RAR Procedure in Romania: Safe Car Transport by Tow Truck – No Fines

Anyone bringing a car into Romania, whether from the EU or beyond, must go through the RAR (Registrul Auto Român) procedure. This is a mandatory step to obtain the vehicle registration certificate (CIV) and Romanian license plates. However, driving an unregistered car to the inspection center carries serious financial and legal risks. In this article, we will walk you through the RAR procedure step by step, explain the required documents and costs, and, most importantly, show you how to avoid fines and vehicle confiscation by using our professional towing services to transport your car directly to the RAR facility.

What is RAR and Why Do You Need to Pass It?

RAR (Registrul Auto Român) is the Romanian state authority responsible for carrying out technical inspections on imported vehicles, issuing authenticity certificates, and providing Vehicle Identity Cards (CIV – Cartea de Identitate a Vehiculului). Without a CIV, you cannot register your car at the DRPCIV and obtain Romanian license plates.

This procedure is mandatory for all cars brought from abroad, even from EU countries. The only exception is brand-new cars that have a European Certificate of Conformity (CoC), though even those may require additional checks.

Risks of Driving Yourself to RAR Without Registration

Many owners choose to drive their cars to the inspection themselves, thinking it's quicker and cheaper. However, this is a gamble that exposes you to:

  • Fines ranging from 590 to 4,000 RON for driving an unregistered vehicle (depending on the circumstances).
  • Confiscation of the car by the police and impoundment – towing and storage costs will be borne entirely by you.
  • Rejection at the RAR inspection if engineers discover mismatches in the chassis or engine numbers, or evidence of accidents and non-original parts.
  • Additional time and money wasted – you will have to re-schedule and pay for a new inspection.

Driving yourself is especially risky if the car has a right-hand drive – as of January 1, 2021, registering such vehicles in Romania is prohibited unless the steering wheel has been converted to the left side. Traffic police pay special attention to these cars.

Want to avoid the hassle? Order a tow truck to deliver your car straight to the RAR inspection center. Our company offers specialized towing services for RAR at a fixed price – you pay only for the transport and take zero risks of fines.

RAR Procedure – Step-by-Step Guide

To successfully pass the RAR inspection, you need to prepare thoroughly. Below, we explain each step, and our tow truck will get your car there on time and in perfect condition.

1. Booking the Inspection

You can book your inspection online via the RAR website, by phone, or in person at their office. Waiting lists can be long – sometimes slots are available only a month ahead. Plan accordingly. Once booked, you will receive a specific date and time to show up.

2. Preparing the Documents

For the RAR inspection, you will need the following documents:

  • The owner's ID (original and copy).
  • The inspection request form (filled out on-site).
  • The registration document from the country of origin (original and notarized translation into Romanian).
  • The manufacturer's Certificate of Conformity (CoC) if the car was built after August 31, 2018.
  • A document proving ownership – such as a sales contract, invoice, or bill of sale.
  • For vehicles from outside the EU – customs clearance documents.
  • A valid RCA insurance policy if you plan to drive on your own (but if you use our towing service, it is not required, as the vehicle will not participate in traffic).

All documents in a foreign language must be translated into Romanian and legalized by an authorized translator.

3. Technical Inspection of the Vehicle

RAR engineers carry out a thorough inspection:

  • Verification of the VIN number and component serial numbers.
  • Checking the authenticity of the bodywork, windows, headlights, and other elements.
  • Diagnostics of the braking system, steering, lighting equipment, and CO₂ emissions.
  • Detection of non-original modifications or signs of major accidents.

The inspection usually takes 20 to 40 minutes but can extend to several hours in complex cases.

4. Issuing the Documents

If the inspection is passed successfully, you will receive:

  • The Vehicle Identity Card (CIV) – the main document for registration.
  • The Authenticity Certificate.

These documents allow you to proceed to the DRPCIV to get your license plates.

5. Registration at DRPCIV

After obtaining the CIV, you go to your local DRPCIV office, submit the application, pay the registration fee (about 49 RON), and receive your plates. The whole process may take a few days.

Costs of the RAR Procedure

The fee for the RAR inspection for passenger cars up to 3.5 tons is approximately 740 RON. For heavier vehicles, the price is around 1,100 RON. Additional costs include authorized translation services if your documents are not in Romanian, as well as potential re-inspections.

Why Choose a Tow Truck for Your RAR Appointment?

Our company, "Dracul Tractari", offers a professional towing service for RAR. We primarily cover Bucharest and Ilfov County. Here are the key benefits:

  • Full legality – the vehicle is transported on a flatbed; it does not need RCA insurance or registration to be on the road. You are not breaking any laws.
  • Savings on fines – a single fine for driving without registration can cost several times more than our towing fee.
  • Safety – your car is delivered in pristine condition, without adding extra miles, which helps preserve its resale value.
  • Punctuality – we arrive at the RAR center on time so you never miss your scheduled slot.
  • Convenience – no traffic jams, no hunting for parking, and no anxiety about police checks. Simply order the tow truck and meet the engineers at the inspection bay.

Areas We Cover

We operate across all sectors of Bucharest and surrounding towns. If your car is in any of these locations, we will arrive quickly:

We also cover Ilfov county towns: Voluntari, Pantelimon, Popești-Leordeni, Bragadiru, Chitila, Buftea, Otopeni, Mogoșoaia, and many more – you can find the full list on our website.

We also provide emergency assistance on highways – such as towing on A1, A2, A3, and the A0 ring road. If your car breaks down on the way to the registration, we've got you covered.

How to Order a Tow Truck for RAR?

The process is extremely simple:

  1. Call us or fill out the request form on our website.
  2. Provide the address where the car is located and the exact time of your RAR appointment.
  3. We will send a tow truck and driver to load your vehicle securely.
  4. All you have to do is get to the RAR center (you can come by your own means, or we can give you a ride).
  5. After the inspection, we can either take the car back to your place, to a service center, or wherever you need.

The price is fixed and agreed upon before the service begins – no hidden fees.

For immediate assistance, visit our contact page or call the number listed on the site. We are available 24/7, every day of the week.

Other Services That Might Come in Handy

Besides towing for RAR, our company provides:

All services are available in Bucharest, Ilfov County, and on the main motorways. We take pride in our reputation – read our blog where we share real cases and useful tips for drivers.

Conclusion

Passing the RAR procedure is a mandatory and inevitable step for anyone who wants to drive legally in Romania. Don't take unnecessary risks by driving an unregistered car – you could lose much more than you save. Trust the professionals and order our tow truck for your RAR appointment. We guarantee the safety of your vehicle, full legal compliance, and your peace of mind.

Contact us right now to book your slot and get a consultation. The road to Romanian plates will be smooth and secure!

Article prepared by the experts at "Dracul Tractari". We have been helping drivers for many years and know all the ins and outs of the RAR procedure. If you have any questions – give us a call, we are always here for you!