Romania winter tire regulations and potential fines

In Romania, the legal requirement to use winter tires is determined by road conditions rather than a specific calendar date or temperature. Drivers are obligated to use winter tires whenever they are driving on public roads covered with snow, ice, or black ice.

Failure to comply with these regulations constitutes a fourth-class contravention. Penalties include fines ranging from 9 to 20 penalty points. Due to upcoming adjustments, by July 1, 2026, a single penalty point will be valued at 216.25 lei, potentially resulting in total fines between 1,946.25 lei and 4,325 lei. Additionally, authorities may seize the vehicle's registration certificate.

Specific requirements also apply to heavy goods vehicles with a maximum authorized mass exceeding 3.5 tons and passenger transport vehicles with more than nine seats. These vehicles must ensure traction wheels are equipped with winter tires or use anti-skid equipment such as chains.