On 13 January 2025, the Romanian Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure published a draft ordinance proposing stricter penalties for tachograph non-compliance. The announcement was shared by the National Union of Road Hauliers of Romania (UNTRR) to inform its members about the proposed changes.
The ordinance outlines penalties for violations of road transport regulations, applicable to both Romanian and foreign operators.
According to the draft ordinance:
- Fines of 4,000-6,000 lei (about 800-1200 euros) apply:
- Failure to present tachograph records (manual or printed) from the current day and the previous 56 days to control bodies.
- Failure to present the driver’s tachograph card to control bodies, if the driver possesses one.
- Fines of 9,000–12,000 lei (about 1800-2400 euros) apply to:
- Operating a vehicle without an approved tachograph or with a device that does not meet legal requirements.
- Using a forged driver card.
- Falsifying, concealing, suppressing, or destroying data recorded on the tachograph or stored on the driver card.
The draft includes provisions for the immobilisation of vehicles in cases where drivers refuse inspections or fail to move their vehicles to authorised workshops for tachograph or speed limiter checks. These measures are applicable to both Romanian and foreign hauliers operating within the country.
The draft ordinance transposes Directive (EU) 2024/846, which amends EU legislation on driving periods, rest times, and tachograph use. The proposed changes aim to enhance enforcement, promote fair competition, and improve safety standards in the road transport sector.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has opened the draft ordinance for public consultation, inviting feedback from stakeholders.