Romania Introduces Emergency Truck Restrictions for Vehicles Over 7.5 Tonnes. Restrictions Cover 35 Counties

Romania has introduced emergency traffic restrictions for trucks with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes. The restrictions apply on 29 and 30 June between 12:00 and 20:00 and cover a large part of the country, including motorways, expressways and national roads. The measure was introduced due to extreme temperatures and weather alerts issued by the National Meteorological Administration (ANM).

The restrictions apply to national roads, expressways and motorways located in the following counties: Galați, Vrancea, Vaslui, Bacău, Iași, Neamț, Botoșani, Suceava, Bistrița-Năsăud, Maramureș, Satu Mare, Bihor, Sălaj, Cluj, Arad, Timiș, Caraș-Severin, Hunedoara, Alba, Mureș, Sibiu, Harghita, Covasna, Brașov, Mehedinți, Gorj, Vâlcea, Dolj, Olt, Teleorman, Argeș, Dâmbovița, Prahova, Giurgiu and Ilfov.

The measure was introduced in response to yellow, orange and red weather warnings issued by the National Meteorological Administration (ANM). The alerts concern a persistent heatwave, extreme temperatures and severe thermal discomfort.

In practice, this means that the restrictions are not part of a permanent schedule but rather a response to the current weather situation, which may change depending on future meteorological updates. According to the authorities, the purpose of the restrictions is to protect bituminous road surfaces from deformation that may occur under heavy vehicle traffic during periods of extreme heat.

The following are exempt from the restrictions:
• passenger transport,
• transport of live animals and perishable goods,
• emergency vehicles operating in force majeure situations,
• funeral transport,
• postal services,
• transport of first-aid equipment,
• fuel distribution,
• transport of temperature-controlled goods,
• towing of damaged vehicles,
• transport of water and food to disaster-affected areas,
• specialised municipal service vehicles,
• transport of bottled water and soft drinks,
• products originating from agricultural farms,
• military transport involved in multinational exercises,
• transport carried out under the Deposit Return System,
• transport of food products.

Depending on further ANM warnings, the restrictions may be maintained, modified or lifted at short notice.
The Romanian transport association UNTRR advises carriers to closely monitor official updates and adapt transport plans to rapidly changing weather conditions.