Fine for Using the Emergency Lane on Highways in 2024

Emergency lane use on Romanian highways without justification is a serious traffic violation and is punished under Romanian law. The 2022 amendments to the Road Code introduced drastic measures to deter this dangerous behavior and protect road users.

Regulations now take a firmer approach to safeguard road safety and to ensure unobstructed access for emergency services.

Key changes in road legislation in 2022

The main change in governing the use of the emergency lane is its reclassification into a higher penalty category. This measure reflects the severity of the act and the need for an effective deterrent against dangerous behavior.

New fines and penalties

Unauthorized use of the emergency lane now carries the following penalties:

• Fine: between 1,305 RON and 2,900 RON (compared to the previous fine of 580-725 RON)
• License suspension: 90 days (instead of the previous three penalty points)
• Immediate application: penalties apply on the spot upon detection of the contravention

Legal justifications for using the emergency lane

The emergency lane can be used legally only in certain specific situations:

Technical emergency situations

• Major vehicle malfunctions that prevent safe continuation of travel
• Serious medical issues requiring an immediate stop
• Road accidents that block other lanes

Interventions by emergency services

• Police, gendarmerie, and emergency service vehicles on duty
• Ambulances en route to interventions
• Authorized towing vehicles
• Road maintenance crews

Risks of using the emergency lane

Using the emergency lane without justification creates multiple hazards:

For road safety

• Blocking access to emergency services to accident or intervention sites
• Increased risk of accidents due to unexpected maneuvers by other drivers
• Disruption of traffic flow and creation of unpredictable situations

Impact on response times

• Ambulance response times may be delayed, potentially fatal for patients
• Fire services may arrive late at fire scenes
• Police units may be impeded from reaching incidents quickly

How the new penalties are applied

Penalties for using the emergency lane are applied according to standard procedures:

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Detection of the contravention

• Real-time vehicle identification via surveillance cameras
• Stopping the vehicle by Police units
• Verification of the justification for using the emergency lane

Penalty procedure

1. Drafting the contravention report with details of the offense
2. Calculating the fine based on the specific circumstances
3. Issuing the license suspension order for the driver
4. Informing about appeal options and how to contest the sanction

Exceptions and special situations

There are certain situations where using the emergency lane may be justified:

Medical emergencies

In case of a serious medical emergency, the driver may use the emergency lane to stop and seek help. It is essential to provide proof of medical urgency with appropriate documents.

Major technical faults

Vehicles suffering major technical faults that prevent safe continuation may use the emergency lane to stop, provided proper signaling is used.

Recommendations for drivers

To avoid severe sanctions, drivers should follow these rules:

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On highways

• Do not use the emergency lane for overtaking or bypassing traffic
• Keep a safe distance from vehicles on the emergency lane
• Follow signage and authorities’ instructions

In emergency situations

• Stop as close as possible to the road shoulder
• Activate hazard lights immediately after stopping
• Place the reflective triangle at the required distance
• Seek help by calling the appropriate emergency numbers

Impact of measures on road safety

The significant increase in fines and the introduction of license suspension aim to effectively deter unjustified use of the emergency lane. These measures are part of a broader effort to improve road safety on Romania’s highway network.

Experience from other European countries shows that severe penalties are effective in reducing the number of violations of emergency-lane regulations, contributing to saving lives and improving traffic flow in crisis situations.