Hello
With a U.S. driving license, must you have an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Romania?
We plan to rent the car at the Cluj Airport upon arrival as our itinerary is to drive from Cluj to Maramures County, to visit villages in Breb and Sighetu and then back to Cluj. The only night driving we will be doing is from the airport to the hotel in Cluj Napoca as I read it is recommended to not drive the Romanian roads at night.
If it is mandatory my concern is how to get an IDP quick enough as we are currently living as expats in Saudi Arabia and cannot therefore run out to a AAA office, of whom we are no longer members anyway.
We leave August 31 for a quick 6 day trip.
Your ideas are greatly appreciated!! Vicki
Posted by
Washington DC
28074 posts
I'm sorry that I can't help you, but for the benefit of others who might read this thread, you do not have to be a member of AAA to get an IDP. I believe members receive a $5 discount.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
5431 posts
Maybe this article will help: http://saudibuzz.com/international-driving-license/
However the US embassy in Romania's website has this to say ( so it looks like you're off the hook - this time)
"U.S. citizens can drive in Romania:
With a regular U.S. driver’s license for a short period of time (usually under 90 days);
With an International Driving Permit as long as it is valid."
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you for the replies! I discovered a way to get an IDL here in Saudi so may just do that for future occasions, should it come up again. But its nice to know I have time to get that done since it is not mandatory for a US DL at this time.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33827 posts
There are two quotes to extract from the US Embassy instructions:
U.S. driver’s licenses may be used to drive in Romania if they are valid and accompanied by an international driving permit.
and
Romanian traffic laws are very strict. Any form of driver’s license or permit can be confiscated by the Traffic Police for 1-3 months and payment of fines may be requested at the time of many infractions. Some examples are: failure to yield the right of way, failure to yield to pedestrians at crossroads, or not stopping at a red light or stop sign. Romanian traffic law provides for retention of licenses and possible imprisonment from 1 to 5 years for driving under the influence (alcohol level over 0.1% limit) or for causing an accident resulting in injury or death. In spite of these strict rules, however, many drivers in Romania often do not follow traffic laws or yield the right of way. Therefore it is strongly recommended that defensive driving be the rule of thumb while driving throughout Romania.
Vehicle drivers shall use the lights indicating their intention of changing lanes, turning right or left, making a U turn, passing another vehicle or pulling over, at least 50 meters before intended maneuver in localities and 100 meters outside localities.
These are both from https://ro.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/additional-information-for-visitors-and-residents/traffic-safety-and-road-conditions/
I don't see where any of that says that the OP is off the hook, or that an IDP is not mandatory.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you!! We will definitely pursue an IDL.