Ukrainian Drivers Face New Requirements for International Vehicle Inspections at the Romanian Border
Since the end of July 2024, Ukrainian drivers crossing the border into Romania through the Orlovka-Isakcha checkpoint have been met with unexpected demands to present an international vehicle inspection certificate:
Changes in Requirements: Romanian border authorities began requesting documents for international technical inspections without prior notice, catching many drivers by surprise.
Reactions from Travelers: Drivers without the necessary documents faced long queues, stress, and refusals to enter Romania.
Additional Difficulties: If drivers needed to return to Ukraine, they had to purchase a new ferry ticket, increasing the time and cost of travel.
Widespread Demands: The situation has been similar at other checkpoints, including in Djurdjuleshti.
Contrast with Other Borders: The lack of similar demands at the Ukrainian-Polish and Ukrainian-Hungarian borders highlights the inconsistency of international border crossing regulations.
Official Clarifications and Embassy Actions:
Is an inspection required to enter Romania?
In response to numerous inquiries from Ukrainian citizens and significant border crossing difficulties caused by the additional requirements of Romanian border control, the Embassy of Ukraine in Romania reached out to Romanian authorities for clarification. The embassy requested a comprehensive list of documents needed for border checks, including the regulatory acts governing these changes. The embassy promises to publish the information as soon as it becomes available.
On August 12, 2024, the Ukrainian Embassy in Romania posted the following information on their official Facebook page:
“In response to numerous inquiries from Ukrainian citizens about the significant difficulties faced while crossing the border into Romania due to additional requirements from Romanian control services, we inform you as follows:
According to the Romanian Border Police, the movement of vehicles in international traffic on public roads in Romania is regulated by Emergency Government Ordinance No. 195 of December 12, 2002, as well as the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (November 8, 1968), ratified by Romania.
Thus, under these regulations, during border crossings into Romania, in addition to other required documents, the Romanian Border Police may request the driver to present a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration certificate, and a valid technical inspection certificate.
It is important to note that the aforementioned legal provision on periodic technical inspections applies throughout the country and is enforced for all individuals.”
Clarifications from the Ferry Complex Regarding Border Crossing Rules:
The ferry complex has issued official clarifications on the need for an international vehicle inspection certificate to cross the Romanian border. Key points include:
Technical Inspection Intervals:
- New vehicles must undergo an inspection three years after their first registration.
- Vehicles between 3 and 12 years old must undergo an inspection every 2 years.
- Vehicles older than 12 years must undergo an inspection annually.
- Passenger transport vehicles (taxis, car-sharing, or rental vehicles) must undergo inspections every 6 months.
- Vehicles for transporting goods, over 3500 kg, must undergo an inspection annually.
However, this rule applies only to vehicles registered in Romania, and the editor believes this message may mislead Ukrainian drivers, as it relates only to Romanian-registered vehicles, not Ukrainian ones.
Technical Inspections for New Cars Under 3 Years: Ukrainian-registered cars are not subject to the rule requiring an inspection for new vehicles registered in Romania after three years. The law applies only to new cars that were registered in Romania. Thus, all vehicles with Ukrainian registration, regardless of the year of manufacture, must undergo a technical inspection either in Romania (at RAR facilities) or in Ukraine, depending on where they are actually used.
What is a Technical Inspection (TO) and Why Is It Needed? A technical inspection is the process of checking the technical condition of a vehicle to ensure it is safe and complies with environmental standards. In many countries, including EU countries, regular inspections are mandatory to maintain the right to operate a vehicle on public roads.
Technical Inspection in Ukraine: Ukrainian drivers can undergo technical inspections at licensed stations equipped for this purpose. The stations are authorized to issue documents confirming the completion of the inspection.
The Importance of the Inspection Document for Border Crossing: To enter the EU and Romania by car, a valid technical inspection document may be required. This ensures the vehicle is in proper condition and meets safety and environmental standards.
Clarification from Romanian Government Ordinance No. 195 (December 12, 2002): “Vehicles registered in other countries may cross the state border and move on public roads in Romania only with a valid technical inspection certificate, confirmed by relevant documents.”
Technical Inspection Certificates and QR Codes: Technical inspection certificates often come with a QR code, allowing quick verification of the document’s authenticity and access to detailed information about the vehicle’s condition through specialized electronic systems.
How to Complete a Technical Inspection in Ukraine:
- Choose an Authorized Station: Select a licensed station for the inspection. Information about such stations can be found on official Ukrainian Ministry of Infrastructure resources.
- Prepare the Vehicle: It is recommended to conduct a preliminary check of the vehicle and address any issues before the inspection.
- Inspection Process: The station will conduct a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle, including the brake system, steering mechanism, lighting devices, tires, and other key systems.
- Receiving the Document: After successfully passing the inspection, the vehicle owner will receive a certificate confirming the vehicle’s condition.
Resources for Completing the Technical Inspection for Entry into Romania:
- Interactive Map of Verified Technical Inspection Stations: Ukrainian drivers have created a map showing verified stations suitable for obtaining an international inspection certificate. Access the map on Google Maps.
- Official List of Service Centers for Inspections: The Ukrainian State Service for Transport and Safety provides a full and up-to-date list of authorized centers for conducting technical inspections. Access this information on the interactive map.
Difficulties with Technical Inspections for Entry into Romania: The situation at technical inspection stations in Ukraine has become complicated by several factors. Firstly, the sudden tightening of border document requirements has led to long queues at many stations. Secondly, increased demand has resulted in a shortage of inspection certificates, complicating the process for obtaining necessary documents.
Additionally, Ukrainian vehicles already in EU countries, including Bulgaria and Romania, are facing difficulties with getting the inspections done, especially when returning to Ukraine may not always be feasible or desirable.
The Growing Need for Action: The situation, particularly regarding border requirements for technical inspections, has created a tense and complicated environment. Governments and regulatory bodies must address the growing demand for inspection services to alleviate the pressure on Ukrainian drivers.