- Fake licenses are rising in Romania and sold via social networks.
- Buyers face criminal penalties and possible imprisonment up to 3 years.
- The lack of training and rules knowledge endangers road safety; cases are frequent.
- Legally, licenses require authorized driving schools, courses, and official exams.
The phenomenon of fake driving licenses is rising alarmingly in Romania, endangering the safety of all road users. Recently, authorities have identified numerous cases of people who, for substantial sums of money, obtain false documents, believing they are completely legal.
Digital fraud — a growing problem
Social networks have become the hunting ground for scammers selling fake licenses. False profiles on Facebook bombard posts with comments claiming they sell ‘100% legal driving licenses’. But logic tells us that a legal license cannot be sold — it is obtained exclusively by completing driving courses and passing official exams.
Hundreds fall prey to these scams, paying large sums for documents that are not only illegal but also expose them to severe criminal penalties.
Risks and consequences of driving with a fake license
Dangers to road safety
- Lack of theoretical and practical training necessary for safe driving
- Lack of knowledge of traffic rules
- Absence of reflexes developed through professional instruction
- Underestimation of in-traffic risks
Legal consequences
- Imprisonment from 6 months to 3 years
- Substantial fines
- A lengthy ban on obtaining a legal license
- Criminal record with implications for professional and personal life
The Albița border crossing case — a striking example
A recent case identified by police at the Albița border crossing illustrates this problem perfectly. On the night of November 18, at 01:20, a 35-year-old man was found in possession of a fake driving license.
Case details
The man was traveling as a passenger in a minibus and carried a document very similar to licenses issued in the Republic of Moldova. Following a thorough check based on risk profiling, police uncovered the counterfeit document in the traveler’s luggage.
What makes the case even more interesting is his motive: although he already held a legal category B license, it did not grant him the right to work as a professional driver in the European Union. To obtain this “advantage,” the man paid 2,000 euros for a fake license, convinced that it was perfectly legal.
Frequency of cases — a worrying statistic
Not a week goes by without at least one report of someone caught driving without a license or with a fake license. These cases raise serious questions about the real extent of the phenomenon:
- How many drivers with fake licenses roam Romania’s roads undetected?
- What proportion of road accidents are caused by people lacking adequate training?
- How can detection and prevention methods be improved?
How to avoid fraud
Warning signs
- Promises of “100% legal” licenses sold online
- Exorbitant prices for “special services”
- Communication exclusively through social networks or unofficial platforms
- Pressure for fast upfront payment
The legal path to obtaining a license
The driving license is obtained exclusively through:
- Enrollment in an authorized driving school
- Completion of theoretical and practical courses
- Passing the theoretical exam
- Passing the practical exam
- Issuance of the document by the competent authorities
Recommendations for road safety
In the face of this growing problem, all road users should adopt additional precautionary measures:
- Drive defensively and anticipate the unexpected behavior of other drivers
- Strictly follow all traffic rules
- Maintain safe distances and legal speeds
- Report any suspicious behavior to the authorities
The fake licenses phenomenon represents a serious threat to road safety. Education and adherence to the law remain the most effective ways to combat this issue that endangers everyone’s lives.
