Vehicle inspection in Romania (2026)
Last reviewed: 7 November 2026
In short: Cars have their first periodic inspection at 3 years if new when registered, then every 2 years (every year from 12 years old). Inspections are done by R.A.R. or its authorised stations. Registration is suspended by law when the inspection expires.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| First inspection of a new carVehicle inspection | Cars with at most 8 passenger seats besides the driver's have their first periodic technical inspection at 3 years, if they were new at first registration in Romania. [1] |
| Inspection intervalVehicle inspection | Cars with at most 8 passenger seats besides the driver's are inspected every 2 years, and every year if the car is at least 12 years old (historic vehicles excepted). The period runs from the date of the previous inspection. [1] |
| Who carries out the testVehicle inspection | Inspections are done by the Romanian Auto Register (R.A.R.) through its county offices, or by economic operators it authorises and monitors under a franchise contract. [1] |
| Penalty for an overdue testVehicle inspection | Registration of the vehicle is suspended by law on the date the periodic technical inspection expires, and ends when the vehicle passes a new inspection. [2] |
| Foreign cars visitingVehicle inspection | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- The sources read do not say whether foreign-registered cars visiting must have a local test, so this is not stated here.
Sources
- Portal Legislativ (Ministerul Justiției): Ordonanța Guvernului nr. 81/2000 privind inspecția tehnică periodică a vehiculelor înmatriculate sau înregistrate în România (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
- Portal Legislativ (Ministerul Justiției): Ordonanța de urgență a Guvernului nr. 195/2002 privind circulația pe drumurile publice (republicată) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.