No, Romanian traffic law does not explicitly prohibit driving with interior lights on, but it mandates that illumination must not impair visibility or distract other road users, as per Ordinul nr. 1.530/2008 issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. While no fine exists solely for this act, non-compliance with visibility standards under Legea nr. 47/2002 (Road Traffic Law) could lead to penalties if deemed hazardous.
Key Regulations for Driving With Interior Lights On in Romania
- Visibility Interference Clause: Interior lights must not project glare onto the windshield or create reflections that obstruct the driver’s view, per Art. 12(1) of Ordinul nr. 1.530/2008.
- Distraction Risk: Police may cite drivers under Art. 5(3) of Legea nr. 47/2002 if interior lighting is deemed to endanger traffic safety by diverting attention.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: Draft amendments to the traffic code, reviewed by the Direcția Generală de Poliție Rutieră, propose stricter clarity standards for vehicle lighting, potentially formalizing restrictions on non-standard illumination.
Enforcement remains discretionary, but violations tied to impaired visibility or reckless driving carry fines up to RON 1,300 (approx. €260). Local traffic police (Poliția Rutieră) prioritize cases where interior lights contribute to accidents or near-misses.