A roof assembly for a vehicle includes a stationary part to be attached to the vehicle roof and at least one closure element movably supported by said stationary part. The element is movable between a closed position closing a roof opening, and an open, rearward position above a roof area behind the roof opening. At least one front guide track extends at least along the roof opening, whereas a rear guide track is mounted at least substantially rearward of the opening. A guiding device engages said rear guide track upon rearward movement of the closure element. The guiding device includes a lever which supports the element at least in the open position, the lever being rotatable around a pivoting axis and being provided with a loading member to load the lever at a distance from the pivoting axis at least when the element is in its closed position.