- Electric and hybrid cars registered in Bucharest park free in City Hall lots.
- Vignettes last five years and are issued on request.
- Requests can be emailed to [email protected] or at the Streets Administration HQ.
- Blue zones cost 10, 5, or 2.5 lei per hour; fines up to 200 lei.
In Bucharest, as of August 16, a new parking regulation has come into effect, significantly changing how residents access and pay for parking spaces. Under the new rules, most parking spaces managed by the Bucharest City Hall require payment, and parking on sidewalks without authorization carries substantial penalties.
However, there are categories of drivers who benefit from certain facilities. If you own an electric or hybrid vehicle, there is good news for you.
Who Has Access to Free Parking in Bucharest
Under the new Regulation, owners of electric and hybrid cars are entitled to free parking in the City Hall–managed parking lots. To qualify, vehicles must meet the following conditions:
- Be registered in Bucharest
- Possess a valid parking vignette
- Locate an available space in the general-use parking lots in the capital
How to obtain the free parking vignette
Vignettes for electric and hybrid cars are issued only on request and are valid for five years. The process is straightforward:
- Submit the request to the email address [email protected]
- Alternatively, you can complete the request directly at the Bucharest Streets Administration headquarters
- Important: the vignettes are issued only for cars registered in Bucharest
An essential aspect to note is that this facility provides free parking, but it does not guarantee a parking space. You still need to find an available spot, just as any other driver, but you won’t pay the parking fee.
Evolution of the electric car market in Romania
The Rabla Plus program for purchasing electric cars has had a significant impact on the Romanian auto market. This year marked a historic moment: sales of electric cars surpassed diesel vehicle sales for the first time.
According to statements by the Minister of the Environment, Barna Tanczos, the first half of the year saw a remarkable 106% increase in electric car sales. This vehicle category now holds a substantial 20.7% of the Romanian auto market, demonstrating growing consumer interest in sustainable mobility.
Parking Regulations in Bucharest from August
Starting August 16, parking rules in the capital have changed substantially. Here’s what you need to know:
Paid parking spaces
For blue-marked parking spaces, administered by the City Hall, payment is mandatory. Non-compliance carries:
- A 200 lei fine
- The possibility of wheel clamping
- Tariffs that can reach up to 10 lei per hour in central zones
Free parking spaces
There are still zones where you can park for free in Bucharest:
- White-marked spaces
- Unmarked spaces
- Residential parking from sector mayoralties (which operate under a distinct regime)
Parking Tariffs in Bucharest
The Municipal Parking Company has established a zoned pricing system reflecting the importance and congestion of different areas of the capital:
Hourly tariffs
- Zone 0 (city center): 10 lei/hour
- Zone 1 (areas adjacent to the center): 5 lei/hour
- Zone 2 (peripheral areas): 2.5 lei/hour
Payment methods
Parking payment can be made through several convenient options:
- Parking Bucharest App (prepay with a bank card)
- SMS to the number 7458
- Cash in parking areas managed by the Municipal Parking Company
Resident Subscriptions
The subscription system is designed to offer flexible options for residents in the different zones of the capital.
Subscriptions without reservation
These subscriptions allow parking in the chosen zone, but do not guarantee a specific space:
- Zone 0: 200 lei/month
- Zone 1: 100 lei/month
- Zone 2: 80 lei/month
Subscriptions with reservation
If you want a guaranteed parking space, you can opt for:
- Zone 0: 900 lei/month
- Zone 1: 700 lei/month
- Zone 2: 400 lei/month
Short-Term Subscriptions for Individuals
For those needing parking for shorter periods, the Municipal Parking Company offers daily, weekly, or monthly subscriptions:
Zone 0 (city center)
- 75 lei/day
- 300 lei/week
- 1,050 lei/month
Zone 1
- 38 lei/day
- 150 lei/week
- 525 lei/month
Zone 2
- 15 lei/day
- 60 lei/week
- 210 lei/month
In addition to these, there are semiannual and annual subscription options, which can offer additional savings for those who park regularly in the same zones.
The new parking regulations in Bucharest represent a significant shift in how the capital manages its parking spaces. While most drivers will need to pay for parking, the provision for electric and hybrid vehicle owners provides a meaningful incentive for greener mobility. It is essential to stay informed about these changes to avoid fines and to plan parking costs in Bucharest effectively.
