Parking rules in Bucharest: Blue, Yellow and Green Zones Explained
Parking rules in Bucharest residential paid spaces can be confusing, especially with the different blue, yellow and green zones. This guide explains how paid and residential parking works in 2026, including prices, enforcement and free parking hours.
Whether you are visiting or living in Romania, here is what you need to know about blue zone costs, free parking areas and what happens if you don’t pay.
Understanding parking rules Bucharest residential paid spaces helps avoid fines and unnecessary administrative complications.
Parking Rules in Bucharest: Residential Paid Spaces Explained
Bucharest operates a paid public parking system divided into color-coded zones, managed primarily by the Municipal Parking Company (CMPB) and local sector authorities. The system is designed to regulate central congestion and prioritize residents in residential neighborhoods.
As of 2026, the main categories are:
🔵 Blue Zone (Zona Albastră)
The Blue Zone covers central and high-demand areas of Bucharest.
- Paid parking is mandatory during regulated hours.
- Prices are charged per hour.
- Enforcement is strict, especially in central districts.
- Payment can be made via SMS or official parking apps.
This is the zone most visitors and tourists encounter.
🟡 Yellow / Residential Zones
These areas are primarily intended for residents.
- Parking spaces are allocated through annual permits.
- Non-residents typically cannot park without authorization.
- Enforcement varies by sector.
These zones are common in residential neighborhoods outside the historic and business center.
🟢 Green or Peripheral Areas
Some peripheral areas may have:
- Free parking
- Unregulated street parking
- Mixed systems depending on the sector
Rules vary significantly by district (Sector 1–6), so signage must always be checked carefully.
Important:
Parking regulations in Bucharest are enforced through license plate monitoring. Failure to pay in paid zones can result in fines or wheel clamping.
Parking Rules in Bucharest: Blue Zone Prices
The Blue Zone (Zona Albastră) covers central Bucharest, including high-traffic commercial and business districts. This is the main regulated public parking system used by visitors and non-residents.
💰 Hourly Prices
As of 2026, Blue Zone parking is typically charged at:
- 5 RON per hour in most central areas
- Payment is calculated per hour (no fractional hour billing in many cases)
Some ultra-central streets may have higher demand but generally follow the same municipal rate.
🕒 Operating Hours
Blue Zone parking is usually enforced:
- Monday to Saturday
- 08:00 – 20:00
Outside these hours:
- Parking is generally free
- Sundays are typically free unless otherwise indicated by signage
Always verify the street sign, as sector-level differences may apply.
📲 How to Pay
Payment can be made using:
- SMS (by sending your license plate number to the official number displayed on signs)
- Official municipal parking apps
- Parking meters (in certain areas)
You must enter your correct license plate number, otherwise the system may register it as unpaid.
🚨 What Happens If You Don’t Pay?
If you park in the Blue Zone without paying:
- You may receive a fine
- Your vehicle may be wheel-clamped
- Additional administrative fees can apply
Enforcement is digital and based on license plate monitoring vehicles that scan parked cars.
Parking fines are issued as contraventions under Romanian administrative law, similar to public transport fines in Bucharest.
This section targets directly:
- bucharest parking zones
- blue zone prices
- parking in bucharest
- free parking bucharest
Free Parking Under Residential Paid Parking Rules in Bucharest
Many drivers search specifically for free parking in Bucharest, but the answer depends on the zone, time, and district.
🆓 Is Parking Free on Sundays?
In most Blue Zone areas:
- Parking is generally free on Sundays
- Payment is usually required only Monday to Saturday
- Public holidays are often treated like Sundays
However, always check the street sign. Some central areas may have updated rules.
🌙 Is Parking Free at Night?
Blue Zone parking is typically enforced between:
- 08:00 and 20:00 (Monday–Saturday)
Outside those hours:
- Parking is normally free
- No payment is required overnight
Again, signage prevails over general rules.
🏘 Residential (Yellow) Zones
Residential parking areas are usually:
- Reserved for permit holders
- Not available for free public parking
- Controlled by local sector authorities
Even if no payment machine is visible, parking without authorization can lead to fines.
🚗 Unmarked or Peripheral Streets
In some outer districts:
- Street parking may be unregulated
- No payment may be required
- Enforcement is lighter
But absence of a parking meter does not automatically mean parking is free. Always look for:
- Zone signs
- Road markings
- Permit-only notices
Practical rule:
If you are in central Bucharest and see blue signage or marked spaces, assume payment is required unless it is Sunday or outside enforcement hours.
