Published: 2012-01-01
Key Benefits:
Passed 17.02.1999
RT I 1999, 26, 377
Entry into force 23.03.1999
| 17.11.1999 | RT I 1999, 93, 831 | 25.12.1999 |
| 18.04.2001 | RT I 2001, 43, 241 | 17.05.2001 |
| 09.05.2001 | RT I 2001, 50, 283 | 01.01.2002 |
| 14.11.2001 | RT I 2001, 93, 565 | 01.02.2002 |
| 23.04.2002 | RT I 2002, 41, 249 | 27.05.2002 |
| 15.05.2002 | RT I 2002, 47, 297 | 01.01.2003 |
| 05.06.2002 | RT I 2002, 53, 336 | 01.07.2002 |
| 19.06.2002 | RT I 2002, 61, 375 | 01.08.2002 |
| 19.06.2002 | RT I 2002, 63, 387 | 01.09.2002 |
| 19.11.2003 | RT I 2003, 79, 530 | 31.03.2004 |
| 17.12.2003 | RT I 2003, 88, 594 | 08.01.2004 |
| 23.11.2004 | RT I 2004, 84, 569 | 01.01.2005 |
| 26.01.2005 | RT I 2005, 11, 44 | 27.02.2005 |
| 16.06.2005 | RT I 2005, 40, 312 | 21.07.2005 |
| 27.11.2005 | RT I 2005, 61, 479 | 01.01.2006 |
| 07.06.2006 | RT I 2006, 30, 232 | 01.01.2007 |
| 24.01.2007 | RT I 2007, 12, 66 | 01.01.2008 |
| 24.01.2007 | RT I 2007, 14, 70 | 02.03.2007 |
| 24.01.2007 | RT I 2007, 15, 76 | 01.05.2007 |
| 14.06.2007 | RT I 2007, 45, 319 | 01.01.2008 |
| 15.11.2007 | RT I 2007, 63, 398 | 01.01.2008 |
| 22.11.2007 | RT I 2007, 66, 408 | 01.01.2008 |
| 10.12.2008 | RT I 2008, 56, 314 | 01.01.2009 |
| 20.02.2009 | RT I 2009, 15, 93 | 01.03.2009 |
| 07.05.2009 | RT I 2009, 25, 150 | 01.07.2009 |
| 20.05.2009 | RT I 2009, 28, 170 | 01.07.2009 |
| 15.06.2009 | RT I 2009, 39, 262 | 24.07.2009 |
| 26.11.2009 | RT I 2009, 62, 405 | 01.01.2010 |
| 22.04.2010 | RT I 2010, 22, 108 | 01.01.2011, enters into force on the date which has been determined in the Decision of the Council of the European Union regarding the abrogation of the derogation established in respect of the Republic of Estonia on the basis provided for in Article 140 (2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Council Decision 2010/416/EU of 13 July 2010 (OJ L 196, 28.07.2010, pp. 24–26). |
| 22.02.2011 | RT I, 17.03.2011, 1 | 18.03.2011 |
| 23.02.2011 | RT I, 17.03.2011, 2 | 27.03.2011 |
| 08.12.2011 | RT I, 29.12.2011, 1 | 01.01.2012, partially 01.01.2014 and 01.11.2014 |
(1) The Roads Act provides the requirements for roads, the rights and obligations of road owners and road users and the liability thereof for violations of traffic safety requirements, and regulates the organisation and financing of road management, road use and road protection and the protection of humans and the environment against hazards arising from traffic.
(2) The provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act apply to the administrative proceedings prescribed in this Act, taking account of the specifications provided for in this Act.
[RT I 2002, 61, 375 - entry into force 01.08.2002]
(1) A road is a highway, street, forest road, footpath, cycle track or other construction which is used for vehicle or pedestrian traffic and which may be in the ownership of the state, a local government or another legal person or natural person.
(2) Roads comprise the following located on road area:
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
1) the following constructions used for traffic:
– carriageways, merging and diverging lanes adjacent to carriageways, and pavements;
– car parks and rest areas;
– tunnels, bridges, culverts and viaducts;
– lanes for non-road vehicles;
– areas intended for the inspection of road users or in which road users pay charges;
– areas prescribed for public transport stops and shelters;
– border control and customs control constructions;
– shoulders;
2) other constructions:
– ditches, green areas and central reservations or green strips;
– defence structures for protection against traffic damage and noise barriers and environmental protection constructions located by the side of a road;
– traffic control devices;
– road marking constructions and road lighting installations;
– other road management constructions located by the side of a road.
[RT I 2005, 11, 44 - entry into force 27.02.2005]
A road area is an area which, pursuant to the procedure established by legislation, is designated for the location of constructions within the composition of a road and for the organisation of road management.
(1) National roads, national winter roads, local roads and local winter roads are public roads. Everyone may use public roads with the restrictions provided for in this Act and other legislation.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(2) The Law of Property Act applies to the use of public roads and access to public roads.
(3) The Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications designates a private road for public use with the consent and on the conditions of the owner of the road and pursuant to a contract entered into by the Road Administration and the owner of the private road and appoints a person responsible for the organisation of road management, on the basis of national interests. A rural municipality or city government designates a private road for public use with the consent and on the conditions of the owner of the private road and pursuant to a contract entered into by the rural municipality or city council and the owner of the private road and appoints a person responsible for the organisation of road management, on the basis of the interests of the local government. The contract shall prescribe the procedure for use of the private road, marking of the private road, compensation to the owner of the private road and the persons to cover the road management costs.
[RT I 2005, 11, 44 - entry into force 27.02.2005]
(1) A highway is a road which is located outside a city, town or small town and which is prescribed for vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
(2) A national road which is entered in the list of national roads is:
1) a main road which connects the capital with other large cities, large cities with one another, and the capital and large cities with important ports, railway junctions and border checkpoints;
2) a basic road which connects cities with one another and cities with main roads;
3) a secondary road which connects cities with towns and small towns, towns and small towns with one another or with villages, and cities, towns, small towns and villages with main roads and basic roads;
4) a slip road and connecting road constructed in junction areas of roads which are grade separated or at the same grade for the organisation of traffic and the channelling of traffic flows;
5) another road entered in the list of public roads on the basis of a decision of the Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications.
(3) The Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications shall establish the types of national road, decide on entry of roads in the list of national roads and on exclusion of roads from the list.
(4) A local road is a highway which is constructed for the organisation of local traffic.
[RT I 2005, 11, 44 - entry into force 27.02.2005]
A local road is a local highway, street, footpath, cycle track, winter road prescribed for local traffic and a private road designated for public use on the basis of a contract entered into between the rural municipality or city council and the owner of the private road pursuant to the procedure provided for in subsection 4 (3) of this Act. The list of local roads shall be established by a resolution of the rural municipality or city council.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
A private road is a road situated on an immovable of a legal or natural person. Private roads may be used only with the permission of the owner of the immovable. Private roads may be used without the permission of the owner of the immovable in the cases specified in subsection 33 (8) of this Act.
