RoadworksRomania

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


10. Roadworks

Roadworks are construction, maintenance, repair or inspection activities carried out on or beside a road. They may temporarily change the road layout, lane widths, speed limits, priority, permitted directions and facilities for pedestrians or cyclists.

Drivers must follow the temporary signs, traffic lights, barriers, road markings and instructions from authorised personnel. They should reduce speed, increase their following distance and remain prepared for narrow lanes, stopped traffic, workers, machinery and sudden changes in the route.

Roadworks
Road signs near the Friendship Bridge. (Giurgiu, Romania)
Wikimedia.org • Tiia Monto • CC BY-SA
What are roadworks?

Roadworks are construction, maintenance, repair or inspection activities carried out on or beside a road.

How can you recognise roadworks?

They may be indicated by a roadworks warning sign, cones, barriers, temporary markings, flashing lights, machinery or workers.

Does a roadworks sign impose a speed limit?

No, not by itself. A separate temporary or permanent speed-limit sign establishes the legal maximum speed.

Must you drive below the speed limit?

Yes, when necessary. Narrow lanes, workers, machinery, poor surfaces, congestion or limited visibility may require a substantially lower speed.

Are temporary traffic signs legally binding?

Yes. Correctly installed temporary signs must be obeyed for as long as they are in force.

Which road markings should you follow?

Follow the temporary markings that guide traffic through the works. Local law determines how they take priority over older permanent markings.

Must you obey temporary traffic lights?

Yes. Stop at the line or signal when required and do not proceed until the applicable light permits it.

Must you obey road workers directing traffic?

Obey instructions from workers or controllers who are legally authorised to regulate traffic. Their signals may temporarily replace the ordinary traffic arrangement.

What should you do when a lane closes?

Observe the signs and lane arrows, check mirrors and blind spots and merge safely into the continuing lane.

What is zipper merging?

Zipper merging means that vehicles in an ending or blocked lane merge alternately with vehicles in the continuing lane near the narrowing during congested traffic.

Should you merge early?

This depends on local law and traffic conditions. Where zipper merging applies during congestion, use both lanes and merge near the narrowing. In flowing traffic, change lanes when a safe gap is available.

Who has priority when your lane is obstructed?

Without another traffic control, the driver whose route is obstructed commonly has to yield before moving into the path of approaching or adjacent traffic.

Can temporary lights control alternating traffic?

Yes. Temporary signals may allow only one direction at a time through a narrow section.

May you enter when the exit is blocked?

No. Do not enter a narrow section, intersection or temporary crossing when congestion may leave you stopped inside it.

May you move cones or barriers?

No. Do not move, pass around or ignore traffic-control equipment unless an authorised person instructs you to do so.

May you overtake in roadworks?

Only when signs and markings permit it and sufficient width and visibility remain. Overtaking is often unsafe in narrow or shifted lanes.

May you stop or park in roadworks?

Only where temporary and permanent signs permit it. Do not obstruct workers, machinery, emergency access or temporary pedestrian and cycle routes.

What should you watch for near workers?

Expect workers to enter the road, machinery to move or reverse and vehicles to leave the worksite. Reduce speed and leave generous space.

What should cyclists do at roadworks?

Follow the signed temporary cycle route or lane. Check surrounding traffic carefully before leaving a closed or obstructed bike path.

What should pedestrians do?

Use the designated temporary walkway or crossing and follow barriers, signs, signals and instructions from authorised personnel.

Why should you increase your following distance?

Traffic may brake suddenly because of queues, lane changes, machinery, debris or changing signals. Additional distance provides more time to react.

What should you do if your vehicle breaks down in roadworks?

Move to the safest available location where possible, activate the hazard warning lights and contact assistance. Avoid standing in a live or narrow traffic lane.

Do ordinary traffic rules still apply?

Yes. Rules concerning safe speed, following distance, signalling, priority and vulnerable road users continue to apply unless a lawful temporary arrangement changes them.

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 ...