- 90-day suspensions apply for DUI, brake/steering faults, extreme speeding, or level-crossing violations
- Criminal acts with victims or court outcomes can trigger 90 days
- Minimum suspension is 30 days; longer periods depend on offense severity
- Reductions to 30 days require road-law test, one year driving experience, and filing a request
The Romanian road legislation imposes severe penalties for serious offenses behind the wheel. One of the most drastic measures is the suspension of the driver’s license, which can reach 90 days depending on the severity of the offense. For every driver, understanding these rules can make the difference between a safe journey and being without a license for a substantial period.
Romanian law clearly states that the minimum suspension period cannot be less than 30 days. Depending on the offense, you can be without your license for 60 or 90 days, or even permanently through cancellation.
Cases leading to a 90-day driver’s license suspension
Severe offenses that justify maximum suspension
The Romanian legislator has identified several situations where road safety is gravely compromised, thereby justifying a 90-day license suspension:
Operating under the influence of alcohol is one of the most severe offenses. Alcohol impairs reaction time, coordination, and the ability to make correct decisions behind the wheel, turning the vehicle into a potential weapon.
Driving a vehicle with serious brake or steering system problems endangers both the driver and other road users. These systems are vital for control of the car and road safety.
Exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h is considered an extremely serious offense. At these excessive speeds, stopping distances increase exponentially, and the impact of an accident can be devastating.
Disobeying signals at level crossings is an offense with potentially deadly consequences. Failure to observe lowered gates, signals, or audible warnings can lead to catastrophic collisions with trains.
Criminal acts or accidents with victims where the court has ordered dismissal, termination of criminal proceedings, or postponement of punishment also fall into the category of offenses that lead to a 90-day suspension, if they fit the cases provided by law.
Reducing the suspension period
Conditions for obtaining a shorter suspension
The law allows for reducing the suspension period to 30 days, but only under specific conditions:
- Passing the road-law test: Demonstrating up-to-date knowledge of traffic regulations
- Driving experience: Holding a license for at least one year prior to the offense
- Submitting an official application: The reduction is not automatic; an explicit request is required
Situations in which you cannot benefit from a reduction
There are circumstances where the law does not allow a reduction of the suspension period:
Repeated accumulation of penalty points: If you accumulate another 15 points within 12 months from the expiration of the last suspension, you demonstrate persistent improper road behavior.
Alcohol–accident combination: Driving under the influence when involved in an accident with property damage is an aggravating circumstance that excludes the possibility of reduction.
Disobeying railway signals: Due to the extreme gravity of this offense, the suspension for failing to observe railway signals cannot be reduced.
Practical implications of the suspension
Key aspects to note
During the suspension period, you are not entitled to drive any vehicle that requires the respective license. Violating this prohibition constitutes a new offense, with additional sanctions.
Recovery of the license occurs only after the expiration of the suspension period and the fulfillment of all legal conditions, including payment of any fines and passing the required tests.
Preventing license suspension
Recommendations for responsible driving
The most effective way to avoid license suspension is to adopt a defensive and responsible driving style. Respect speed limits, avoid drinking alcohol before getting behind the wheel, and regularly check the vehicle’s technical condition.
Additionally, periodic participation in road safety courses and keeping up to date with legislative changes can help avoid problematic situations.
A 90-day license suspension is a severe but justified penalty to protect road safety. Understanding these rules and abiding by them not only helps you avoid sanctions but also contributes to a safer driving environment for all road users.
