- Driving with expired ITP can incur fines up to 2,900 lei.
- License plates and registration are confiscated; the vehicle cannot circulate.
- To recover documents, tow the car to a RAR station for ITP and repairs.
- Additional costs include towing platform charges, higher ITP fees at RAR, and repairs.
Driving with an expired ITP is one of the gravest offenses a driver can commit on the road. Beyond the obvious safety risks, the new legislative amendments have introduced drastic penalties that can turn a simple oversight into a costly and intricate situation.
When a vehicle is caught driving with an expired ITP, the consequences go far beyond a simple fine. The new framework provides severe measures designed to deter this dangerous practice and protect road safety.
What is the ITP and why it is mandatory
Inspecția Tehnică Periodică (ITP) is a mandatory technical inspection that certifies that a vehicle meets the safety and environmental protection standards required for circulation on public roads. This procedure evaluates the vehicle in vital systems: braking, steering, suspension, lighting, pollutant emissions and other essential components.
The frequency of ITP depends on the age of the vehicle:
- Vehicles up to 10 years old: every two years
- Vehicles over 10 years old: annually
- Transport vehicles: shorter intervals, depending on the vehicle category
New penalties for driving with an expired ITP
Severe financial penalties
The driver who circulates with an expired ITP faces a substantial fine that can reach up to 2,900 lei. This amount marks a significant increase from the previous regulations and reflects the seriousness of the offense from the authorities’ point of view.
Confiscation of documents and license plates
The new legislation provides for the immediate confiscation of:
- License plates
- Registration certificate
- Issuance of a proof of non circulation
Immediate practical consequences
Once the license plates are confiscated, the vehicle cannot circulate on public roads. This means that:
- The vehicle can be moved only on a tow platform
- There is no possibility to drive the car home or to a service
- All subsequent trips must be made exclusively by specialized transport
Procedure to recover documents
Transport to RAR
To recover the documents and license plates, the owner must:
- Hire a car platform to transport the vehicle to a RAR station
- Carry out the ITP at RAR – a verification more rigorous than at private services
- Fix any defects identified during the inspection
Additional costs
In addition to the initial fine, the driver will bear:
- Platform costs (usually 3-5 lei/km)
- ITP fee at RAR (higher than at authorized private services)
- Repair costs for identified defects
- Additional platform transport if repairs are required
Differences from the old legislation
In the past, the system was much more permissive:
- Drivers usually received a fine and a document allowing circulation
- Confiscation of plates was applied only in extreme cases (serious brake system defects)
- The vehicle could be driven to the nearest authorized service
When police check the validity of the ITP
Routine checks
Police can verify the validity of the ITP in the following situations:
- Routine checks in traffic
- Periodic RAR checkpoints
- Road accidents – mandatory document verification
- Citizen reports about suspicious vehicles
Electronic verification
Authorities have computer systems that allow rapid verification of ITP validity based on the license plate number, making it impossible to evade checks.
Recommendations for drivers
Monitoring the expiry date
- Note the ITP expiry date in your calendar
- Schedule the inspection 1–2 weeks before expiry
- Regularly check the vehicle’s technical condition to avoid surprises
Preparation for the ITP
Before going to the inspection, verify:
- Brake system – pads, discs, brake fluid
- Lighting system – headlights, taillights, signaling
- Tires – tread depth, even wear
- Pollutant emissions – especially on older diesel engines
- Steering system – play at the wheel, condition of components
Consequences for road safety
A vehicle with an expired ITP can present:
- Brake system failures that can cause serious accidents
- Suspension problems affecting vehicle control
- Defects in the lighting system reducing visibility
- Excessive pollutant emissions
The new regulations governing driving with an expired ITP reflect a much stricter approach to road safety. The costs and complications generated by these sanctions far exceed the apparent savings from delaying the inspection. Compliance with the ITP schedule is not only a legal obligation but also a responsibility to one s own safety and that of other road users.
