- Romania plans automated traffic monitoring with fines mailed to owners.
- AI-based system with human validation and license-plate recognition.
- Parliament debating proposal to improve road safety amid high accident rates.
- Fines issued by mail; drivers can contest penalties.
Romania is preparing to implement an automated system for recording traffic violations, with fines mailed to the vehicle owner’s home.
The project, currently under parliamentary debate, could transform how traffic laws are enforced.
Current Situation in Romania versus European Countries
In Western countries, automated traffic monitoring systems have been a reality for more than a decade. Radar and video cameras are installed on most major arteries, and any contravention is sanctioned immediately, with the fine mailed to the vehicle owner’s home.
In contrast, Romania remains the last EU country without a digitized system for monitoring simple contraventions. The current approach relies solely on the physical presence of traffic police, which significantly limits enforcement effectiveness.
Legislative Proposal Under Debate
The USR PLUS parliamentary group, represented by Deputy Cristian Ichim, has submitted a bill to install a video system for traffic monitoring. This legislative initiative comes in response to alarming road safety statistics in Romania.
The proposed system will operate on artificial intelligence, augmented by human operators who will validate contraventions identified automatically.
Impact on Road Safety
Alarming Statistics
Romania ranks among the EU countries with the highest numbers and severity of road accidents. The number of fatal road accidents is twice the European average, a situation worsened by the poor quality of road infrastructure.
Demonstrated Benefits of Automated Systems
International studies show that implementing automated traffic monitoring yields the following benefits:
- Significant reduction in the number of accidents in monitored areas
- Improved driver behavior as drivers adopt a defensive driving style
- Reduction of traffic aggression due to certainty of penalties
- Objective application of the law without subjective interpretations
How the Automated System Works
Technology Used
The video camera system will continuously record traffic events, using:
- Artificial intelligence for automatic identification of contraventions
- Human operators for validation and processing of complex cases
- License plate recognition to identify owners
Enforcement Process
- Detection of the contravention by the automated system
- Vehicle identification by license plate
- Issuance and dispatch of the fine to the owner’s home
- Possibility to contest and identification of the actual driver
Contraventions That Can Be Monitored Automatically
Traffic Violations
- Running a red light
- Failing to yield to pedestrians
- Driving beyond legal speed limits
- Violations at level crossings
Administrative Violations
- Driving an unregistered vehicle
- Driving without a valid ITP
- Not wearing a seat belt
Additional Advantages
Besides penalties, the system will allow:
- Road safety analysis on specific road sections
- Identification of critical points where additional measures are needed
- Collection of statistical data to improve infrastructure
Results from European Countries
Early Implementation
Most European countries installed such systems in the early 2010s or even earlier. The accumulated experience provides concrete data on the effectiveness of these measures.
Success Statistics
In countries such as Spain, Germany and Austria, the implementation of automated systems has led to:
- Reduction of up to 50% in serious road accidents
- Adoption of a more prudent driving style by drivers
- Long-term decrease in fines due to improved behavior
Implementation Process and Appeals
Vehicle Owner Rights
The vehicle owner who receives a mailed fine has the following options:
- Accept the fine and pay within legal deadlines
- Indicate the actual driver if the vehicle was borrowed
- Contest the fine through standard legal procedures
Safeguards
The system will include safeguards to prevent abuses and ensure fair application of the law, including multiple checks and the possibility to contest.
The implementation of this system represents an important step toward modernizing and making traffic law enforcement more efficient, with the potential to save lives and significantly improve road safety in Romania.
