Drivers in Romania are struggling to adapt to modern highway infrastructure, a trend highlighted by blogger Mihai Vasilescu, who reports significant frustration and risky behavior on the Autostrada Soarelui. According to the National Company for Road Infrastructure Administration (CNAIR), the transition toward fully digital toll payments and lane discipline remains a challenge for many motorists, despite the availability of automated payment systems designed to eliminate queues.
The Cost of Inefficient Driving Habits
Congestion at the Fetești–Cernavodă bridge toll station is largely driven by motorists choosing cash payments over digital alternatives. According to CNAIR, this behavior persists even though drivers have up to 24 hours after crossing to settle the fee via SMS, online platforms, or authorized gas stations. Vasilescu notes that these avoidable queues contribute to heightened driver stress and unsafe maneuvers on the highway, characterizing the reliance on manual toll booths as a stubborn habit that complicates traffic flow.
Did you know?
Starting in 2026, CNAIR will dedicate two out of three lanes at the Fetești–Cernavodă toll station exclusively to electronic payments, leaving only the rightmost lane for cash transactions and ticket subscriptions.
Toll Rates and Automated Enforcement
As of 2026, the bridge toll remains a mandatory fee separate from the standard road vignette. CNAIR has established a tiered pricing structure based on vehicle weight and axle count to manage traffic and infrastructure maintenance:
- Light vehicles (up to 3.5 tons): 19 lei per crossing; 38 lei for two crossings.
- Mid-sized vehicles (3.5 to 12 tons): 69 lei per crossing; 137 lei for two crossings.
- Heavy vehicles (over 12 tons): Prices scale from 94 lei (three axles) to 133 lei (four or more axles) per crossing.
Enforcement is handled through an automated system using ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras. If the toll is not paid by midnight on the day following the crossing, the system automatically triggers a formal notice of contravention. Fines are significant: 190 lei for standard passenger cars, escalating to 1,330 lei for heavy goods vehicles with four or more axles.
Modernizing Traffic Behavior
The shift toward automated enforcement reflects a broader move to remove human intervention from road taxation. By utilizing the 7577 SMS service—where drivers text “POD” followed by their license plate—motorists can bypass the toll plaza entirely.
Pro Tip: Always verify your license plate number before sending an SMS payment to ensure the transaction is correctly registered in the CNAIR database, avoiding unnecessary fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I pay the Fetești–Cernavodă bridge toll without waiting in line?
You can pay via the official CNAIR website, authorized mobile apps, at participating gas stations, or by sending an SMS with the text “POD” and your vehicle’s license plate to 7577.
What happens if I forget to pay the toll on time?
If payment is not registered by 24:00 on the day following your crossing, the system flags the transit as a contravention and a fine is issued automatically based on vehicle category.
Are the toll rates for the bridge the same as the road vignette?
No, the bridge toll is a separate, mandatory fee that must be paid for every crossing, regardless of whether you have a valid road vignette.
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