No, riding in the back of a truck is illegal in Romania under Article 108(1) of the Traffic Law (Law 478/2002), which prohibits passengers from occupying unenclosed cargo areas. Violations risk fines up to RON 1,500 (€300) and driver penalties under Government Emergency Ordinance 195/2002. Local authorities, including the National Police Inspectorate (IGPR), enforce this strictly, particularly on highways and urban routes.
Key Regulations for Riding in the Back of a Truck in Romania
- Passenger Prohibition: Article 108(1) explicitly bans passengers in unenclosed cargo spaces, classifying it as a serious traffic offense under Order 161/2008 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
- Vehicle Modifications: Trucks modified for passenger transport require type-approval from the Ministry of Transport (MT) and must comply with EU Directive 2007/46/EC, a requirement reinforced by Romania’s 2026 National Road Safety Strategy.
- Enforcement Priorities: The IGPR targets rural transport providers and logistics firms, with 2024 data showing 1,200+ citations for violations in agricultural regions like Teleorman and Iași.
Non-compliance extends liability to employers under Labor Code 53/2003, where truck operators may face corporate fines up to RON 10,000 (€2,000) for endangering workers. Exceptions exist solely for emergency services or military vehicles under Government Decision 107/2016.