- Romanian law does not require hazard lights when reversing; reverse lights suffice
- Reverse lights must be functional; defective lights can incur sanctions
- Hazard lights mandatory only when immobilized, at very low speeds, or during towing
- For safer reversing, use mirrors, sensors, check bulbs, proceed slowly
Many drivers wonder whether they are required to use hazard lights when reversing a car. This confusion often arises during parking or when performing reversing maneuvers on public roads.
The answer is straightforward for the majority of cases: Romanian law does not require hazard lights for reversing. The proper practice is to rely on the vehicle’s reverse lights.
You are not required to use hazard lights while reversing
According to Romanian road traffic law, there is no obligation to use hazard lights when reversing. This practice, while common among many drivers, is not mandated by law.
When performing reverse maneuvers, drivers are required to use only the reverse lights from the vehicle’s standard equipment. These white lights mounted at the rear of the vehicle turn on automatically when you shift into reverse and signal to other road users that the vehicle is moving backward.
When reverse lights become mandatory
It’s important to know that you could face legal trouble if the reverse lights are burnt out or defective, not if you simply do not use hazard lights. These lights are considered mandatory equipment and must function properly:
- Periodic technical inspections verify the operation of the reverse lights
- Driving a vehicle with defective reverse lights can be sanctioned
- Replacing burnt-out bulbs is the owner’s responsibility
Situations when hazard lights are mandatory
Although not required for reversing, hazard lights are legally mandatory in the following situations:
When the car is involuntarily immobilized
- Technical faults on the roadway
- Road accidents
- Flat tire or other mechanical problems
- Any situation in which the vehicle cannot continue moving
At very low speeds
- When you are moving at speeds well below the minimum limit
- In very slow traffic situations
- When the vehicle cannot maintain normal traffic speed
When the car is being towed
- Towing by another vehicle
- Transport on a tow platform
- Any form of assisted movement
Tips for safe reversing maneuvers
Even if hazard lights are not mandatory, here’s what you can do for safer maneuvers:
- Check the reverse lights regularly and replace burnt-out bulbs
- Use mirrors and parking sensors if the vehicle is equipped
- Perform maneuvers slowly and with heightened attention
- Give priority to vehicles traveling normally on the public road
- Avoid reversing over long distances on public roads
In conclusion, although many drivers think hazard lights are necessary when reversing, Romanian law does not impose this obligation. The key is to have functional reverse lights and to perform maneuvers with caution, obeying traffic rules and yielding to other road users.
