Romanian police crackdown and study expose growing driver aggression and traffic violations

On June 3, 2024, road police in Bihor County, Romania, stopped and fined 88 traffic participants—including 42 drivers exceeding speed limits, 22 cyclists or e‑scooter users, three drivers without seatbelts, and four drivers whose licences were suspended. The operation issued total fines of 53,460 lei, withdrew three vehicle registrations and removed four unsafe vehicles from the road.

A police‑commissioned study released shortly after found that Romanian drivers are becoming increasingly aggressive. Nearly one‑third of respondents said they often encounter aggressive behaviour, while 12% admit to acting aggressively themselves. The study also noted a decline in alcohol‑impaired driving to 10% but a rise in drug‑impaired driving, and highlighted widespread phone and social‑media use while driving. "Drivers who see themselves as victims often provoke aggression themselves," said Alexandru Zodier, manager of Cult Research.