Guide to Driving In Moldova - Drive Safe in Moldova

Every occupant of a moving car in Moldova must wear a seat belt.

UK and EU licences are accepted. If you are a non-EU driver then you’ll need an international driving permit. The licences allow you to drive in Moldova for thirty days. You also need to carry your proof of vehicle ownership document and it’s helpful to be able to prove the level of insurance cover by way of the certificate or a green card. 

You have to be at least 18 to drive in Moldova. If you’re hiring a car then you’ll need to be 23 or 25 in some cases. Under 25 or with limited driving experience, you may have to pay an additional daily charge. 

Warning devices are not illegal in Moldova but given the condition of the roads in rural areas, we’d recommend sticking to the speed limit.

If you are caught committing a traffic offence you will be given a ticket with details of the offence, the fine and where to pay it. In some parts you may be asked for the fine by the police officer. This is illegal and, if safe to do so, you should politely ask to be given a ticket for the offence or ask for a receipt. 

In Moldova, no children under the age of twelve can sit in the front of a vehicle. Those under seven must be secured in an age, height and weight appropriate seating system.

A minimum of third party insurance is compulsory in Moldova. Whilst you don’t have to carry the documentation with you, it’s a good idea to. Green cards are also valid in Moldova.

The legal limit for alcohol in the blood whilst driving is 30mg per 100ml of blood. This is substantially less than that in the UK and means that even half a pint of beer can take you over the limit. Punishments are progressive depending on how far over the limit you are but above 80mg you are looking at a large fine, confiscation of your licence for up to five years and, depending on the circumstances, possibly a short jail term. 

Make sure that the vehicle being towed is securely attached and that you have good visibility. Lower speed limits apply out of town (70 km/h) and on motorways (90 km/h)

Fixed cameras aren’t very common in Moldova but you are likely to encounter mobile speed traps. Tickets from the few fixed cameras will be sent to the registered address of the vehicle whilst mobile units will give you a ticket.

You must not use a mobile phone without a hands free kit in Moldova.

Moldovan traffic lights follow the sequencing laid down in the Vienna Convention and as such should be familiar to most drivers. You cannot turn on a red light unless there is a sign indicating so.

There are currently no toll roads in Moldova.