[RT I 2005, 11, 44 - entry into force 27.02.2005]
(1) For the purposes of this Act, a forest road is a road situated on land retained in state ownership and used predominantly for the management of state forests. A forest road may be used by everyone unless the person or state agency who organises the management of the state forest has closed the forest road or a part thereof or restricted traffic on the forest road.
(2) A person or state agency who organises the management of a state forest has, if necessary, the right to enter into agreements with rural municipality or city governments and legal and natural persons for the use of forest roads and organisation of road management.
[RT I 2005, 11, 44 - entry into force 27.02.2005]
A street is a road located in a city, town or small town which is constructed or adapted for vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
[RT I 2005, 11, 44 - entry into force 27.02.2005]
Footpaths and cycle tracks are roads which are constructed or adapted for pedestrian traffic exclusively, pedestrian and cycle traffic, or cycle traffic exclusively.
[RT I 2005, 11, 44 - entry into force 27.02.2005]
(1) A winter road is a road which is constructed over frozen land or a frozen body of water and which is prescribed for traffic between the mainland and islands or between different locations on the mainland. The period of use of a winter road is restricted.
(2) The owner of land or body of water which is necessary for the construction of a winter road has the right to demand payment of a fee from the constructor of the road for use of the land or the body of water.
(3) The location of a winter road, the term for and conditions of use of the road and the size of the fee charged for use of the land or body of water necessary for construction of the road are prescribed by a contract entered into by the owner of the land or body of water and the person interested in construction of the winter road.
(1) A road shall enable safe traffic and conform to the requirements concerning the state of roads.
(2) The requirements for road safety constructions, traffic signs, traffic lights, barriers, roadside marking posts and road markings, and other requirements concerning the state of national roads, local roads and winter roads shall be established by the Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications.
(3) The requirements concerning the state of forest roads shall be established by the Minister of the Environment.
(4) The owner of a public road or a person appointed as the person responsible for the organisation of road management is required to maintain the road in a state which conforms to the requirements provided for in this Act and legislation established on the basis thereof.
[RT I 2005, 11, 44 - entry into force 27.02.2005]
(1) The following are registered in the national register of roads:
1) [Repealed - RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
2) roads on the list of national roads specified in subsection 5 (3) of this Act;
3) local roads specified in § 51 of this Act;
4) forest roads specified in subsection 53 (1) of this Act.
[RT I 2007, 12, 66 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(2) On the proposal of a local government, private roads designated for public use may be registered in the national register of roads.
[RT I 2007, 12, 66 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(3) The national register of roads shall be founded and the statutes for the maintenance of the register shall be established by the Government of the Republic.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(4) The chief processor of the national register of roads is the Road Administration.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(1) Roads included in the European road network register and the national register of roads shall be designated with the letter E, national roads shall be designated with the corresponding designation of national roads, and local roads and forest roads shall be designated with the name or designation. Streets and private roads shall be designated with a name.
[RT I 2005, 11, 44 - entry into force 27.02.2005]
(2) The owner of a road leading to or from a settlement unit shall mark the road with signposts.
(3) The road designation system and the procedure for the implementation thereof shall be established by the Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications.
(1) A protection zone shall be constructed alongside a road in order to protect the road, organise road management, ensure traffic safety and reduce any harmful effects to the environment or humans.
(2) The width of the protection zone of a national road shall be fifty metres on each side of the axis of a lane or, if the road has several lanes, fifty metres on each side of the outermost lanes.
(3) The width of the protection zone of a local road shall be twenty to fifty metres on each side of the axis of a lane or, if the road has several lanes, twenty to fifty metres on each side of the outermost lane.
(4) [Repealed - RT I 2005, 11, 44 - entry into force 27.02.2005]
(5) The width of the protection zone of a street shall be up to ten metres from the edge of the road area. The protection zone may be widened up to 50 meters if so prescribed by a plan prepared in compliance with the Planning Act.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(1) Road management is the carrying out, planning of road works, organisation of road use, maintenance of road protection zones, road design and other activities related to the administration of roads.
(2) Road works are the construction, repairs and maintenance of roads provided for in § 17 of this Act. The classification and the technical specification of construction and repair works shall be provided for in the rules of road design specified in subsection 19 (2) of this Act.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(1) The requirements of traffic safety, environmental protection and the state of the road, regional and, state development plans, the estimated traffic volume and other relevant circumstances shall be observed upon planning of road management. Tunnel maintenance works shall be based on the requirements provided for in Directive 2004/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on minimum safety requirements for tunnels in the trans-European road network (OJ L 167, 30.04.2004, pp. 39–91).
(2) The Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications may establish the procedure to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Directive specified in subsection (1) of this section.
(3) The management plan of national roads shall include a list of construction sites and road works, calculation of the financing of road management separately by each source of financing and each year and other activities related to road management. In addition to the activities related to road management, the management plan of national roads may include also other measures of road management of public roads if it is necessary due to the road management technology or in order to ensure the integrity of the road network in the public interest.
(4) The management plan of national roads shall be prepared by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications for four years and it shall be updated every year, if necessary. The management plan of national roads shall be approved by the Government of the Republic.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(1) The management of national roads shall be financed on the basis of the road management plan approved by the Government of the Republic.
(2) The total amount of expenditure prescribed by the state budget for the financing of road management shall be equal to not less than 75 per cent of the proceeds planned from fuel excise duty, except excise duty on fuel marked with a fiscal marker and on natural gas, and 25 per cent of the proceeds planned from excise duty on fuel marked with a fiscal marker.
[RT I 2007, 45, 319 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(3) The division of funds for the management of national roads and local roads shall be specified in the state budget for each budgetary year.
[RT I 2009, 15, 93 - entry into force 01.03.2009]
(4) The division of funds between the expenditures necessary for the management of national roads on the basis of subsection (3) of this section and the division of funds intended for the management of local roads between local governments shall be approved by the Government of the Republic.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(1) Plans of areas prescribed for the construction of roads shall be prepared pursuant to the Planning Act.
(2) The objective of road construction is to increase the safety of traffic, increase the capacity of roads and thereby promote transit traffic, improve the state of the environment and promote regional development. The result of road construction is a new road, a change to the class of a road, a new junction or an auxiliary lane.
(3) The objective of road repairs is to eliminate the effects of the wear and tear of road elements and the effects of damage. The result of road repairs is the original technical state of road elements. Road repairs do not result in a change to the class of the road.
(31) The objective of road maintenance is to ensure the compliance of the state of roads with the requirements specified in subsection 10 (2) of this Act.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(4) [Repealed - RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(5) The procedure for attestation of the conformity of road construction materials and products and the conformity assessment procedures required for the attestation of conformity shall be established pursuant to the procedure provided for in the Building Act.
