Can I park on the pavement?
Usually no: parking on the pavement is allowed only if there are markings or signs. Simply leaving one metre free does not give you the right to drive onto the pavement. Parking on the pavement is allowed only where the road administrator expressly authorises it, through signs or markings. Even then, a space of at least 1 metre must be left free for pedestrian circulation (without markings, a corridor of at least 1.5 m towards the opposite edge). If you fully block the pavement and force pedestrians onto the roadway, the sanction is higher. Besides the fine, the car can be towed, and you separately pay the towing, transport and storage costs. In short: don't go onto the pavement except where signs allow, and always with space for pedestrians.
📋 The rules
- Pavement parking only with signs/markings that allow it
- One metre free does not automatically grant the right
- At least 1 m must be left for pedestrians (1.5 m without markings)
- Fully blocking the pavement: a higher fine
- Besides the fine: the car can be towed
🔓 Exceptions
- Areas with a pavement-parking sign/marking: allowed, with space for pedestrians
- Set-up parking spaces on the pavement: per the signage
- Very short regulated stopping: per local rules
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Unlawful parking on the pavement is usually fined with 2–3 fine points (about 405–607 lei; from July 2026 the amounts rise with the point value). If the pavement is fully blocked and pedestrians are forced onto the roadway, the sanction rises to class II (4–5 points, about 810–1,012 lei). In addition, the car can be towed, and the towing, transport and storage costs are paid separately, per the rates set by the local authority. To avoid trouble: park only in signposted spots, always leave space for pedestrians, and if there's no legal pavement spot, look for a set-up car park or a roadway edge where stopping is allowed.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Can I park on the pavement if I leave room for pedestrians?
Not automatically. Simply leaving one metre free doesn't give you the right to go onto the pavement. Pavement parking is allowed only where the road administrator authorises it through signs or markings. Even then, at least 1 metre must remain free for pedestrian circulation.
How much space must be left for pedestrians?
Where pavement parking is allowed, a space of at least 1 metre must be left free for pedestrians. Without markings, the rule requires a corridor of at least 1.5 metres free towards the opposite edge of the pavement, so pedestrians can move safely without stepping onto the roadway.
What fine do I risk for parking on the pavement?
Usually 2–3 fine points, i.e. about 405–607 lei. If you fully block the pavement and force pedestrians onto the roadway, the sanction rises to class II, about 810–1,012 lei. From July 2026, these amounts increase with the rise in the fine-point value.
Can my car be towed from the pavement?
Yes. Besides the fine, a car parked unlawfully on the pavement can be towed. In that case, you separately pay the towing, transport and storage costs, per the rates set by the local authority. These costs are added to the fine for the unlawful parking.
Where can I park legally if there's no pavement spot?
Look for a set-up car park, a signposted parking space or a roadway edge where stopping and parking are allowed. Avoid pavements without a parking sign, entrances, pedestrian crossings and reserved spots. Following the signage protects you from both the fine and the towing of your car.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “parking on pavement legal romania”
- “fine parking pavement 2026”
- “one metre pedestrians pavement parking”
- “car towing pavement parking”
- “unlawful parking fine points”
- “where can i park legally”