Can I drive without RCA car insurance?
No: every vehicle must have valid RCA insurance. Under Law 132/2017, every vehicle owner must hold RCA (mandatory third-party car liability insurance). Driving without valid RCA is a contravention, fined 1,000–2,000 lei, with retention of the registration certificate until you show proof of insurance. When you're stopped, the police also apply measures that take the car off the road: retaining the certificate (with a replacement document, no right to drive) and the plates, so the vehicle can't be moved. If the car appears over 90 days without insurance, the registration is suspended automatically. During suspension, you must immobilise the vehicle in a private space, off public domain. Note: even a car kept only in the yard must have RCA if it's registered.
📋 The rules
- RCA mandatory for any vehicle (Law 132/2017)
- Without RCA: 1,000–2,000 lei fine + certificate retention
- The certificate and plates are retained; the car can't drive
- Over 90 days without RCA: registration suspended
- During suspension: immobilise in a private space
🔓 Exceptions
- A registered car kept only in the yard: still needs RCA
- Reactivation after suspension: with valid RCA and formalities
- Green Card: for driving in certain non-EEA states
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Driving without valid RCA is fined 1,000–2,000 lei with retention of the registration certificate until you show proof of insurance. At a check, the certificate and plates are retained, and the vehicle can't move on its own wheels. More seriously: if you cause an accident without RCA, you pay out of pocket all the damage caused to third parties (via the guarantee fund, then recovered from you), which can be huge. If the car appears over 90 days without insurance, the registration is suspended automatically. To stay compliant: take out RCA before driving, renew it on time (check the expiry date), keep the proof, and if you don't use the car, immobilise it in a private space. RCA covers damage to third parties, not your own car (for that there's Casco).
📎 Official sources
- Law 132/2017 on RCA insurance →
- ASF · Financial Supervisory Authority →
- Romanian Police · Traffic Directorate →
❓ Frequently asked
Is RCA mandatory?
Yes. Under Law 132/2017, every vehicle owner must hold valid RCA insurance. RCA covers damage caused to third parties in accidents. Driving without valid RCA is a contravention, fined and with retention of the registration certificate until you show proof of insurance.
What fine do I risk without RCA?
Driving without valid RCA is fined 1,000–2,000 lei plus retention of the certificate. At a check, the registration certificate and plates are retained, and the car can't be moved. If you cause an accident without RCA, you pay out of pocket all the damage caused to third parties, which can be very large.
What happens after 90 days without RCA?
If the vehicle appears in the database over 90 days without valid insurance, the registration is suspended automatically. During suspension, you must immobilise the car in a private space, off public domain, and can no longer use it on public roads.
Does a car kept in the yard need RCA?
Yes, if the car is registered. Under EU case law, registered vehicles must have RCA even if they're kept only in the yard and don't drive. If you don't want to pay RCA, the solution is to deregister or officially immobilise the vehicle, under the legal procedures.
Does RCA cover my own car?
No. RCA covers damage caused to third parties in accidents — the harm caused to others, not your own car. To cover your own vehicle in case of accident, theft or other risks, you need optional Casco insurance, separate from RCA, which is liability insurance.
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