[RT I 2003, 88, 594 - entry into force 08.01.2004]
(1) In the event of construction of a public road, the Immovables Expropriation Act applies with regard to any prescribed expropriation.
(2) [Repealed - RT I 2005, 40, 312 - entry into force 21.07.2005]
(1) Construction and repairs of public roads shall be based on road construction design documentation (hereinafter design documentation) or a specification of road works.
(2) The requirements for design documentation, preliminary design documentation or specification of road works, the types and list of road works to be carried out in accordance with the design documentation or specification of road works, the rules for road design and the procedure for the expert assessment of design documentation shall be established by the Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications.
(3) Upon construction of a new road, preliminary road design documentation which determines the location of the road shall be prepared as the first stage of the design documentation. In the course of preparation of preliminary road design documentation, the owner of the road shall ask the opinions of persons concerned within the meaning of the Planning Act, which will be taken into account upon preparation of the preliminary road design documentation, if possible.
[RT I 2009, 28, 170 - entry into force 01.07.2009]
(4) The need for design documentation or specification of road works for the construction or repairs of a private road or a forest road shall be determined by the owner of the road. Design criteria shall be issued by the owner of the road.
(5) Design criteria for national roads shall be issued by the Road Administration. Design criteria for local roads shall be issued by a rural municipality or city government.
[RT I, 17.03.2011, 1 - entry into force 18.03.2011]
(6) Design documentation shall be prepared on the basis of an adopted comprehensive plan or adopted county plan.
[RT I 2009, 28, 170 - entry into force 01.07.2009]
(7) In the course of designing of a road, an environmental impact assessment shall be organised if so prescribed by the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management System Act. The issuer of a road construction licence shall decide the initiation of an environmental impact assessment in the course of designing the road.
(8) The need for the expert assessment of design documentation or a part thereof shall be determined by the person who orders the design documentation or by the owner of the road. Specification of road works shall not undergo expert assessment.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(1) Owner supervision is an activity for ensuring the requisite quality of construction and repair works complying with the design documentation and specification of road works, as well as for ensuring and verification of formulation of technical documentation.
(2) Owner supervision over the construction and repair works of a public road shall be organised by the owner of the road.
(3) Owner supervision over a private road designated for public use shall be organised by the person who orders the construction or repair works.
(4) The need for the organisation of owner supervision over the construction and repair works of a private road not designated for public use and a forest road and the manner for the exercise thereof shall be determined by the owner of the private road or the person or state agency who organises the management of the state forest.
(5) Owner supervision may be exercised by a person who holds an activity licence for construction supervision.
(6) The function of a person exercising owner supervision is to:
1) verify the conformity of construction and repair works to the design documentation or the specification of road works;
2) accept works related to structures or parts of constructions which will be covered with another part of structure or material in the following stages of construction or repairs and in connection with which there will be no possibility later for direct supervision over the structures or constructions, e.g. lower layers of embankment, geotextiles and geogrids, pavement layers, waterproofing, connections and joints between prefabricated elements, reinforcement, etc. (hereinafter covered works);
3) verify the safety of the construction and repair works to the environment and to humans;
4) verify the compliance of the construction and repair works with the quality requirements.
(7) A person exercising supervision has the right to demand:
1) existence of the declarations of conformity of the used road construction materials and products and the installed equipment and the compliance of the information in the declarations of conformity with the certificates of conformity issued by assessment bodies, as well as the submission of maintenance or user manuals and other necessary documents;
2) redoing of construction or repair works which do not conform to the requirements;
3) suspension of construction or repair works for the elimination of deficiencies if continuation of the works may become dangerous to the environment and to humans;
4) proper documentation of construction and repair works.
(8) The procedure for exercising owner supervision shall be established by the Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(1) State construction supervision (hereinafter construction supervision) is the supervision activities of a competent agency for the verification of the conformity of road construction and repair works with the requirements of this Act. Construction supervision on public roads shall be organised by the Road Administration.
[RT I, 17.03.2011, 1 - entry into force 18.03.2011]
(2) Construction supervision is not exercised upon construction and repair works of private roads and forest roads.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(3) The function of an official exercising supervision is to verify:
1) existence of a road construction permit for construction or repair works if a construction permit is required for such works;
2) compliance of construction and repair works with Acts, the design documentation and the standards established for road works;
3) compliance with the requirements established by the road construction permit;
4) activities of owner supervision;
5) correctness of the information in the national register of roads.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(4) An official exercising construction supervision has the right to:
1) gain unrestricted access to road without giving prior notice and inspect the road construction and repair works;
2) verify compliance with the requirements established for roads in this Act or legislation issued on the basis thereof;
3) obtain information necessary for the verification of construction and repair works from state agencies, local governments, sellers of construction products, owners of roads, applicants for construction permits or undertakings;
4) verify correctness of the information entered in the road construction permits;
5) examine the documents concerning the road, the road construction and repair works, designing, investigations, owner supervision, expert assessment of design documentation, safety of the use or purpose of use of roads, as well as with the originals or copies of documents required for the verification of road construction and repair works and to obtain transcripts of such documents;
6) order evaluation services and expert assessment to verify conformity to the requirements established for roads;
7) demand from an undertaking redoing of road works which do not comply with the quality requirements specified in the design documentation, specification of road works or a contract for services;
8) organise investigation of the causes of accidents which take place upon road construction or repair works;
9) set a date for the elimination of deficiencies;
10) issue precepts in the cases provided for in subsection (6) of this section.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(5) If the agency exercising construction supervision orders an expert assessment to verify conformity with the requirements, in the course of which it is established that the products used, the work performed or the road does not comply with the requirements established therefor, the costs of expert assessment shall be borne by the person performing the works.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(6) An official exercising construction supervision shall issue a precept if:
1) the person carrying out road construction or repair works or the undertaking exercising owner supervision operates without an activity licence;
2) the design documentation or the specification of road works is not complied with in the course of road construction or repair works;
3) the person exercising owner supervision does not exercise sufficient owner supervision;
4) the person carrying out works uses a construction product which does not conform to the requirements for road construction or repair works;
5) the road has become dangerous to the life, health or property of persons, or to the environment.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(7) In a precept the official exercising construction supervision shall:
1) call attention to the offence;
2) demand the suspension, in part or in full, of the road construction or repair works, the use of the road or incorporation of a construction product in a road in a permanent manner;
3) render mandatory the performance of acts necessary for the lawful continuation of the further road construction or repair works, the use of the road, incorporation of a construction product in a road in a permanent manner or owner supervision.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(8) The Road Administration may, upon failure to comply with a precept issued by an official, apply substitutive enforcement or impose a penalty payment pursuant to the procedure provided for in the Substitutive Enforcement and Penalty Payment Act. The upper limit for a penalty payment is 2000 euros for the first occasion and altogether 6400 euros to enforce the performance of the same obligation.
