PoliceRomania

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


21. Police

Police are public authorities responsible for enforcing laws, maintaining public safety and managing situations that may affect road traffic. In traffic, police officers may control vehicles, enforce traffic rules, investigate collisions, direct traffic and respond to emergencies.

Road users must follow lawful instructions given by police officers or other authorised traffic-control personnel. Police directions may temporarily override traffic lights, road signs or normal traffic arrangements, depending on local law.

Romanian National Police Dacia Logan. (Miercurea Ciuc, Romania)
Wikimedia.org • Christo • CC BY-SA
What is the role of police in road traffic?

Police help enforce traffic laws, manage traffic, investigate collisions and respond to dangerous situations. They may also carry out roadside checks and direct road users.

Must you obey a police officer directing traffic?

Yes. Lawful directions given by an authorised police officer must be followed. In many countries, those directions take precedence over traffic lights, road signs and normal priority rules.

What should you do if police signal you to stop?

Slow down, follow the officer's directions and stop at a safe location as instructed. Do not make sudden movements or continue driving unless directed to do so.

Can police direct you through a red traffic light?

Yes, where authorised by local law. A police officer controlling traffic may instruct road users to proceed even when a traffic light or sign would normally require them to stop.

Can police check your driving documents?

Yes. Police may require drivers to provide documents such as a driving licence, vehicle registration, identification or proof of insurance according to local law.

Can police carry out alcohol or drug checks?

Yes. Traffic police may conduct legally authorised alcohol and drug checks using procedures such as breath, saliva or other approved tests.

Can police temporarily close a road?

Yes. Roads or lanes may be temporarily closed or traffic diverted because of collisions, emergencies, investigations, public events or other safety concerns.

What should you do near police controlling an accident scene?

Reduce speed, remain alert and follow all directions. Do not enter a closed area or interfere with emergency personnel, and leave sufficient space for emergency vehicles.

What should you do when a police vehicle approaches with emergency signals?

Follow the local rules for priority vehicles. Drivers generally have to make sufficient space, give way and stop where necessary so that the emergency vehicle can pass safely.

Can police order a parked vehicle to be moved?

Yes, where local law permits it. Police or another authorised authority may require a vehicle to be moved when it obstructs traffic, creates danger or must be removed for operational reasons.

1 Romania 2 Motorway 3 Built-up area 4 Speed limit 5 Stop sign 6 Priority road 7 Railway crossing 8 School area 9 Slippery road 10 Roadworks 11 Radar speed sign 12 Traffic lights 13 Driving licence 14 International border 15 No stopping 16 Traffic management 17 Reversing 18 Road surface 19 Licence plate 20 Bus 21 Police 22 Ambulance 23 European emission standard 24 Pothole 25 Path 26 Particulates 27 Air pollution 28 Rush hour 29 Road code 30 Street gutter 31 Cargo bike 32 Forestry vehicle 33 Construction vehicle 34 Semi-trailer truck 35 Trolleybus 36 Speed pedelec 37 Delivery vehicle 38 Idling 39 Tow truck 40 Four-wheel drive 41 Bicycle 42 Motorcycle equipment 43 Rail track 44 Caravan 45 Trailer 46 Tow hitch 47 Fire truck 48 Siren 49 Convoy 50 Emergency vehicle lighting 51 Agricultural machinery 52 Electric bicycle 53 Electric vehicle 54 Pedelec 55 Quadricycle 56 Microcar 57 All-terrain vehicle 58 Van 59 Recreational vehicle 60 Scooter 61 Trikke 62 Personal mobility device 63 Skateboard 64 Segway 65 Kick scooter 66 Roller skates 67 Mailman 68 Hitchhiker 69 Toddler 70 Child 71 Disability 72 Motorail 73 km/h 74 mph 75 Speedometer 76 Ride height 77 Dirt road 78 Driving 79 Start-stop system 80 Manual transmission 81 Automatic transmission 82 Throttle 83 Tachometer 84 Steering wheel 85 Power steering 86 Visual scanning 87 Mirror 88 Fuel 89 Fuel gauge 90 Petrol 91 Diesel 92 Diesel exhaust fluid 93 Car insurance 94 First aid kit 95 Fire extinguisher 96 High-visibility clothing 97 First aid 98 Concrete step barrier 99 Barriers 100 Vehicle lights ...