Romania Implements Traffic Restrictions Due to Red Code Heatwave Alert

Romania is enforcing traffic restrictions on heavy vehicles in seven western counties as the country grapples with a severe heatwave, indicated by a red code alert.

On August 5, between 12:00 and 20:00, vehicles with a maximum authorized mass exceeding 7.5 tons will be prohibited from traveling on national roads, expressways, and highways in the counties of Maramureș, Sălaj, Timiș, Caraș-Severin, Arad, Bihor, and Satu Mare. The measure, announced by the INFOTRAFIC Center of the General Inspectorate of the Romanian Police, is a direct response to the extreme temperatures, tropical nights, and significant thermal discomfort forecasted by the National Meteorological Administration.

Exemptions to these restrictions apply to transport for people, live animals, perishable and food products, fuel, water, emergency services, postal and funeral services, towing, waste collection, military transport, and goods within the Guarantee-Return System (SGR). This ensures that essential services and supplies continue to function despite the challenging weather conditions.

In addition to the traffic bans, police have provided crucial recommendations for drivers. They are advised to check tire pressure for warm weather suitability, ensure air conditioning systems are functional, and avoid traveling during the hottest hours, especially if they have health issues. Drivers are encouraged to travel with a companion if necessary, take frequent breaks for rest and hydration on long journeys, maintain safe distances, use seatbelts, and drive cautiously and preventively. The meteorological forecast indicates that the heatwave will intensify nationwide, with maximum temperatures ranging from 30-31 degrees Celsius on the coast to 40-41 degrees Celsius in the Western Plain. Tropical nights are expected in most of the country, with minimum temperatures between 9-12 degrees Celsius in eastern Transylvania and up to 25-26 degrees Celsius in other regions.

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Today, August 5, between 12:00 and 20:00, under the Red Code meteorological warning issued by the National Meteorological Administration, which concerns heatwave, extreme temperatures, tropical nights, and particularly high thermal discomfort, the circulation of vehicles with a total maximum authorized mass greater than 7.5 tons will be prohibited on national roads, expressways, and highways in the counties of Maramureș, Sălaj, Timiș, Caraș-Severin, Arad, Bihor, and Satu Mare.