Parking rules in Bucharest: How to Pay for Residential and Paid Parking
Paying for parking in Bucharest’s Blue Zone is digital and license-plate based. There are three main payment methods.
📱 1. SMS Payment
The most common method is SMS.
Steps:
- Send a text message to the official number displayed on the street sign.
- Include your vehicle registration number (license plate).
- You receive confirmation of payment.
The cost of the parking period is added to your mobile phone bill.
This method works best with Romanian SIM cards. Foreign numbers may not always function correctly.
📲 2. Official Parking Apps
Bucharest supports app-based payments linked to:
- License plate number
- Bank card
- Selected parking duration
Advantages:
- No need for local SMS
- Easy extension of parking time
- Digital receipt
Search for the official municipal parking application used by the Bucharest City Hall (CMPB).
🅿️ 3. Parking Meters
In some central areas, physical parking meters are available.
You typically need to:
- Enter your license plate
- Select duration
- Pay by card
Paper tickets are less common than digital validation.
⏱ Minimum Duration & Extensions
- Parking is generally charged per hour.
- Extensions must be made before the previous session expires.
- Late renewal may trigger a fine.
⚠️ Important: Always Enter the Correct License Plate
Bucharest enforcement is digital.
Monitoring vehicles scan parked cars and automatically verify:
- Plate number
- Active payment session
If the plate is entered incorrectly, the system may treat it as unpaid parking.
Parking rules in Bucharest: What Happens If You Don’t Pay?
What Happens If You Don’t Pay? (Fines and Enforcement in Bucharest)
Parking enforcement in Bucharest is active, especially in Blue Zone areas. The system is largely digital and based on automatic license plate monitoring.
🚓 How Enforcement Works
Municipal control vehicles patrol regulated streets and:
- Scan parked vehicles
- Check license plates against active payment sessions
- Register unpaid vehicles in the system
This process is automated and does not require a traditional paper ticket placed on the windshield.
💸 Parking Fines
If you park in a paid zone without valid payment:
- You may receive a contravention fine, as per Romanian contraventions legislation (OG 2/2001)
- An additional administrative fee may apply
- The fine is typically linked to your vehicle registration number
Amounts can vary, but fines are significantly higher than the hourly parking rate.
🔒 Wheel Clamping
In some cases:
- Vehicles may be wheel-clamped
- A release fee must be paid
- Additional delays and administrative procedures may follow
This is more likely in central or high-demand areas.
📬 How You Are Notified
Fines may be:
- Placed physically on the vehicle
- Sent by post to the registered owner
- Registered in the municipal system
If you are driving a rental car, the rental company may receive the notice and charge administrative fees.
⚖️ Can You Contest a Parking Fine?
Yes. Drivers can:
- File a formal complaint
- Provide proof of payment
- Challenge incorrect license plate recognition
However, the process can take time and requires documentation.
Practical advice:
Paying 5 RON per hour is significantly cheaper and simpler than dealing with fines or clamping procedures.
Next step should be:
Frequently Asked Questions About parking rules in Bucharest
❓ Is parking free on Sunday in Bucharest?
In most Blue Zone areas, parking is free on Sundays and outside enforcement hours (typically after 20:00). However, always check street signage, as rules may vary by sector or specific location.
❓ How much does Blue Zone parking cost in Bucharest parking Zones and Residential Paid Spaces?
Blue Zone parking generally costs 5 RON per hour in central Bucharest. Rates may vary slightly depending on the area, but central municipal zones follow the standard tariff.
❓ Can tourists pay for parking in Bucharest?
Yes. Tourists can pay using:
- SMS (if compatible with their mobile provider)
- Official parking apps
- Parking meters (where available)
App payment is usually the most reliable option for foreign visitors.
❓ What happens if I forget to pay for parking Zones and Residential Paid Spaces?
If no valid payment session is detected:
- A fine may be issued
- Administrative fees may apply
- In some cases, the vehicle may be wheel-clamped
Enforcement is based on digital license plate scanning.
❓ Is there free parking anywhere in Bucharest?
Free parking may be available:
- On Sundays in paid zones
- At night outside enforcement hours
- In some peripheral or unregulated streets
However, central areas are almost always regulated during working hours.
❓ Do I need to display a ticket on the dashboard?
No. Bucharest’s system is license-plate based. Once you pay correctly and enter your registration number, no physical ticket display is required.
If you receive a fine and want to understand your legal rights, see our guide in the Rights & Authorities section.