[RT I, 17.03.2011, 1 - entry into force 18.03.2011]
(1) A road construction permit is required for the construction or repairs of a public road or a single structure in the composition of a public road if design documentation shall be prepared for these works pursuant to the requirements provided for in § 19 of this Act.
(2) Road constructions permits for national roads shall be issued by the Road Administration by notifying the local government of the issue of the construction permit. Road construction permits for local roads shall be issued by the relevant rural municipality or city government.
[RT I, 17.03.2011, 1 - entry into force 18.03.2011]
(3) A road construction permit shall be issued for road construction or repairs if the design documentation conforms to the rules for road design specified in subsection 19 (2) of this Act and other standards and legislation established for road works.
(4) A road construction permit shall specify the term of road construction or repair works, the duty to give notification of the commencement of work, the person exercising owner supervision and the obligations thereof.
(5) The grant or refusal to grant a road construction permit shall be decided upon within 30 days as of receipt of an application submitted according to the requirements.
(6) A road construction permit shall not be granted if:
1) the design documentation does not conform to the established requirements;
2) the design documentation was prepared or expert assessment was performed by a person who does not hold an appropriate activity licence; or
3) the designed road damages the neighbourhood rights provided for in §§ 143–151 of the Law of Property Act and no agreement is reached with the neighbour.
(7) Upon the issue of a road construction permit for a toll road, the fact that a road user must be able to reach the required destination by a non-toll road, except when crossing a bridge or passing through a tunnel which connects the mainland with an island, shall be taken into consideration. The use of a non-toll road shall not cause a road user excessive costs or take an excessive amount of time.
(8) The issuer of a road construction permit has the right to revoke the permit if:
1) work does not commence within one year after issue of the road construction permit;
2) continuation of work may become dangerous to the environment or to humans;
3) legislation regulating road works is violated;
4) design documentation is not adhered to; or
5) other requirements prescribed by the road construction permit are violated.
(9) The procedure for the issue and the formats of road construction permits and permits for the use of a road and the requirements and procedure for documentation of construction and repair works shall be established by the Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(1) A permit for the use of a road shall be issued by the issuer of the road construction permit.
(2) A permit for the use of a road may be issued after construction of the road is completed in conformity with the road design documentation and after construction supervision precepts are complied with.
(3) A road shall be entered in a register of roads after a permit is obtained for the use of the road.
(4) Completed parts of a road under construction or repair may be used on the basis of a permit for the use of a road if traffic safety is ensured.
(1) A public road may be liquidated if the road is not used after the construction of a new road or for any other reason. A written consent of the relevant rural municipality or city government is required for the liquidation of a road.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(2) A rural municipality or city government may permit the liquidation of a road without appropriate design documentation.
(3) A private road may be liquidated by the owner of the private road by notifying the local government thereof in advance in writing.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
The owner of a road shall preserve the road design documentation and other essential documents. The documents shall be transferred to an archives ten years after a permit is obtained for the use of the road and the documents shall be maintained in the archives pursuant to the procedure provided for in the Archives Act.
(1) Road management shall be organised by the owner of the road pursuant to the European Agreement, the Public Procurement Act, this Act and legislation issued on the basis thereof.
[RT I 2007, 15, 76 - entry into force 01.05.2007]
(2) The Road Administration shall organise the management of national roads and is required to create the conditions for safe traffic on such roads.
[RT I, 17.03.2011, 1 - entry into force 18.03.2011]
(21) Director General of the Road Administration represents the Republic of Estonia with the right to delegate authority upon conducting negotiations with land owners and concluding the transactions required for the acquisition of plots of land necessary for the management of national roads and by exercising all the rights and performing all the obligations arising from law. The plots of land acquired by the state for the management of national roads are administered by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(22) The Road Administration shall perform on national roads and local governments on local roads the functions of the competent authority specified in Directive 2008/96/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on road infrastructure safety management (OJ L 319, 29.11.2008, pp. 59–67) and arrange road safety impact assessments, traffic safety audits, traffic safety and safety inspections on the roads of the trans-European road network in Estonia in compliance with the requirements provided for in the directive. A competent authority may also apply the requirements of the directive on these publicly used roads not included in the trans-European road network.
[RT I, 17.03.2011, 2 - entry into force 27.03.2011]
(23) The Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications may establish by a regulation:
1) terms and conditions of traffic safety impact assessment and requirements for impact assessment;
2) terms and conditions of traffic safety audits and requirements for audits;
3) terms and conditions of safety ranking of roads and requirements for safety ranking of roads;
4) terms and conditions of safety inspections of roads and requirements for safety inspections of roads.
[RT I, 17.03.2011, 2 - entry into force 27.03.2011]
(3) Rural municipality and city governments shall organise the management of local roads and are required to create the conditions for safe traffic on such roads. In densely populated local governments with more than 40,000 residents, the undertaking managing the local roads shall be the provider of the vital services specified in clause 34 (9) 2) of the Emergency Act.
[RT I 2009, 39, 262 - entry into force 24.07.2009]
(31) A person or a state agency who organises the management of a state forest shall organise the management of forest roads.
(4) Owners of private roads shall organise the management of roads in their ownership and are required to create the conditions for safe traffic on such roads.
(5) Constructors of winter roads shall organise the management of winter roads and are required to create the conditions for safe traffic on roads constructed thereby.
(6) Proper installation of traffic control devices and traffic safety during road works shall be ensured by the performer of the road works.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(7) In a city, town or small town, the user of a territory adjacent to a road is required to maintain the pavement between the carriageway and the corresponding territory.
(1) An activity licence is required for the construction, repairs of public roads and construction supervision over the specified road works, maintenance of roads, designing of all the roads, including preparation of specifications of road works, expert assessment of design documentation and traffic safety audits. Activity licences shall be granted to natural and legal persons who comply with the requirements for performance of the relevant road management works.
(2) An activity licence is necessary for the following road management works:
1) road design, preparation of specifications of road works and expert assessment of road design documentation (hereinafter road design), except design of tunnels, bridges and viaducts (hereinafter bridges), preparation of specifications of road works for repair of bridges and assessment of bridge design documentation;
2) bridge design, preparation of specifications of road works for repair of bridges and assessment of bridge design documentation (hereinafter bridge design);
3) construction, repairs and maintenance of roads, except construction and repairs of bridges (hereinafter construction of roads);
4) construction and repairs of bridges (hereinafter construction of bridges);
5) preparation of traffic arrangement plans and assessment of such plans (hereinafter preparation of traffic arrangement plans);
6) installation of traffic control devices;
7) construction supervision over road works;
8) traffic safety audits.
(3) Legal persons may apply for activity licences for the performance the road management works specified in clauses (2) 1)–7) of this section. Private individuals may apply for activity licences for the performance the road management works specified in clauses (2) 1) and 2) and clauses (2) 5)–8) of this section..
