With the development of various information and communication technologies, there was a need to develop smart roads and connect them to data warehouses for the processing and distribution of information. The Internet of Things, together with the communication system, are key components in the development of smart road systems because they enable communication between smart roads, autonomous vehicles and various external systems for faster response in the event of an accident or simple traffic diversion. In addition to the Internet of Things, there is artificial intelligence and machine learning to recognize the number of vehicles on the road and find optimal routes to relieve certain intersections as well as a large amount of data (big data). The aim of this paper was to explain the role and importance of smart roads. The basic concepts of the smart road system, the way of functioning of the communication system are explained. In particular, the method of data collection, processing and storage within the smart road system is described, and the advantages and disadvantages of the introduction of smart roads are identified. The results of the analysis in this paper provide a better insight into the way it works and the role and importance of smart roads in the modern world.