Fines Loom for Slow Drivers in Romania; Minimum Highway Speed Clarified
Translated from Romanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Drivers in Romania who travel too slowly on highways and public roads can face fines.
- Vehicles unable to exceed 50 km/h are prohibited from using highways.
- The article discusses driver frustration with both excessively fast and slow drivers, and clarifies the legal minimum speed requirements.
Drivers in Romania are increasingly frustrated by the behavior of others on highways and national roads, leading to tense situations and potential fines. While some drivers complain about those speeding and driving recklessly, others are targeted with aggressive gestures and flashing lights for driving too slowly.
You either stay between trucks in the first lane or drive at least 150 km/h in the second lane. If you can't? If the car doesn't have it? If you don't have the guts? Flash and signal!
On highways, vehicles that cannot reach a speed of 50 km/h are prohibited from driving. However, the traffic code does not set a general minimum speed for all conditions. This lack of a universal minimum often leads to conflict, particularly when slower vehicles occupy the second lane while the right lane remains empty.
Discussions on social media reveal widespread complaints. One driver recounted constant harassment with flashing lights on the highway for not moving over, even when driving at a reasonable speed. Another questioned why a driver approaching at 150 km/h would flash their lights at someone doing 100 km/h in the second lane, especially if the first lane is occupied by slow-moving trucks.
If the first lane is occupied by cars going about 70 km/h, and I'm in the second lane doing 100, why are you flashing your lights at me, coming from behind at 150, to get out of the way? So I can slow down to 70 and get behind the truck? Then wait to get back to 100 in the second lane, and another one comes from behind?
Beyond slow driving, excessively long overtaking maneuvers also contribute to traffic jams. Some drivers are criticized for not accelerating sufficiently when attempting to pass trucks, causing significant delays. The article clarifies that while the 50 km/h threshold applies to vehicles permitted on highways, it's not a mandatory constant driving speed for all situations. Drivers can be fined if they travel unnecessarily below established minimums on specific road sections.
And the one going 92 km/h wants to overtake the truck going 90 and does it without thinking they could accelerate a little. That's how the queue forms.
Originally published by Adevฤrul in Romanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.