(4) An activity licence is not required for the following road works ordered by the owner of the road:
1) snow control operations and snow clearing operations;
2) de-icing on pavements and cycle tracks;
3) maintenance of the road area and road ditches;
4) maintenance of the passenger shelters and road service facilities;
5) road clearing and maintenance work;
6) installation and maintenance of traffic signs.
(5) A person holding an activity licence for the design of roads is not required to hold an activity licence for the preparation of traffic arrangement plans.
(6) A person holding an activity licence for the construction of roads is not required to hold an activity licence for the installation of traffic control devices.
(7) A person holding an activity licence for the construction supervision over road works is not required to hold an activity licence for the preparation of specifications of road works.
(8) A person holding an activity licence for the traffic safety audits is not required to hold an activity licence for the road design. An auditor shall not participate during audits in the elaboration of the principles of the audited infrastructure design documentation or the implementation of the design documentation.
[RT I, 17.03.2011, 2 - entry into force 27.03.2011]
(1) At least one employee employed on the basis of a contract of employment who is responsible for the quality of road management work (hereinafter responsible employee) provided that employee holds the relevant activity licence of a natural person, shall be employed by a legal person which applies for an activity licence for design of roads, design of bridges, preparation of traffic arrangement plans, installation of traffic control devices and construction supervision over road management work.
[RT I, 17.03.2011, 2 - entry into force 27.03.2011]
(2) At least one responsible employee per each area of activity which requires an activity licence, provided that the employee complies with the requirements provided for in subsections (3) and (4) of this section, shall be employed by a legal person which applies for an activity licence for the construction of roads and for the construction of bridges.
[RT I, 17.03.2011, 2 - entry into force 27.03.2011]
(21) A person may be a responsible employee in only one undertaking and for only one road management work for which an activity licence is required.
(3) Natural persons and responsible employees of a legal person who apply for activity licences must have completed relevant academic or applied higher education and have professional experience.
(4) The following employment after acquisition of academic or applied higher education is deemed to be professional experience:
1) at least three years of employment as a designer of roads or bridges or as a person engaged in the preparation of traffic arrangement plans respectively in case of design of roads, design of bridges and preparation of traffic arrangement plans;
2) at least three years of employment as a manager of the corresponding road works in case of construction of roads and construction of bridges and installation of traffic control devices;
3) at least three years of employment as a designer of roads or bridges, construction engineer supervising road management work or as a manager of road management works in the case of construction supervision over road management works, except as a manager of assessment works relating to road or bridge design documentation and traffic arrangement plans and a manager of design work relating to traffic control devices and installation work relating to traffic control devices.
[RT I, 17.03.2011, 2 - entry into force 27.03.2011]
(5) A natural person who applies for an activity licence for construction supervision over road management work must, in addition to the requirements provided for in this section, have undergone a training course for construction supervision over road management work in an agency recognised by the Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications and have passed the written final exam of the course. A holder of the activity licence shall undergo the training course once every three years.
(51) A person who applies for an activity licence for traffic safety auditors shall have Master's level degree in his or her area of specialisation or professional qualification equivalent thereto, he or she shall have at least five years’ work experience as a designer of roads and he or she shall have undergone a training course in technical traffic safety measures and analysis of accidents in an agency recognised by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications. A traffic safety auditor shall undergo the training course once every five years.
[RT I, 17.03.2011, 2 - entry into force 27.03.2011]
(6) The curriculum of the training course of construction supervision over road works, technical traffic safety measures and analysis of accidents shall be established by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.
[RT I, 17.03.2011, 2 - entry into force 27.03.2011]
(7) As an exception, a person with vocational secondary education in road construction whose previous professional activities, in-service training and the recommendations of employers and occupational and professional associations prove his or her competence to operate in the corresponding area of activity may apply for an activity licence for the performance of road management work or be a responsible employee, except for an activity license of a traffic safety auditor.
[RT I, 17.03.2011, 2 - entry into force 27.03.2011]
(8) Upon application for an activity licence for the performance of road management work, the same requirements which apply to the citizens and undertakings of the Republic of Estonia apply to citizens and undertakings of foreign states.
[RT I 2005, 11, 44 - entry into force 27.02.2005]
(1) In order to receive an activity licence, a natural person shall submit an application to the Road Administration together with copies of documents which certify his or her skills to perform the corresponding road management work.
(2) In order to obtain an activity licence, a legal person shall submit to the Road Administration an application together with:
1) information concerning the technical equipment in the use thereof which is necessary for the performance of the corresponding road management work;
2) officially certified transcript of the foundation resolution, memorandum of association, partnership agreement or articles of association with regard to areas of activity;
3) list which sets out the responsible employees working under employment contracts and includes their professional skills and professional experience.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
4) [Repealed - RT I 2002, 61, 375 - entry into force 01.08.2002]
(1) The Road Administration shall issue activity licences for road management work. In order to issue an activity licence, the Road Administration shall assess the conformity of the applicant for the activity licence to the requirements provided for in § 252 of this Act and verify whether or not the applicant for a licence has tax arrears.
(2) Activity licences shall be issued for three years. During the period of validity of the activity licence, the Road Administration has the right to request a list of responsible employees from the holder of the activity licence.
(3) An activity licence shall set out the following information:
1) name and address of the holder of the activity licence;
2) permitted areas of activity;
3) number of the activity licence;
4) date of issue and period of validity of the activity licence;
5) name and seal of the issuer of the activity licence;
6) official title, name and signature of the person who signs the activity licence.
(4) An applicant for the activity licence shall pay the state fees within ten days after the communication of the decision to grant the activity licence.
(5) Upon expiry of the term of an activity licence, the activity licence shall be extended for three years at the request of the holder of the activity licence.
(6) Upon extension of an activity licence, the requirements provided for issue of activity licences apply.
(7) Upon any amendments to the data entered on an activity licence, the holder of the activity licence is required to apply for amendment of the activity licence. If, on the basis of an application of the holder of the activity licence, an area of activity or other data set out on the activity licence are amended, the period of validity of the activity licence does not change and the state fee is not charged.
(8) The Road Administration shall decide on issue, extension or amendment of an activity licence or on refusal to perform any of the corresponding acts not later than within thirty days after the receipt of all the required documents. The applicant for the activity licence shall be informed within seven days after the decision to this effect is made.
[RT I 2002, 61, 375 - entry into force 01.08.2002]
(1) An activity licence may be suspended if the holder of the activity licence:
1) violates requirements established with regard to road management work;
2) has submitted false information upon application for or extension of the activity licence;
3) does not comply with the construction supervision precepts by the prescribed date or to the prescribed extent;
4) is a legal person who does not employ responsible employees with the required competence;
5) does not apply for amendment of the activity licence upon any amendments to the data on the activity licence;
6) does not pay the state fee within ten days after he or she is informed of a decision on issue of the activity licence.
(2) The Road Administration may grant a term for the holder of an activity licence for the elimination of deficiencies which caused the suspension of the activity licence.
