Romania Extends Traffic Restrictions for Heavy Vehicles Due to Extreme Heat

Romania's National Road Infrastructure Company (CNAIR) has announced extended traffic restrictions for heavy vehicles as the country grapples with intense heatwaves. Effective Wednesday, August 5, 2026, vehicles weighing over 7.5 tons will face restricted circulation between 12:00 and 20:00.

“

Wednesday, 05.08.2026, between 12:00 and 20:00, vehicles with a maximum authorized total mass greater than 7.5 t will have restricted circulation on national road sections, expressways, and highways in the counties of: Maramureș, Satu Mare, Sălaj, Bihor, Arad, Timiș, and Caraș-Severin.

The measure targets national roads, expressways, and highways across seven counties: Maramureș, Satu Mare, Sălaj, Bihor, Arad, Timiș, and Caraș-Severin. These restrictions are a direct response to the "Red Code" heatwave warnings issued by the National Meteorology Administration, which forecasts persistent heat, extreme discomfort, and record temperatures.

“

These restrictions are instituted as a result of the heatwave warnings issued by the National Meteorology Administration, Red Code – persistent heatwave, heat, accentuated and particularly accentuated thermal discomfort and extreme temperatures.

The primary goal of these restrictions is to protect road surfaces, particularly those with asphalt, from damage caused by heavy traffic under extreme heat. CNAIR aims to prevent deterioration and ensure the integrity of the road infrastructure.

“

The measure was taken to protect road sections with bituminous pavement and to prevent their deterioration in heat conditions, under the effect of heavy traffic.

However, essential transport services are exempt. This includes vehicles carrying people, live animals, perishable goods, fuel, food, water, and medicine. Emergency services and military transport are also excluded, as are maintenance vehicles belonging to CNAIR and its contractors working on road construction and upkeep.

“

The restrictions apply to vehicles over 7.5 tons, but exemptions include transport of people, live animals, perishable goods, fuels, food, water, medicines, and other essential transport, as well as emergency interventions and military transport.