Buying a Car in Romania: What to Know

Romania has one of the fastest-growing car markets in Central and Eastern Europe, but buying a vehicle there involves navigating a system that combines EU regulations with local peculiarities. About 70 percent of new car sales in Romania are from European or Asian mainstream brands, with Dacia holding the largest single-brand market share at roughly 30 percent of new registrations in recent years.

For new cars, the process is generally straightforward. A buyer can purchase from an authorized dealer, who typically handles the registration, number plate assignment, and first-year road tax. The buyer receives a Certificate of Registration, a Registration Card (Carte de Identitate a Vehiculului, CIV), and the number plates. New cars come with a manufacturer warranty, often four years, and Dacia, Renault, and other common brands have extensive dealer networks across the country.

The used car market in Romania is dominated by imports from Western Europe, particularly Germany. Roughly 300,000 to 400,000 used cars are imported annually. Most are 8 to 12 years old, diesel-powered, and from German brands like Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Buyers should note that road tax in Romania is currently calculated based on engine displacement, CO2 emissions, and vehicle age, not a flat rate. A pre-2008 diesel vehicle with a large engine can face an annual tax of several hundred euros, which can come as a surprise to first-time buyers.

Importing a car from another EU country into Romania follows standard EU rules: VAT is paid in the country of purchase (or in Romania if bought from a non-EU source), and the buyer typically has 30 to 90 days to register the vehicle with the Romanian equivalent of the DMV (DRPCIV). The registration fee itself is approximately 30-50 euros, but the process requires proof of ownership, a valid Certificate of Conformity (COC) or individual approval (RAR), and an ITP (technical inspection) pass. The ITP is generally required to be less than one year old for the original registration.

Insurance is mandatory and is typically priced per vehicle, not per driver, which differs from systems in the UK and some other European countries. Third-party liability insurance (RCA) is required by law. The premium is typically calculated based on the vehicle's engine size, power, age, and the driver's history. Buyers from outside Romania should verify whether their existing driving history and no-claims discount is transferable, as many Romanian insurers do not recognize foreign bonus-malus records.

Import and registration rules change and vary by case - always verify current requirements with RAR, DRPCIV, or a customs advisor before making decisions based on this article.

[UNCERTAIN CLAIMS: Dacia's approximate 30% market share in Romania is based on 2023-2024 ACAROM (Romanian Automobile Manufacturers Association) data, but quarterly figures fluctuate. The 300,000-400,000 annual used car import figure is an estimate from industry observers, not an official published statistic. Insurance policies and registration procedures can change at local level (DRPCIV offices may vary in processing times and requirements). Individual RAR approvals for vehicles without a valid COC can take weeks and cost several hundred euros, depending on the inspection center availability. Foreign no-claims discount recognition is at the discretion of individual insurers and is not a regulated requirement.]