- Towing penalties total about 1,000 RON in major Romanian cities.
- Fines apply even if the vehicle isn’t towed.
- Practical tricks: cup on dash and steering wheel turned to deter towing.
- Keep a visible contact number on the dashboard.
Parking spaces have dramatically decreased in Romania’s major cities, while the car fleet has grown steadily. This combination creates difficult situations for drivers who face daily the challenge of finding a legal parking spot. Local police act quickly when they identify parking violations, and the costs associated with towing can be substantial.
In major cities such as Cluj-Napoca, Bucharest, or Timișoara, the total penalty for towing a car reaches about 1,000 RON. This amount consists of two parts: half is the fine for improper parking, and the other half covers the vehicle’s transport and storage costs. It is important to note that even if you manage to avoid the actual towing, the fine for illegal parking will still have to be paid, amounting to a few hundred RON.
Practical methods to prevent vehicle towing
Cup-with-liquid technique
One of the most effective methods is to place a transparent cup with water or coffee on the dashboard in a visible position. The cup should be almost full and positioned so that officers can notice it immediately. The logic behind this method is simple: during the towing operation, abrupt movements and tilting of the vehicle can cause the liquid to spill.
Local police generally avoid such situations, as they respond for any damage caused to the interior of the vehicle during the lifting operation. A spilled cup of coffee can stain upholstery, may penetrate electronic systems, or damage other interior components, thus creating a liability risk for authorities.
Steering wheel turned technique
Another practical method consists of turning the steering wheel completely in one direction after parking the car. When the wheel is turned to the maximum, the front wheels will be angled significantly relative to the vehicle’s longitudinal axis.
This position significantly complicates the lifting process, because the mounting and hydraulic locking systems used by lifting platforms require the wheels to be roughly straight to secure a firm grip. Additionally, lifting a vehicle with the wheels turned all the way can strain the steering system or damage suspension components, creating liability issues for local authorities.
Why you shouldn’t leave animals in the car
Although some drivers claim that leaving a pet in the vehicle can prevent towing, this practice is not recommended for multiple reasons. First, you expose the animal to potentially dangerous conditions, especially on hot days when the interior temperature of a parked car can rise rapidly to lethal levels.
Second, besides the illegal parking fine, you risk receiving an additional penalty for neglect or exposure of animals to dangerous conditions. Legislation on animal welfare is increasingly strict, and such situations can be considered abuse.
Preventive measures and communication
Leave a visible contact number
Always keep a visible phone number on the dashboard. If you encounter a cooperative officer, they can contact you before ordering the vehicle to be towed. In this scenario, you will be fined only the illegal parking fine, saving the additional towing and storage costs.
A card with the phone number, placed visibly on the dashboard or the interior-side windshield, can make the difference between a fine of a few hundred RON and almost 1,000 RON.
Act quickly if you observe the towing operation
If you notice that your vehicle is being towed, try to reach the scene as quickly as possible. According to regulations, if the car has not yet been fully loaded onto the platform and moved from the original location, you will be fined only for the parking violation, without the extra transport and storage costs.
In such cases, it is important to stay calm and be polite with the officers. Present yourself, identify yourself as the owner of the vehicle, and request to pay only the parking violation.
General tips for avoiding problems
The most important tip remains complying with parking rules whenever possible. Invest time in finding a legal parking space, even if that means walking a few extra minutes. The cost of a ticket or towing far exceeds the inconvenience of a longer walk.
If you live in a big city and frequently face parking issues, consider alternatives such as:
- subscriptions for public or private parking
- using public transport for regular commutes
- ride-sharing or car-sharing services for certain situations
- park-and-ride options on the outskirts of the city, with a transfer to the center
Remember that the methods presented above do not guarantee avoidance of towing and that the best way to avoid trouble is to respect the law. Illegal parking not only costs you money but can block access for other vehicles, hinder emergency responses, or create obstacles for pedestrians.
