Car roadworthiness test (ITP) in Romania: cost, validity, what's checked
In short
The periodic technical inspection (ITP) is done only at stations authorised by the Romanian Automotive Register (RAR), based on the registration certificate, the vehicle identity card and a valid RCA insurance policy. For a car, the first ITP is due 3 years after first registration, then every 2 years, and annually once the vehicle passes 12 years of age. Driving with an expired ITP suspends the registration by law, and the combined penalties can exceed 8,000 lei, plus retention of the plates and the registration certificate.
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The periodic technical inspection (ITP) is the mandatory check of your car’s technical condition, without which the vehicle is not legally allowed on public roads. It is a quick and cheap procedure in itself, but with a costly trap: the moment the ITP expires, the registration is automatically suspended and the fines jump to thousands of lei. So the rule is simple — do not let it expire.
How often, in short
- New car (0-3 years): no ITP for the first 3 years; the first is due 3 years after first registration;
- Between 3 and 12 years: every 2 years;
- Over 12 years old: annually.
Other vehicle categories (taxis, passenger transport, heavy vans, driving schools) have shorter intervals — check the exact next-ITP date on your inspection report.
A trick that saves you a second trip
The most common failures are trivial and cheap to fix beforehand: a blown bulb, worn tyres below 1.6 mm tread depth, a torn wiper. Check them the evening before — a few-lei bulb changed at home saves you a return trip to the station. Brakes and emissions come down to proper servicing, so if your car’s maintenance is up to date, it usually passes without issues.
Steps to follow
- Check the validity date. The next ITP date is shown on the previous inspection report and in the registration certificate. Do not wait for the last day: you can do the ITP earlier, and the new validity runs from the inspection date.
- Make sure your RCA is valid. Without a valid RCA policy, the station cannot perform your ITP. If it is about to expire, renew it first — see our guide on buying RCA online.
- Book a RAR-authorised station. The ITP is done exclusively at stations authorised by the Romanian Automotive Register (RAR) — there are thousands nationwide, and you can use any of them regardless of your county of residence. Many work by appointment, others on a first-come basis.
- Present the car and documents for inspection. The inspection usually takes 20-40 minutes. The inspector checks the brakes, steering, suspension, lights, tyres, exhaust emissions and other safety systems, on specialised test rigs.
- Receive the report. If the vehicle passes, you get the inspection report with the new validity; the windscreen sticker has not been used for years, verification being electronic. For major defects, you get a short window to fix them and re-present the car.
Required documents
- The registration certificate (talon), in original
- The vehicle identity card (CIV), in original
- A valid RCA insurance policy
- The identity document of the person presenting the vehicle
Costs
| What you pay | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ITP for a car | ≈ 150–200 lei | Tariffs are capped by RAR, but each station sets its price within the cap; varies by vehicle category |
| Re-check after fixing defects | Reduced or free | Depending on the station and how soon you return |
| Fine for driving with an expired ITP | can exceed 8,000 lei (combined penalties) | Plus automatic suspension of the registration + retention of the plates and registration certificate |
Fees change over time. Always check the current amounts on the official websites listed under “Official sources”.
How long it takes
The inspection itself usually takes 20-40 minutes. Resulting validity: 2 years for cars between 3 and 12 years old, 1 year for those over 12 years; new cars have their first ITP 3 years after first registration.
Frequently asked questions
How often is the ITP due for a car?
For personal cars: the first ITP 3 years after first registration (so new cars need no ITP for the first 3 years), then every 2 years. Once the vehicle passes 12 years of age, the ITP becomes annual. Other categories (taxis, passenger transport, heavy vans) have shorter intervals.
What is checked, and why do cars fail most often?
The braking, steering, suspension, lighting systems, the tyres, emissions and safety elements are checked. The most common reasons for failure are blown bulbs, tyres worn below the legal minimum tread depth (1.6 mm), inefficient brakes and excessive emissions — many of which are cheap to fix before the inspection.
Can I drive with an expired ITP?
No. When the ITP expires, the vehicle's registration is suspended by law, so you may no longer drive on public roads. You risk combined penalties (for the missing ITP and for driving with a suspended registration) that can exceed 8,000 lei, plus retention of the plates and the registration certificate.
Can I do the ITP in a county other than my residence?
Yes. The ITP can be done at any RAR-authorised station in the country, regardless of where the vehicle is registered or where you live.
My car failed the ITP — what now?
For minor defects, the vehicle may pass with an obligation to fix them. For major defects, you get a short window (set by the rules) to fix the problem and return to the same station for a re-check, usually at a reduced fee or free if you return within the interval.