(3) The period during which an activity licence is suspended does not extend the period of validity of the activity licence.
(4) An activity licence shall be revoked if the holder of the activity licence does not eliminate the deficiencies during the period of which he or she is informed.
(5) The Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications shall establish the procedure for the review of applications for activity licences for the performance of road management work, the form of the activity licences and the formal requirements for the applications.
[RT I 2003, 88, 594 - entry into force 08.01.2004]
(1) If an applicant or holder of an activity licence does not agree with a decision of the Road Administration on refusal to issue an activity licence, suspension or revocation of an activity licence, he or she may file a written challenge with the Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications.
(2) The Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications shall review the challenge and communicate his or her decision concerning the challenge to the person who filed the challenge by post or electronic media within seven days after the decision is adopted.
[RT I 2003, 88, 594 - entry into force 08.01.2004]
(1) No fee is charged for the use of a national road.
(2) If an owner of a road not specified in subsection (1) of this section wishes to apply an electronic road toll system pursuant to the Directive 2004/52/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the interoperability of electronic road toll systems in the Community (OJ L 166, 30.04.2004, pp. 124–143), the owner of the road shall notify the Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications thereof who shall, during a reasonable period of time, establish by a regulation a procedure which ensures compliance with the requirements of the Directive.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(1) The management of a soil amelioration construction, hydrotechnical construction or other construction shall be organised by the owner of the construction with the consent of the owner of the road.
(2) A viaduct passing over a road shall be maintained by the owner of the viaduct.
(1) A level crossing is an area where a road and a railway cross at grade.
(2) Owners of roads, railway infrastructure managers and other owners or possessors of the railway shall perform maintenance work on level crossings and are required to create the conditions for safe traffic within the limits of the immovables in their possession, except for winter maintenance work on the entire area of the level crossings which shall be performed by the owners of the roads. The person performing winter maintenance work on a road shall enter into a contract with the railway infrastructure manager or another owner or possessor of the railway which sets out the technical details of winter maintenance work.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(3) Road management work in overlapping protection zones of a road and a railway shall be performed by the owner of the road and the owner of the railway on the basis of mutual agreement.
[RT I 2003, 79, 530 - entry into force 31.03.2004]
(1) The intended land use of public roads is land designated for transport.
(2) If a public road has become unusable as a result of an accident or natural disaster or if it is not possible to construct or repair a road structure without building a temporary detour, the owner of an immovable is required to tolerate that the private road or land belonging thereto which can be used as a temporary road is used for a temporary detour.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(3) The owner of a public road has the right to allow other persons to use the road area pursuant to legislation regulating land use and without constituting a right of superficies on the condition that such use does not interfere with road management or worsen traffic conditions. Utility networks and utility works may be installed on road area or, as an exception, also into embankment in compliance with the rules for road design specified in subsection 19 (2) of this Act.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(4) The Earth's Crust Act shall not be apply to extraction work in the earth's crust under roads, except with regard to the construction of underground structures.
(1) The technology and quality of road works shall comply with the requirements established for traffic safety, environmental protection and the state of the road.
(2) The quality requirements for roads and road works shall be established by the Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(1) Information on the state of national roads and general requirements for the use and protection thereof shall be provided by the Road Administration. Immediate information concerning traffic conditions on national roads shall be provided by the Road Administration on national radio.
(2) The Road Administration shall give notification of any significant changes in traffic control on a national road and of the period during which such change is in force on national radio at least twenty-four hours in advance. The owner of a public road shall give notification of any changes in traffic control in such a manner that the information reaches the road users whom it may concern.
(3) In the event of a heavy snowstorm or glare ice and in other cases which significantly affect traffic control or traffic safety, the Road Administration is required to give immediate notification on national radio of the state of national roads and to provide immediate information on any changes in traffic control caused by natural disasters or traffic accidents.
(4) The owner of a road shall provide information on the state of the road and on the organisation of use thereof if an inquiry is made.
(1) It is prohibited to damage and pollute roads or road protection zones. The owner of a road and the owner of a protection zone may demand compensation to cover road management costs from persons who damage or pollute the road or the road protection zone.
(2) An undertaking engaged in the carriage of cargo or passengers shall provide the owner of a road, if the owner so requires, with information on vehicles using the road, the volume of transport operations, routes used and the frequency of journeys.
(3) The requirements for the use and protection of roads and road protection zones shall be established by the Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications.
[RT I 2003, 88, 594 - entry into force 08.01.2004]
(1) Traffic shall be organised pursuant to the Traffic Act and legislation issued on the basis thereof.
(2) A road may be used for non-traffic purposes only with the written permission of the owner and under the conditions established by the owner.
(3) If a public road is closed for the organisation of a non-traffic event, the person who was granted appropriate permission is required to compensate the owner of the road for costs related to the re-arrangement of traffic.
(4) The maximum permissible measurements, weight and axle load of laden and unladen vehicles shall be established by the Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications.
(5) In order to ensure the safety of passengers, the owner of a road shall ensure the safety of the road and of the locations designated for the picking up and setting down of passengers.
(6) Written permission from the owner of a road is necessary to open a route for the carriage of children or another public transport route.
(7) In order to ensure the safety of children and other passengers, the owner of a road may establish temporary or permanent restrictions on other vehicle traffic on a public transport route.
(8) The owner of a private road, a private road encumbered with real servitude or a toll road shall permit emergency vehicles and, during a state of emergency or a state of war, vehicles of the Defence Forces to use the road without charge. The owner of a road is required to permit other vehicles to use the road without charge only if a public road is closed for the elimination of the effects of an accident or natural disaster.
[RT I 2003, 88, 594 - entry into force 08.01.2004]
(1) A non-traffic means of information is an announcement, notice or sign which is installed on a carrier permanently attached to the ground or a movable supporting structure, vehicle or other display of means of information and which is not prescribed for the organisation of traffic or which does not conform to the requirements established concerning traffic control devices.
(2) Permission for the installation of a non-traffic means of information on the road area of national roads shall be granted by the Road Administration, on the road area of local roads by the rural municipality or city government. Permission for the installation of a non-traffic means of information in a road protection zone shall be granted by the aforementioned agency with the written permission of the owner of the land in the road protection zone and under the conditions established by the owner of the land in the road protection zone. In order to be granted permission the applicant shall submit a drawing and a layout of the means of information. Non-traffic means of information may be installed on a road and in a road protection zone if such means of information:
[RT I, 17.03.2011, 1 - entry into force 18.03.2011]
1) do not mislead road users or obstruct their view of traffic control devices;
2) do not make it difficult to distinguish a traffic control device;
3) do not pose a traffic hazard by dazzling road users or distracting their attention;
4) do not restrict visibility at junctions.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(3) Permission of the owner of a road or the owner of land in a road protection zone is not required for the installation of a non-traffic means of information on a vehicle participating in traffic pursuant to the Traffic Act.
