No. Eating while driving is not explicitly prohibited by the Romanian Traffic Code, but it may constitute a traffic offense under Article 5(1) of Law 132/2017 if it impairs safe vehicle control. The Romanian Police (Poliția Română) and the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) enforce distracted driving rules, which include consuming food or beverages. Courts have upheld fines under “unsafe driving” provisions when eating visibly disrupts vehicle operation.
Key Regulations for Eating While Driving in Romania
- Article 5(1) of Law 132/2017 prohibits actions that compromise road safety, including eating if it leads to erratic driving or reduced reaction time.
- Traffic Police Directive 2023/14 empowers officers to issue fines (RON 290–1,450) for distracted driving, with higher penalties if an accident occurs.
- IGSU Guidelines (2024) classify eating as a secondary distraction, but habitual offenders may face license suspension under Law 329/2017 on road safety.
Local courts have fined drivers for eating sandwiches or drinking coffee if swerving or delayed braking was observed. While no explicit ban exists, prosecutors interpret eating as a form of “distraction” under broader traffic safety laws. The 2026 draft amendments to the Traffic Code may introduce stricter penalties, including mandatory defensive driving courses for repeat offenders.