Snow tires, mandatory from 2011, says Transport Ministry

Romanian drivers will not be obliged to equip their vehicles with snow tires this winter. The measure will be implemented starting November 2011. Romanian Transport Minister Anca Boagiu said Thursday drivers who will cause accidents or block streets because their cars are not properly equipped will be fined and will be compelled to cover road-clearing costs if they get snowed in. Boagiu said last week the Government would approve in two weeks an emergency decree obliging vehicle owners to equip their cars with snow tires from November 1 to March 31. Romanian drivers will be required to use winter tires between November 1 and March 31 every year, or pay a fine between RON 2,500 and 4,000 (around EUR 584-EUR 934), in addition to the damage done to the road if they have no insurance. These penalties will also apply if the vehicles have no snow chains or other permitted anti-swerving equipment when driving over frozen roads, according to a Government decision drafted by the Ministry of Transport. 10 percent of the fines will be transferred to the state budget and the rest will be used for road maintenance. The entire revenue from fines currently goes to the state budget. Mediafax