When planning a trip abroad by car, it is important to familiarize yourself with the differences in traffic rules to prevent critical situations on the road and avoid additional costs. Here are the main features of traffic rules and fines that drivers in Moldova face

Issuing a Green Card policy for traveling abroad by car

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Many Ukrainians are currently planning their route abroad not only through Poland but also through Moldova, in particular because of the long queues of Westerners at checkpoints. However, when going on such a trip, you should take into account the specifics of the country's traffic rules in order not to endanger yourself and other drivers and avoid unwanted fines. The main differences and other nuances that drivers should take into account when traveling through Moldova are described below.

The main features of the traffic rules of Moldova

1. Dipped headlights should always be on from November 1 to March 31, as well as in bad weather conditions, at night and in tunnels.

2. The car must have a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, an emergency stop sign and reflective vests.

3. The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts (for children under 150 cm tall, a child seat is required).

4. The light transmittance of the windshield and front side windows must be at least 70% (the restriction does not apply to the rear side windows).

5. The maximum permissible blood alcohol content is 0.3 ‰.

6. It is forbidden to transport children under the age of 12 in the front seat of a car, minibus or bus.

7. Pedestrians in Moldova have the right of way, i.e. drivers are obliged to let all pedestrians pass.

8. Using a phone while driving is possible only with a special headset (headphones, etc.).

9. Headlights, license plates and vehicle windows must be clean.

Violation of these rules is subject to fines ranging from 20 euros to several thousand euros. In some cases, a driver risks not only paying a fine but also being banned from driving a vehicle. 

For example, exceeding the maximum permissible level of alcohol in the blood is punishable by a fine of 800 to 2000 euros and deprivation of the right to drive a vehicle for a period of 2 to 5 years. At the same time, refusal or evasion of a breathalyzer test is also considered a violation and entails a fine of EUR 2,000 to 2,300 (or unpaid work in favor of the company for a period of 200 to 240 hours) and deprivation of the right to drive a vehicle for a period of 3 to 5 years.

Speed limits in Moldova and penalties for exceeding them 

Different rules apply to cars, cars with trailers and motorcycles in Moldova. They are:

1. Speed limits for cars:

– within settlements - 50 km/h;

– outside of settlements - 90 km/h;

– on highways - 110 km/h.

2. Speed limits for vehicles with trailers:

– within settlements - 50 km/h;

– outside settlements - 70 km/h;

– on the highway - 90 km/h.

3. Restrictions for motorcycles:

– within settlements - 50 km/h;

– outside settlements - 90 km/h;

– on the highway - 90 km/h.

Fines for speeding range from 20 to 100 euros (depending on where the violation was committed and how fast the driver was traveling).

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A vignette in Moldova 

There are no toll roads in Moldova, but all foreign drivers are required to purchase a road vignette and thereby pay the road use tax. The cost of the vignette depends on its validity period (minimum 7 days). It can be purchased online on the website of the Ministry of Transport of Moldova or at any checkpoint on the border with Moldova.

Important! Keep the vignette payment receipt until the end of its validity period to confirm the payment of the toll if necessary.

Car insurance for entering Moldova

To enter the territory of Moldova, a driver of a car with Ukrainian registration must have a Green Card insurance policy issued by a Ukrainian insurer. In case of absence of international insurance or its expiration, fines are provided. In addition, a car without a green card will not be allowed to cross the border.

You can apply for a Green Card for the required period on the Visit Ukraine website at this link.

How to check if there is a fine in Moldova?

To check for fines, the driver can personally contact the Department of Traffic Monitoring and Documentation in Chisinau (3-A Hincu Str.) or any other police inspectorate in Moldova. In this case, the driver must have a document confirming his identity (passport or driver's license).

We remind you! Earlier we talked about the peculiarities of traffic rules and fines in other European countries. For more information, follow the link: Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Poland.