(4) A non-traffic means of information which, due to its shape, colour or design, could be mistaken for a traffic control device shall not be installed on a road or in a road protection zone.
(5) Damage caused by disregard of the requirements for the installation of non-traffic means of information shall be compensated to road users by the person who owns the means of information.
(6) Non-traffic means of information may be installed on roads of the European road network and in protection zones of such roads only if the means of information are parallel to the centre line of the road.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(7) Non-traffic means of information may be installed on roads and in road protection zones under the conditions provided for in subsection (2) of this section if the distance between the edge of the means of information closest to the carriageway and the edge of the carriageway is at least twelve metres. The means of information marking the location of utility networks and constructions in a road area or road protection zone shall be installed by agreement of the owners of the utility networks and constructions and the owner of the land.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(8) The owner of a non-traffic means of information shall bear all expenses relating to the installation, maintenance and removal of the means of information.
(9) Non-traffic means of information which are installed on roads or in road protection zones without the consent of the owner of the road or the owner of the land in the road protection zone shall be immediately removed by the person who owns the means of information if the owner of the road or the owner of the land in the road protection zone so demands. If this requirement is not met, the owner of the road or the owner of the land in the road protection zone has the right to remove the means of information. The costs of removing the means of information shall be borne by the person who installed such means of information.
(10) Non-traffic means of information which are in conflict with the requirements provided for in this Act and have been installed with the permission of the owner of the road shall be re-located by the owner of the means of information if the owner of the road so demands. The costs of e-location shall be divided between the owner of the means of information and the owner of the road.
[RT I 2005, 11, 44 - entry into force 27.02.2005]
(1) Carriage or a journey is extraordinary if one of the maximum measurements or the maximum weight or axle load of a vehicle laden with a large or heavy load or of an unladen vehicle exceeds the figures established on the basis of subsection 33 (4) of this Act.
(2) Extraordinary carriage or an extraordinary journey is permitted on public roads by a special permit and for an additional fee and only according to the itinerary and under the conditions specified in the permit. The rates of compensation for costs incurred by owners of roads for extraordinary carriage or extraordinary journeys, the size of the additional fees and the procedure for the issue of special permits shall be established by the Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications.
[RT I 2003, 88, 594 - entry into force 08.01.2004]
(1) The following are prohibited on roads and in road protection zones without the consent of the owner of the road:
1) construction of buildings or constructions, or establishment of plantations. In areas where preparation of a detailed plan is mandatory, buildings may be constructed in road protection zones if this is permitted by the detailed plan established by the local government;
2) construction of acceleration lanes, deceleration lanes, entry slip roads, exit slip roads, permanent or temporary sales facilities and other service facilities;
3) obstruction of pedestrian traffic by activities which disturb pedestrians;
4) installation of lighting installations, means of information and means of advertising;
5) organisation of sports events and other public events;
6) extraction of earth deposits or earth substances;
7) performance of clear cutting for reforestation purposes;
8) performance of land improvement operations or other work not connected with road management which alters the water regime.
(2) The owner of the land in a road protection zone is required to maintain the area of the protection zone adjacent to the road area and structures located therein and to remove or permit removal of plantations, trees and bushes which restrict visibility and other constructions which pose a traffic hazard. The owner of the land shall allow installation of temporary snow fences for winter maintenance and construction of snow-walls and ditches to combat blowing snow on the registered immovable in the protection zone adjacent to the road area, and allow snow to be removed to outside the road area if such activity does not obstruct access to the residence or property of the owner.
(3) At junctions of roads in the ownership of several owners, each owner is responsible for maintaining the road in the necessary state for safe traffic within the scope of the immovable belonging to the owner.
(4) Costs incurred from the construction of a new junction with a road shall be borne by the owner who demands that the roads be joined. Costs may be divided by agreement of the owners of the roads.
[RT I 2005, 40, 312 - entry into force 21.07.2005]
(1) The owner of a public road is required to:
1) organise the use and protection of the road;
2) monitor the road and maintain the road in a state which conforms to the established requirements;
3) remove plantations, trees and bushes which restrict visibility and other constructions, rubbish, dead animals and birds which pose a traffic hazard from the road;
4) install traffic control devices which warn road users or divert traffic in the case of an accident and in a situation endangering other road users;
5) provide information on closure of the road and changes in the organisation of use of the road in the manner provided for in subsection 31 (2) of this Act.
(2) The owner of a road may close the road or a part thereof for a certain period of time or restrict traffic on the road if the load-bearing part of the road has deteriorated due to soil thawing, rain or other factors significantly affecting traffic and if traffic may damage the road, or if traffic on the road is dangerous. Notification shall be given of closure of the road or traffic restrictions on the road pursuant to the procedure provided for in subsection 31 (2) of this Act.
(21) A person or a state agency who organises the management of a state forest may close a forest road or a part thereof for a certain period of time or restrict traffic on the road in addition to the cases set out in subsection (2) of this section also for the purpose of fire protection, protection of the ecosystem of the forest or prevention of an offence, ensuring of safety during forestry work or if the road is not needed for the management of the state forest or local traffic. In order to close the forest road or restrict traffic, the required traffic control devices shall be installed.
(3) The owner of a private road has the right to demand compensation from users of the private road to cover costs related to the use of the road.
(4) [Repealed - RT I 2008, 56, 314 - entry into force 01.01.2009]
(5) [Repealed - RT I 2008, 56, 314 - entry into force 01.01.2009]
(6) The owner of a road is required to compensate road users for damage caused due to the road being unusable or due to the violation of this Act or legislation issued on the basis thereof, except in the cases specified in subsection (2) of this section.
[RT I 2006, 30, 232 - entry into force 01.01.2007]
(1) The owner of the land in a road protection zone, as well as the owner of the land in an area of restrictions related to plans has the right to receive compensation from the owner of the road for damage incurred due to restrictions.
(2) A land owner has the right to receive fair and immediate compensation from the owner of the road for temporary use of land required for building of detours and the performance of other road works.
(3) Detours may be built and an immovable of another may be used for other reasons only on contractual basis. A contract need not be entered into in the event of an accident or natural disaster.
(4) If it is not possible or not practical to demolish a building or other structure located in a road protection zone in order to improve visibility at a road junction, a traffic control device shall be installed in the interests of traffic safety.
[RT I 2007, 63, 398 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
(1) The following have the right to inspect compliance with the requirements of this Act or legislation established on the basis thereof and issue precepts upon the use and protection of public roads:
1) Director General of the Road Administration or an official of the Road Administration authorised thereby on national roads;
[RT I, 17.03.2011, 1 - entry into force 18.03.2011]
2) authorised officials of a local government council on local roads;
3) police officers on roads specified in clauses (1) 1) and 2) of this section.
