Updates – Romanian Vignette 2025
The Romanian Ministry of Transport, in cooperation with motorway operators and other relevant institutions, has introduced new rules and technological solutions aimed at simplifying the purchase process, increasing road safety on motorways, and enhancing the control of non-payment of the vignette.
Legislative Changes and Rule Updates
Strengthening Control Mechanisms
From January 1, 2025, there is a new requirement for drivers to undergo automated control at every checkpoint using intelligent cameras directly connected to a central database. This measure specifically expands the current control regime by mandating electronic verification of vignette validity at every entry point.
Digitization of Management
The entire vignette management system has been fully transferred to an online platform. Drivers can now purchase, extend, and verify the vignette’s validity via the official portal and mobile application. This change introduces an automated recording system that eliminates the need for paper documents and significantly speeds up administrative processes.
Introduction of Ecological Incentives
Special discounted tariffs have been introduced for drivers of vehicles with lower emissions, such as electric cars and hybrids. This measure, defined in an addendum to the new Ministry of Transport directive, offers a reduction of up to 15% compared to standard tariffs for vehicles with combustion engines.
Infrastructure Investments and Modernization
Reconstruction and Maintenance of Motorways
As part of the state investment plan for 2025, extensive modernization is planned for the key motorway section A2 between the cities of Ploiești and Buzău, specifically from km 35 to km 50. This section suffers from excessive wear, increasing the risk of traffic accidents. The repair work includes resurfacing, re-marking, and installation of new drainage systems.
Expansion of the Monitoring Network
Newly installed cameras and sensors will be deployed on strategic sections of motorway A1, particularly near the Bucharest entrance and around the city of Pitești, to improve the detection of illegal operations and enable faster interventions when violations occur.
Implementation of a Statistics and Analysis System
A new system for the regular collection and analysis of data on traffic accidents and violations related to vignette validity will be implemented, focusing on key motorway sections A1 and A2. This system will provide a detailed overview of the current traffic situation and help optimize control measures.
Technological Innovations and New Payment Systems
Mobile Application and Online Services
The newly developed mobile application allows users to easily purchase, extend, or verify the validity of the Romanian vignette. Integration with the national digital identity significantly simplifies the verification process and enhances transaction security.
Contactless Payments
The system has been modernized to support contactless payment options, enabling users to pay via credit card, online banking, or smartphones equipped with NFC technology.
Integration with Remote Verification
New technology allows integration with security forces, enabling real-time verification of vignette validity and immediate response in case of discrepancies.
Testing of New Technologies
As part of pilot projects, autonomous control systems and predictive analyses of traffic situations are being tested on motorway sections A1 and A2. These tests aim to further increase the efficiency of control measures and overall road safety.
What This Means for Drivers
Simplified Purchase and Management of the Vignette
Thanks to the new mobile application and improved online portal, drivers can quickly purchase or extend the validity of their vignette without needing to visit physical branches.
Increased Safety
Automated controls at checkpoints, especially on motorways A1 and A2, ensure that vehicles without a valid vignette are immediately identified, thereby enhancing compliance with regulations.
Clear Information and Support
The official portal will be regularly updated with all changes and news, providing drivers with up-to-date information on tariffs, practical guides, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Enhanced Customer Service
A newly established contact center offering live chat and telephone support will help drivers quickly resolve any queries or issues.
Safety Information Systems
An expanded system of traffic warning signals and information panels, particularly at key checkpoints on motorways A1 and A2, will provide real-time alerts about dangerous sections, changes in traffic conditions, or restrictions.
International Cooperation and Harmonization
Cooperation with Neighboring Countries
Romania is strengthening cooperation with European countries to harmonize the rules for electronic vignettes. Specifically, coordination is planned with Bulgaria and Hungary to facilitate cross-border transport and unify tariff structures.
Sharing of Technologies and Know-How
An international exchange program is underway that includes sharing experiences, technological solutions, and innovations in monitoring systems and digital payment methods, aimed at increasing the overall system efficiency.
Economic and Social Impacts
Analysis of the Impact on the State Budget
The introduction of new technologies and modernization of infrastructure is expected to increase revenues from vignettes. It is anticipated that specific revenue increases on motorway sections A1 and A2 will contribute to funding regular maintenance and further development of the transport network.
Social Aspects and User Support
The new system changes will enhance driver comfort by providing greater tariff transparency and improved customer service. In addition, detailed information campaigns and training sessions are being prepared to ensure that the public is informed of all updates in a timely and comprehensive manner.