Romania vehicle registration, taxation, and subsidy updates

Romania has implemented several regulatory changes regarding vehicle administration and taxation.

New road tax regulations, effective October 1, 2026, allow drivers to retain a paid road tax (rovinieta) when selling a vehicle or changing license plates, with options to request refunds for unused periods. The system differentiates between standard passenger and light freight vehicles (up to 3.5 tons) and heavier freight vehicles, which utilize the TollRo system for distance-based fee calculation. To ensure validity during plate changes, modifications must be registered in the official database to allow the National Company for Road Infrastructure Administration (CNAIR) daily data access.

Additionally, starting November 2, 2026, the Public Community Service for the Regime of Driving Licenses and Vehicle Registration in Bihor will cease accepting cash payments for registration fees, including costs for license plates and number reservations. The Bihor Prefecture stated this shift to electronic methods—such as internet banking, SelfPay machines, and the ghișeul.ro platform—aims to “reduce waiting times at service counters, eliminate the need for staff to count and deposit cash, and increase overall transparency.”

Furthering automotive sector updates, the Romanian Ministry of Environment announced the reopening of the Rabla Auto 2026 program for individuals, beginning November 3, 2026. This session utilizes approximately 35.4 million lei in previously reserved funds to assist those unable to register in earlier stages. The budget allocates 25.6 million lei for thermal and hybrid vehicles, 9.2 million lei for electric and plug-in hybrids, and 550,000 lei for motorcycles. To qualify, applicants must scrap a vehicle at least 8 years old. Registrations are conducted online via the Environmental Fund Administration (AFM) until December 31, 2026, or until funds are exhausted.