Double-edged news from July 1: Minimum wage increases for the benefit of millions of Romanians, but brings higher traffic fines
A recent government decision is turning the middle of summer into a moment of intense calculation for citizens. Starting July 1, 2026, the minimum gross basic salary guaranteed in the country will be increased, a measure that will change not only the paychecks of many employees, but also the wallets of drivers who violate traffic rules.
According to data published by Profit.ro, the dynamics of income and penalties will change as follows:
- Minimum gross basic salary: Increases from the current value of 4,050 lei per month to 4,325 lei per month.
- Fine point: Being directly linked to the value of the minimum wage, it will be automatically increased to 216.2 lei (representing exactly 5% of the new minimum wage).
Over 1.7 million Romanians will have higher incomes
From the Executive's perspective, this Government Decision has a strong social character. Official statistics show that over 1.7 million employees across the country will directly benefit from this increase.
The authorities claim that the measure is an important pillar for stimulating employment and will generate visible effects in the economy by increasing purchasing power. In a period marked by economic challenges, an increase in the gross salary represents a breath of fresh air for employees paid the minimum wage.
Drivers' bill: Traffic mistakes are getting more expensive
If the news is good news for employees, for drivers the calculation is completely different. The Highway Code stipulates that the value of a fine point is calculated as 5% of the gross minimum wage in the country. Therefore, the salary jump to 4,325 lei entails a direct increase in the price of traffic penalties.
Any traffic violation — from talking on the phone without a hands-free system, to exceeding the speed limit or not giving way — will be penalized much more harshly in lei. For example, a simple misdemeanor in class I of sanctions (sanctioned with 2 or 3 fine points) will no longer be reported at the old value, but will start directly from a higher minimum threshold.
Please note: The new value of 216.2 lei for one penalty point will apply to all penalties incurred starting from the first of July. One more reason for drivers to be extremely cautious and strictly comply with road laws.
Penalty Class Guide: How Much Traffic Mistakes Cost You from July 1, 2026
To understand exactly how the new 216.2 lei fine point translates into money, it is essential to analyze the five classes of sanctions provided for by the Romanian Highway Code. The first four classes apply to individual drivers, while the fifth is reserved exclusively for legal entities.
Here is how the fines change from July 1, 2026, from the mildest offense to the most serious violations of the law:
| Penalty Class | Number of Fine Points | Penalty Value (Valid as of July 1, 2026) |
| Class I | 2 - 3 points | 432.4 lei — 648.6 lei |
| Class II | 4 - 5 points | 864.8 lei — 1,081 lei |
| Class III | 6 - 8 points | 1,297.2 lei — 1,729.6 lei |
| Class IV | 9 - 20 points | 1,945.8 lei — 4,324 lei |
| Class V (Companies) | 21 - 100 points | 4,540.2 lei — 21,620 lei |