🔍 Can I use a metal detector?

With conditions

Quick answer

It depends: you need authorisation, and archaeological sites are strictly off-limits. In Romania, under GO 43/2000 on protecting the archaeological heritage, anyone who wants to use a metal detector must obtain an authorisation from the Police (county IPJ or the Bucharest DGPMB). You have 5 working days from buying the detector to file the application; missing the deadline brings a fine and confiscation of the equipment. The authorisation allows the detector to be used only outside archaeological protection zones. Access with the detector on archaeological sites listed in the National Archaeological Repertory, without special authorisation, is a crime. Any object of possible historical value found must be handed over within 72 hours to the town hall or the Ministry of Culture's institutions.

📋 The rules

Authorisation from the Police (IPJ/DGPMB) mandatory
File the application within 5 working days of purchase
Use only outside archaeological protection zones
Archaeological sites: access banned without special authorisation
Objects found: hand over within 72 hours to town hall/Culture

🔓 Exceptions

Use on your own land, outside protected zones: with authorisation
Authorised archaeological research: special regime, with specialists
Rewards for lawfully handed-over finds: provided by law

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Possessing or using a metal detector without authorisation is fined between 25,000 and 75,000 lei and confiscation of the device. Access with the detector in archaeological zones without prior authorisation is a crime, punished with imprisonment of 1 to 5 years and confiscation of the detector. Failing to hand over discovered objects also entails liability. To use a detector lawfully: file the application with the Police within 5 days of purchase, obtain the authorisation, search only outside sites and protection zones, and hand over any find of possible historical value within 72 hours. For lawful hand-overs, the law also provides rewards.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Do I need authorisation for a metal detector?

Yes. Under GO 43/2000, using a metal detector requires an authorisation issued by the Police (IPJ or DGPMB). You have 5 working days from buying the device to file the application; if you miss the deadline, you risk a fine and confiscation of the equipment, even if you haven't used it yet.

Can I search with a detector on archaeological sites?

No. Access with the metal detector on archaeological sites listed in the National Archaeological Repertory, without special authorisation, is a crime, punished with imprisonment of 1 to 5 years and confiscation of the device. An authorised detector may be used only outside archaeological protection zones.

What do I do if I find an old object?

Any object of possible historical or archaeological value must be handed over within 72 hours to the town hall or the Ministry of Culture's institutions. Failing to hand it over entails liability. For lawfully handed-over finds, the law provides rewards for the person who found and correctly declared them.

What fine do I risk without authorisation?

Possessing or using a metal detector without authorisation is fined between 25,000 and 75,000 lei and confiscation of the device. It's one of the largest contravention fines in this field, precisely to discourage unauthorised searches that can destroy the archaeological heritage.

Where do I get the authorisation?

The application is filed with the County Police Inspectorate (IPJ) or, in Bucharest, the General Police Directorate of Bucharest (DGPMB). The legal processing time is 10 working days, but in many counties the authorisation is issued on the spot or within 2–3 days.

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