TollRo and the Romanian Vignette: How the Two Road Charging Systems Will Work

From 1 October 2026, two different road charging mechanisms will operate in Romania: TollRo and the Romanian vignette (rovinieta).

The two systems are not mutually exclusive and do not apply to the same vehicle categories. The key difference lies both in the type of vehicle and in how the road charge is calculated.

For goods transport vehicles with a maximum technically permissible laden mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes, TollRo will introduce distance-based charging. For vehicles that remain under the Romanian vignette system, the charge will continue to be determined according to the period of use of the road network.

What is the difference between TollRo and the Romanian vignette?

The main difference is how the amount payable is determined.

The Romanian vignette is based on a period of use of the road network.

TollRo is calculated according to the actual distance travelled.

Under TollRo, the amount due does not depend solely on the number of kilometres travelled. Vehicle characteristics, such as the maximum technically permissible laden mass and EURO class, as well as the category of road used, are also taken into account.

This change is particularly relevant for transport operators because the cost of using the road network will be directly linked to the journeys made.

Which vehicles will use TollRo and which will remain under the Romanian vignette system?

TollRo applies to registered vehicles designed and constructed for the transport of goods with an MTMA exceeding 3.5 tonnes when travelling on roads covered by the system.

For TollRo purposes, mixed-use transport vehicles are treated as goods transport vehicles.

Under TollRo, vehicles are divided into three categories:

• over 3.5 tonnes and up to and including 7.5 tonnes;
• over 7.5 tonnes and under 12 tonnes;
• 12 tonnes or more.

Within each category, the rate is also differentiated according to the EURO emission class.

By contrast, vehicles that are not subject to TollRo will continue to use the Romanian vignette, including goods transport vehicles with an MTMA of up to and including 3.5 tonnes.

What happens to the Romanian vignette from 1 October 2026?

The introduction of TollRo does not mean that the Romanian vignette will be eliminated.

From 1 October 2026, the two systems will operate in parallel for different vehicle categories.

For vehicles that remain under the Romanian vignette system, the charge will continue to be determined according to the period of use.

For goods transport vehicles with an MTMA exceeding 3.5 tonnes, TollRo will introduce distance-based charging.

Therefore, this is not a complete replacement of the Romanian vignette, but rather a separation of the road charging system according to vehicle category.

How is TollRo calculated and how does the Romanian vignette work?

For TollRo, the basic formula is:

The distance travelled is expressed in whole kilometres.

The unit rate varies according to:

• road category;
• the vehicle’s maximum technically permissible laden mass;
• EURO class.

Therefore, two vehicles travelling the same distance may incur different TollRo costs if they belong to different weight categories or EURO classes.

Rates also differ according to road type, between motorways and expressways and national roads.

The Romanian vignette operates on a different principle: the right to use the road network is purchased for a specific validity period for vehicles that remain under this system.

Why does the EURO class matter under TollRo?

Under TollRo, the vehicle’s emission level directly affects the rate.

Rates are differentiated across three groups:

• EURO VI;
• EURO IV–V;
• EURO 0–III.

Vehicles meeting higher emission standards benefit from lower rates.

According to the rates established by Order No. 1,925/2025, for the same vehicle category and the same road type:

• the rate for EURO IV–V is 15% higher than the rate applicable to EURO VI;
• the rate for EURO 0–III is 30% higher than the rate applicable to EURO VI.

The TollRo cost will therefore depend both on the actual use of the road infrastructure and on the vehicle’s characteristics.

What changes for transport operators from 1 October 2026?

For operators using goods transport vehicles with an MTMA exceeding 3.5 tonnes, the main change is the transition from a time-based charge to one directly linked to the distance travelled.

The following factors will affect the cost of a journey:

• the number of kilometres travelled;
• the categories of roads used;
• the vehicle’s MTMA;
• EURO class.

Under similar conditions, a vehicle travelling a longer distance on the charged road network will incur a higher TollRo cost than one travelling a shorter distance.

For transport companies, TollRo will therefore become a cost that must be taken into account when planning routes and estimating operating costs.

What happens to Romanian vignettes purchased before 1 October 2026?

The legislation establishes transitional rules for Romanian vignettes issued before the new system takes effect.

According to Law No. 103/2026, from 1 October 2026, Romanian vignettes issued under the previous system will cease to be valid, except for those issued for vehicles that remain under the Romanian vignette system.

For the latter, the Romanian vignette remains valid until its expiry date.

This rule is particularly important for goods transport vehicles with an MTMA exceeding 3.5 tonnes, which will switch to TollRo.

TollRo and the Romanian vignette will operate in parallel

From 1 October 2026, Romania’s road charging system will use two distinct mechanisms.

For vehicles that remain under the Romanian vignette system, the cost will be linked to the period for which the right to use the road network is purchased.

For goods transport vehicles with an MTMA exceeding 3.5 tonnes, TollRo will introduce charging based on:

• distance travelled;
• road category;
• MTMA;
• EURO class.

For users, the key question will therefore no longer be only “how long will I use the road network?”, but also “what vehicle am I using and how many kilometres will I travel?”

More articles about TollRo

Official sources

• Law No. 226/2023 on the application of road charges on Romania’s national road network – updated version
• Law No. 103/2026 amending and supplementing Law No. 226/2023
• Order No. 1,925/2025 of the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure on TollRo unit rates

The information is provided for informational purposes and reflects the legislative framework available as of 31 August 2026. This article will be updated if relevant legislative or operational changes occur.