Checking the vignette is an essential step for any driver travelling on national roads, motorways or expressways in Romania. Although the vignette has been electronic for several years, many drivers do not know exactly how to check it correctly and what data is mandatory.
In practice, checking the vignette online helps you quickly confirm whether the road tax is active, until what date it is valid and for what vehicle category it was issued. The information is available for free, directly from the official CNAIR system, without authentication and without any costs.
In this article we explain clearly and practically how vignette verification works, what you can and cannot check online, what mistakes are frequently made and what you need to know in 2026 to avoid fines or confusion.
What is the vignette and when is it mandatory
The vignette represents the fee for using Romania's national road network. It is regulated by Government Ordinance no. 15/2002 and applies to vehicles travelling on national roads, motorways and expressways.
Since 2015, the vignette has been exclusively electronic, associated in the system with the vehicle's registration number and chassis number. There is no longer a physical sticker, and verification is done automatically using fixed and mobile cameras.
Important to know:
- the vignette is mandatory for passenger cars, vans, trucks and buses;
- motorcycles are exempt from paying the vignette;
- temporarily registered vehicles are required to have a vignette;
- the vignette is not insurance and must not be confused with RCA.
How to check the vignette online on the official CNAIR website
The only officially recognised vignette verification is done on the platforms managed by CNAIR, namely erovinieta.ro or the dedicated section on cnadnr.ro.
The process is simple and takes less than a minute if you have the correct data. Two pieces of information are mandatory: the registration number and the chassis number.
- Access the official CNAIR vignette verification website.
- Enter the registration number exactly, without unnecessary spaces.
- Complete the chassis number (VIN).
- Enter the security code (captcha).
- Receive the verification result instantly.
The displayed result may include:
- the vignette status (active or non-existent);
- the start date and expiry date;
- the vehicle category for which it was issued.
For example, for a passenger car with registration number B-123-ABC and the chassis number correctly entered, the system may display the message "vignette valid until 15.03.2026".
What you can check and what does NOT appear in the CNAIR system
Online vignette verification has certain limitations, established by the authority that manages the system. These limitations are often the source of confusion for users.
The CNAIR platform only shows vignettes that are active at the time of the query. Expired vignettes or those that are about to come into force are not displayed.
- you cannot check expired vignettes;
- you cannot see future vignettes purchased with a later date;
- you cannot check a vignette without the chassis number;
- incorrect data leads to an error message or no result.
There may also be rare maintenance periods during which the verification system is temporarily unavailable. These situations do not affect the validity of the vignette itself.
Important differences and frequent mistakes in vignette verification
Many problems arise from confusion between information or from using unofficial platforms. It is essential to know the real differences, established by legislation and procedure.
The most common incorrect situations are:
- attempting to verify the vignette only by registration number;
- confusing the vignette with RCA insurance;
- checking on private websites that do not use official data;
- assuming a national road is a local or county road;
- unjustified fear that the vignette becomes invalid when the registration number changes.
According to Law 226/2023, the vignette remains valid in the event of a change of registration number in Romania, as it is also linked to the chassis number. However, the new correct number must be entered during verification.
Vignette price table and useful clarifications for 2026
Starting in 2026, legislation provides for the maintenance of the category and validity period structure, with tariffs expressed in euros, to which VAT applies, payment being made in lei at the BNR exchange rate.
Vignette rates for passenger cars (Category A)
| Vignette duration | Tariff (lei) |
| 1 day | 17.84 |
| 10 days | 30.58 |
| 30 days | 48.41 |
| 60 days | 76.44 |
| 12 months | 254.82 |
Vignette rates for vehicles ≤ 3.5 t (Category B)
| Vignette duration | Tariff (lei) |
| 1 day | 50.96 |
| 7 days | 68.80 |
| 30 days | 109.57 |
| 60 days | 173.27 |
| 12 months | 580.98 |
Vignette rates for 3.5 – 7.5 t (Category C)
| Vignette duration | Tariff (lei) |
| 1 day | 38.22 |
| 7 days | 96.83 |
| 30 days | 193.66 |
| 12 months | 1,936.59 |
Vignette rates for 7.5 – 12 t (Category D)
| Vignette duration | Tariff (lei) |
| 7 days | 168.18 |
| 30 days | 338.90 |
| 12 months | 3,389.04 |
Vignette rates ≥ 12 t (max. 3 axles) – Category E
| Vignette duration | Tariff (lei) |
| 7 days | 216.59 |
| 30 days | 435.73 |
| 12 months | 4,357.34 |
Vignette rates ≥ 12 t (min. 4 axles) – Category F
| Vignette duration | Tariff (lei) |
| 1 day | 145.24 |
| 7 days | 361.84 |
| 30 days | 726.22 |
| 12 months | 7,262.23 |
Passenger transport 9–23 seats – Category G
| Vignette duration | Tariff (lei) |
| 1 day | 38.22 |
| 7 days | 96.83 |
| 30 days | 193.66 |
| 12 months | 1,936.59 |
Passenger transport over 23 seats – Category H
| Vignette duration | Tariff (lei) |
| 7 days | 168.18 |
| 30 days | 338.90 |
| 12 months | 3,389.04 |
Note
The vignette tariffs are the official ones published by CNAIR. Prices are calculated in lei at the euro exchange rate set by CNAIR for the respective period and may be subject to changes.
What is important to remember from the table: the tariff varies depending on the vehicle category and the chosen period, and the vignette is active starting from 00:00 on the selected start date.
The toll for the Fetești bridge is not included in the vignette and is paid separately, regardless of the validity of the vignette.
Conclusion: Online vignette verification – a simple step that saves you from problems
Online vignette verification is free, fast and useful for any driver travelling on national roads. Using the official CNAIR platform and entering the data correctly, you can avoid fines and unpleasant situations.
It is equally important to be informed about the other legal obligations of a driver. You can check the validity of your policy by accessing the RCA verification page, or if you are about to travel, consult the travel insurance options available through the TRAVEL calculator.
For situations where you need to quickly compare available auto insurance options, you can use the RCA insurance calculator here, which gives you a clear picture of existing offers in just a few clicks.
Frequently asked questions about vignette verification
What data is mandatory for online vignette verification?
The registration number and chassis number are both mandatory on the official CNAIR platform.
Can I verify the vignette online by number only, without the chassis number?
Not on the official website. Verification without a chassis number is only available on unofficial platforms and has no legal value.
Do motorcycles need a vignette?
No, motorcycles are exempt from paying the vignette.
Where is the vignette mandatory?
On national roads, motorways and European roads. It is not required on county, communal roads or within built-up areas.
Is the vignette the same as RCA?
No. The vignette is a road tax, while RCA is mandatory auto insurance.
When does the vignette validity begin?
From 00:00 on the day for which it was issued.
Can I check a vignette fine online?
There is no public verification of vignette fines, as these are managed separately and go to the state budget.
