Obligation of drivers of vehicles used to transport goods with a maximum authorized total mass exceeding 3.5 tons and passenger vehicles with more than 9 seats:
For driving on public roads covered with snow, ice or frost, vehicles used to transport goods/ Lorries with a maximum authorized total mass exceeding 3.5 tons and passenger vehicles with more than 9 seats, including the driver's seat, must be equipped with winter tires on the wheels of the drive axle(s) or have chains or other certified anti-skid/anti-slip/ non-slip equipment mounted on these wheels.
In the event of non-compliance with this legal obligation, a contraventional sanction may be applied according to the provisions of art. 102 paragraph (1) point 28 of Government Emergency Ordinance no. 195/2002 on traffic on public roads, (fine from 9-20 fine points, accompanied by the retention/ withholding of the registration certificate).
Specific recommendations for the cold season:
- prior information on weather conditions and road conditions on the route to be traveled, as well as the possibility of using alternative routes that may be less crowded or less affected by weather conditions;
- information on the situation of road sectors closed or in imminent snowing due to blizzards or other meteorological phenomena;
- ensuring that lighting, signaling, air conditioning and defogger installations are in good working order
- checking the fuel/battery level before driving;
- checking the level of windshield fluid, which is frost-resistant;
- completely removing snow/ice from the windshield, mirrors, headlights and roof, before driving on public roads;
- using lights properly, including fog lights, in the event of this phenomenon;
- keeping both hands on the steering wheel while driving and avoiding using the "cruise" mode;
- use, as much as possible, the engine brake, if the road surface is slippery;
- avoid sudden changes in vehicle controls and perform any maneuver only after thorough insurance
- adapt the speed to the road conditions, specifying that the movement must be carried out at a speed not exceeding 30 km/h in settlements or 50 km/h outside them, when the road surface is covered with ice, ice, packed snow, mud or wet cobblestone, but also when visibility is reduced below 100 m, in fog or heavy snowfall;
- maintain a safe distance from the vehicle traveling in front or from the opposite direction;
- avoid overtaking in conditions of reduced visibility;
- put the hazard lights into operation, successively, in the order of stopping, if this maneuver is required by blocking traffic in the direction of travel;
- putting the hazard warning lights into operation and using the warning triangle if the vehicle remains immobilized (flat tire, breakdowns, etc.);
- periodically checking the license plates to ensure their legibility (not covered with ice/snow).
Websites that can be consulted for information on the traffic situation and road conditions
- Romanian Police https://www.politiaromana.ro/info-trafic;
- National Company for Road Infrastructure Administration (C.N.A.I.R. S.A.) https://dispecerat.andnet.ro.