Can I park in a disabled space?
Not without the right: disabled spaces need the parking card. Only people with disabilities who hold a European parking card (or equivalent document) and the vehicles transporting them have the right to use these spaces. The card must be shown visibly on the windscreen, and it's used exclusively when the holder is actually in the car. Even "stopping for just 2 minutes" in a reserved space is a breach. The parking card is issued by local authorities and allows free parking in dedicated spaces, for the car transporting the person with a disability. In short: if you don't have a valid card shown, you can't park in the reserved space, whatever the reason or duration.
📋 The rules
- Reserved spaces only for parking-card holders
- The European card is shown visibly on the windscreen
- Used exclusively when the holder is in the car
- Even 2 minutes without the right = a breach
- The card is issued by local authorities
🔓 Exceptions
- A vehicle actually transporting the person with a disability: allowed, with the card
- A valid card shown visibly: a mandatory condition
- Using the card without the holder in the car: not allowed
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Parking without the right in a disabled space is heavily sanctioned: the fine is usually 2,320–2,900 lei, but can reach, depending on local rules, about 10,000 lei. In addition, the car can be towed from public domain, and the towing, transport and storage costs are borne by the owner. Abusive use of the card (e.g. when the holder isn't in the car) also brings sanctions. To avoid trouble: don't park in reserved spaces unless you hold a valid card, don't "lend" the card to anyone, and if you're entitled to a card, show it visibly and use it only when actually transporting the person with a disability. These spaces are essential for the mobility of disabled people.
📎 Official sources
- Law 448/2006 on the protection of people with disabilities →
- GEO 195/2002 · Road Code →
- National Authority for the Rights of People with Disabilities →
❓ Frequently asked
Who can park in disabled spaces?
Only people with disabilities who hold a European parking card (or equivalent document) and the vehicles transporting them. The card must be shown visibly on the windscreen and used exclusively when the holder is actually in the car. Without a valid card, parking in the reserved space isn't allowed.
Can I stop "just 2 minutes" in a disabled space?
No. Even if you stop very briefly, occupying a reserved disabled space without the right is a breach and is sanctioned. These spaces are intended exclusively for disabled people who hold the parking card, no matter how short your stop there would be.
What fine do I risk parking in a disabled space?
The fine is usually between 2,320 and 2,900 lei, but can reach, depending on local rules, about 10,000 lei. In addition, the car can be towed from public domain, and the towing, transport and storage costs are borne by the vehicle owner.
Can I use my disabled relative's card?
Only if you actually transport the person with a disability. The card is used exclusively when the holder is in the car. Using the card without the entitled person present is abusive and is sanctioned. Don't "borrow" the card to park when the disabled person isn't with you.
How do I get a disabled parking card?
The parking card is issued by the local public administration authorities, based on a file with the documents attesting the disability grade. It allows free parking in dedicated spaces, for the car transporting the person with a disability, and must be shown visibly on the windscreen.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “disabled parking no card fine”
- “european disabled parking card”
- “fine disabled parking 2900 lei”
- “car towing disabled space”
- “parking card windscreen display”
- “2 minute stop disabled space”