(2) The Road Administration, the local government and the police authority may, upon failure to comply with a precept issued by its official, apply substitutive enforcement or impose a penalty payment pursuant to the procedure provided for in the Substitutive Enforcement and Penalty Payment Act. The upper limit for a penalty payment is 2000 euros for the first occasion and altogether 6400 euros to enforce the performance of the same obligation.
[RT I, 29.12.2011, 1 - entry into force 01.01.2012]
(1) The following have the right to inspect compliance with the status requirements established for roads and issue precepts:
1) Director General of the Road Administration or an official of the Road Administration authorised thereby on local roads;
[RT I, 17.03.2011, 1 - entry into force 18.03.2011]
2) police officers on national roads and local roads if violation of the requirements has been established in the course of police activities.
(2) The Road Administration and the police authority may, upon failure to comply with a precept issued by its official, apply substitutive enforcement or impose a penalty payment pursuant to the procedure provided for in the Substitutive Enforcement and Penalty Payment Act. The upper limit for a penalty payment is 2000 euros for the first occasion and altogether 6400 euros to enforce the performance of the same obligation.
[RT I, 17.03.2011, 1 - entry into force 18.03.2011]
(1) Use of a road for a sports event or other public event or for other non-traffic assemblies without the permission of the owner of the road
is punishable by a fine of up to 100 fine units.
[RT I 2002, 63, 387 - entry into force 01.09.2002]
(2) The same act, if committed by a legal person,
is punishable by a fine of 3200 euros.
[RT I 2010, 22, 108 - entry into force 01.01.2011]
(1) Use of a vehicle the measurements, mass or axle load of which do not conform to the rules or use of a vehicle which damages the stability of the road structure in any other manner for traffic on a road, or use of a vehicle on a closed road or a road structure which is not prescribed for traffic,
is punishable by a fine of up to 200 fine units.
[RT I 2002, 63, 387 - entry into force 01.09.2002]
(2) The same act, if committed by a legal person,
is punishable by a fine of 2000 euros.
[RT I 2010, 22, 108 - entry into force 01.01.2011]
(1) Grant of permission for traffic on a road by the owner or possessor of a motor vehicle or by an official responsible for the operation of a motor vehicle the measurements, mass or axle load of which do not conform to the rules, or grant of permission for traffic on a closed road or a road structure which is not prescribed for traffic
is punishable by a fine of up to 300 fine units.
[RT I 2002, 63, 387 - entry into force 01.09.2002]
(2) The same act, if committed by a legal person,
is punishable by a fine of 3200 euros.
[RT I 2010, 22, 108 - entry into force 01.01.2011]
(1) Performance of road management work or work not connected with road management on the road and in road protection zones, placing work equipment, building material or timber on the road and in road protection zones, construction of a building or construction or establishment of a plantation, extraction of mineral resources, clear cutting of forest or performance of any other work transforming the environment on the road and in road protection zones
is punishable by a fine of up to 200 fine units.
[RT I 2002, 63, 387 - entry into force 01.09.2002]
(2) The same act, if committed by a legal person,
is punishable by a fine of 3200 euros.
[RT I 2010, 22, 108 - entry into force 01.01.2011]
(1) Failure, by the owner or possessor of land, to comply with the maintenance requirements of a road protection zone or a construction located therein, or damage or pollution of a road protection zone
is punishable by a fine of up to 100 fine units.
[RT I 2002, 63, 387 - entry into force 01.09.2002]
(2) The same act, if committed by a legal person,
is punishable by a fine of 2000 euros.
[RT I 2010, 22, 108 - entry into force 01.01.2011]
(1) Failure to comply with the requirements established for the state of a road structure or level crossing, or failure to implement measures prescribed for prohibition or restriction of traffic, or failure to maintain a location which is dangerous to traffic
is punishable by a fine of up to 200 fine units.
[RT I 2002, 63, 387 - entry into force 01.09.2002]
(2) The same act, if committed by a legal person,
is punishable by a fine of 3200 euros.
[RT I 2010, 22, 108 - entry into force 01.01.2011]
(1) Damage or pollution of road structures or level crossings, or failure to remove an impediment, tree, bush or plantation which poses a traffic hazard or restricts visibility
is punishable by a fine of up to 200 fine units.
[RT I 2002, 63, 387 - entry into force 01.09.2002]
(2) The same act, if committed by a legal person,
is punishable by a fine of 1300 euros.
[RT I 2010, 22, 108 - entry into force 01.01.2011]
(1) Failure to install a traffic control device, unsatisfactory installation of a traffic control device or failure to remove a traffic control device by the prescribed time
is punishable by a fine of up to 100 fine units.
[RT I 2002, 63, 387 - entry into force 01.09.2002]
(2) The same act, if committed by a legal person,
is punishable by a fine of 3200 euros.
[RT I 2010, 22, 108 - entry into force 01.01.2011]
(1) Installation of a non-traffic means of information on the road or in a road protection zone without the permission of the owner of the road
is punishable by a fine of up to 50 fine units.
[RT I 2002, 63, 387 - entry into force 01.09.2002]
(2) The same act, if committed by a legal person,
is punishable by a fine of 3200 euros.
[RT I 2010, 22, 108 - entry into force 01.01.2011]
(1) The provisions of the General Part of the Penal Code apply to the misdemeanours provided for in §§ 40–408 of this Act.
(2) The following extra-judicial bodies conduct proceedings in matters of misdemeanours provided for in §§ 40-408 of this Act:
1) the Road Administration upon commission of a misdemeanour on a national road;
[RT I, 17.03.2011, 1 - entry into force 18.03.2011]
2) a rural municipality or city government upon commission of a misdemeanour on a local road;
3) a police authority.
[RT I 2009, 62, 405 - entry into force 01.01.2010]
(3) In addition to the ones specified in subsection (2) of this section, the Technical Surveillance Authority conducts extra-judicial proceedings in the matters of the misdemeanours provided for in §§ 405 and 406 of this Act.
[RT I 2007, 66, 408 - entry into force 01.01.2008]
§ 42. – § 44. [Omitted from this text.]
(1) [Repealed - RT I 2004, 84, 569 - entry into force 01.01.2005]
(2) The requirement provided for in subsection 17 (4) of this Act concerning attestation of the conformity of road building materials and products applies as of 1 July 2001.
(3) Activity licences for road management work specified in § 251 of this Act are required as of 1 July 2001.
(4) An activity licence for road management works specified in clauses 251 (2) 5) and 6) of this Act is required as of 1 April 2005.
[RT I 2005, 11, 44 - entry into force 27.02.2005]
1Directive 2004/52/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the interoperability of electronic road toll systems in the Community (OJ L 166, 30.04.2004, pp. 124–143), Directive 2004/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on minimum safety requirements for tunnels in the trans-European road network (OJ L 167, 30.04.2004, pp. 39–91); Directive 2008/96/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on road infrastructure safety management (OJ L 319, 29.11.2008, pp. 59–67). [RT I, 17.03.2011, 2 - entry into force 27.03.2011]