Romania imposes higher traffic fines and charges for electronic ID cards from July 1 2026

From 1 July 2026 Romania will increase road‑traffic penalties. The fine‑point value will rise to 216.5 lei (about 5 % of the minimum wage), so all sanctions calculated by points will grow proportionally. Common offences such as speeding, using a phone while driving or failing to give priority are expected to generate significantly larger fines for drivers.

At the same date the free issuance period for the new electronic identity card with a chip ends. Citizens will have to pay a fee of 70 lei for a chip‑equipped ID and 40 lei for the non‑chip version. The free‑of‑charge window closes after two weeks, prompting drivers and residents to apply before the deadline. More than 1.4 million Romanians have already switched to the electronic card since its introduction, a transition funded in its first year by PNRR resources.