles, even if they are non-functional or parked.

Failure to comply with insurance requirements can lead to significant penalties. Drivers without active RCA face fines ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 lei and the seizure of their vehicle registration certificate. If proof of insurance is not provided within 30 days of the certificate's confiscation, the vehicle will be automatically removed from circulation records.

The cost of RCA has seen significant increases, with some reports indicating a 60% rise over four years. This has impacted various vehicle types, including small 49cc scooters, where insurance costs have reached levels perceived as disproportionately high by some users. Additionally, upcoming legislation under Law no. 181/2025 will introduce mandatory RCA requirements for certain categories of electric scooters.