New Restrictions for Polluting Cars Loom in Romanian Cities

Romania is preparing to introduce new regulations targeting polluting vehicles, aiming to improve air quality in urban centers. The upcoming Urban Planning Code, set to take effect on August 25, 2026, mandates local authorities to establish low-emission and zero-emission zones within their jurisdictions.

Local councils will have a 12-month grace period, until August 25, 2027, to define these zones. These definitions will be incorporated into the General Urban Plans (PUG), which are crucial documents for urban development. The proposals for these zones will be drafted by specialized departments focusing on urbanism and the environment.

The new code introduces specific categories for vehicle access restrictions: zero-emission zones and low-emission zones. The implementation of these measures signifies a shift towards integrating traffic management with broader urban planning strategies, alongside existing considerations for road infrastructure, public transport, and parking.

Vehicles with higher emissions will be the primary focus of these future regulations. The specific categories of vehicles affected, the conditions for access, and any associated measures will be determined by local authorities. This means that the rules could vary significantly from one city to another, depending on the zones defined and the specific decisions made by each local council.