Unpaid traffic fines in Romania: from seizure to enforcement

Nearly every driver has faced a traffic fine at some point. Many think they can ignore paying it, but this choice can have serious long-term consequences. Romanian authorities have powerful legal tools to recover fines, from notices and collection notices to garnishments on bank accounts and enforcement actions.

Romania’s sanction system has undergone significant changes in recent years, offering certain facilities for quick payment, but also drastic measures for those who ignore financial obligations.

Recent changes in the fines system

• Extended discount period: Fines can be paid at half within the first 15 working days after issuance, not only within the first 48 hours as before
• Elimination of direct payment: It is no longer possible to pay the fine directly to the issuing officer
• Diversified payment channels: Fines can be paid at the Treasury, at Romanian Post offices, via bank transfer, or at CEC Bank branches

The prescription period and notifications

A traffic fine prescribes after five years from January 1 of the year following the year in which the sanction was received. This period may seem long, but authorities have an efficient instrument to extend the prescription period.

Notifications sent by authorities reset the prescription period to the date of the last notification. This legal mechanism allows authorities to keep the payment obligation alive for extended periods.

The process of recovering fines

Stage 1: Transmission to local tax authorities

Police authorities are required to transmit the traffic violation report to local tax authorities within a maximum of 90 days from the issuing of the report. This stage marks the official start of the recovery process.

Stage 2: The summons from the city hall

After receiving the documents, the local public administration (city halls), through the tax and duty directorate, must send a summons to the offender. This summons represents the last chance for voluntary payment.

Stage 3: The 15-day deadline

From the moment you receive the summons, you have maximum 15 days to present yourself at the payment desk and settle your fine.

Enforcement: drastic measures for recovery

If the 15 days pass without payment, the municipalities can initiate enforcement proceedings. The measures applied vary depending on the amount owed and the debtor’s assets.

Bank account garnishments

This is the most common measure applied to unpaid fines. Garnishment represents the forced collection of sums owed directly from the debtor’s bank accounts.

How do authorities obtain the necessary information?

• Banks transmit account statuses to the National Bank of Romania
• The NBR provides the information to the Ministry of Public Finance
• The Ministry makes all the necessary data available to local directorates

Wage garnishments

If you do not have a bank account, authorities contact the Territorial Inspectorate of Labor to obtain information about your place of work. Wage garnishment can be up to 30% of gross earnings.

Seizures on properties

For large sums or substantial debts, authorities may apply seizures on vehicles or real estate. Important to know:

• Seizure cannot be applied to goods necessary for work and daily living
• Usually applied for substantial sums or debts accumulated over time

Special situations and extreme consequences

Lack of assets or income

If you are not employed, do not own a bank account, and have no properties, the risk includes:

• Insolvency filing
• Community service

These measures, though rare, demonstrate the seriousness with which the Romanian state treats non-payment of fiscal obligations.

Cross-check investigations

Authorities conduct cross-check investigations to identify all income sources and debtor assets. This comprehensive process makes avoiding long-term payment very difficult.

Recommendations to avoid complications

1. Pay promptly: Take advantage of the 15 working days to pay at half price
2. Do not ignore notices: Each notice resets the prescription period
3. Check periodically: Ensure you do not have unpaid fines accumulating
4. Keep proofs: Preserve payment receipts to avoid administrative problems

Financial and social impact

Not paying fines can have consequences that extend beyond the immediate financial aspect:

• Additional costs: Enforcement fees and penalties
• Bank restrictions: Issues in relationships with financial institutions
• Psychological stress: The constant pressure of unpaid obligations

In conclusion, while it may seem tempting to ignore a traffic fine, the long-term consequences are far more costly than the initial payment. The Romanian legal system offers facilities for rapid payment, but also has effective tools for forcibly recovering owed sums.