Moldova (MD)
Moldova is Eastern Europe's hidden gem — an EU candidate country since June 2022 and one of the continent's most affordable destinations, with a thriving wine culture, warm hospitality and a rapidly modernising capital.
Driving in Moldova
Licence exchange, road rules, fines, buying a car, and cycling.
Moldova drives on the right side of the road. The road network consists of national highways (drumuri naționale), secondary roads and local roads. Chișinău's urban roads are mostly paved; secondary and rural roads vary significantly in condition and should be approached with a robust vehicle. The main motorway is A1 (Chișinău–Sculeni, connecting to Romania). Speed cameras and police checkpoints operate on national roads. All vehicles must carry a valid RCA (third-party liability insurance) and Green Card (Carte Verde) for international travel. Roadside assistance: ACM (Automobil Club Moldova) 022 292 007.
Driving Licence Exchange
EU driving licences are valid in Moldova for up to 90 days for tourists. Foreign nationals holding a valid temporary residence permit must exchange their foreign licence for a Moldovan one at DVS (Direcția Poliției Rutiere, Str. Grădinilor 6, Chișinău) within 90 days of receiving their residence permit. The exchange involves a medical check and theory test for non-EU citizens; EU citizens may exchange without re-testing in most cases.
Exchange at DVS Chișinău. Required: valid EU driving licence, valid residence permit, IDNP, medical certificate (certificat medical) from an authorised medical commission, 2 passport photos, application form. No theory or practical re-test required for EU licence holders. Fee: MDL 200–400.
EU licences remain valid for driving until the 90-day period expires or until residence permit is obtained. Exchange recommended as soon as IDNP is received.
Romania, Ukraine, Turkey, Georgia, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea
Simplified or direct exchange based on bilateral agreements. Required: valid foreign licence (with authenticated Romanian translation if not in Romanian/Russian), valid residence permit, IDNP, medical certificate, 2 photos. No theory or practical re-test required for bilateral agreement countries. Apply at DVS Chișinău.
Romanian licence holders have the simplest process. Verify current bilateral status at DVS (Str. Grădinilor 6, Chișinău) before applying — agreements change.
For countries without a bilateral exchange agreement: theory test (test teoretic) required at DVS. Test available in Romanian, Russian, and English. Practical driving test may also be required at DVS discretion. Required: foreign licence + authenticated Romanian translation, residence permit, IDNP, medical certificate, 2 photos.
Book theory test at DVS. Practice materials in English available online. Without bilateral agreement, both theory and practical tests may be required.
Road Rules
Urban areas (localități): 50 km/h; 30 km/h in school and pedestrian zones. Rural roads: 90 km/h. National highways: 100 km/h. Motorways (A1): 110–130 km/h. Speed limits strictly enforced by speed cameras (camere radar) and police patrols.
0.03% BAC — effectively zero tolerance. Professional drivers (trucks, taxis, buses): 0.00%. Police conduct random breathalyser checks (testare la alcool) at checkpoints. Driving under influence: immediate licence suspension, heavy fines, and criminal charges above 0.08% BAC.
Handheld mobile phone use while driving is prohibited. Hands-free (Bluetooth speaker/earphone) is permitted. Fine for handheld use: MDL 500–1,500 + penalty points.
Mandatory for all occupants front and rear. Fine for non-compliance: MDL 300–600. Rear-seat passengers without seatbelts also penalised.
Children under 12 years or shorter than 135 cm must use an approved child restraint system. Children under 3 must be in a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat. Booster cushions for children 15–36 kg. Fine: MDL 500–1,000.
Traffic Fines (Bußgeldkatalog)
Traffic fines in Moldova are enforced by the Inspectoratul Național de Patrulare (Poliția Rutieră). Fines are paid at MAIB bank branches, through the MPower app or at Poliția Rutieră offices. Points system (puncte-penalitate) operates alongside monetary fines — accumulating points leads to licence suspension. Foreigners are expected to pay fines; non-payment may result in vehicle impoundment or entry ban.
| Offence | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding 10–20 km/h over limit | MDL 300–500 | 3 points |
| Speeding 20–40 km/h over limit | MDL 500–1,000 | 4 points |
| Speeding 40+ km/h over limit | MDL 1,000–2,000 + licence suspension | 6 points + suspension |
| Running a red light | MDL 500–1,000 | 4 points |
| Drink driving (0.03–0.08% BAC) | MDL 1,500–3,000 + licence suspension 6 months | — |
| Drink driving (above 0.08% BAC) | Criminal charge, licence revoked, possible imprisonment | — |
| No seatbelt | MDL 300–600 | — |
| Mobile phone handheld while driving | MDL 500–1,500 | 3 points |
| No RCA insurance | MDL 1,000–3,000 + vehicle impounded | — |
| Parking violation (urban) | MDL 100–500 + potential towing fee MDL 300–600 | — |
Buying a Car
The used car market is active in Moldova. Most imports come from Germany, Poland, Romania and the EU. Right-hand-drive vehicles are not permitted in Moldova (drives on the right). Popular models: Dacia Logan, Skoda Octavia, VW Golf, Toyota Corolla. Electric vehicles are growing but charging infrastructure is limited.
- 1.Search on 999.md (Auto section), Autovit.ro (Romanian imports) or visit car markets (Piața Auto Chișinău, Str. Calea Moșilor)
- 2.Request full service history and VIN check (carVertical, autocheck.md) for imported vehicles
- 3.Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase (consult ANRE-certified garage)
- 4.Agree sale price and obtain a contract de vânzare-cumpărare from the seller (notarised for amounts over MDL 50,000)
- 5.Purchase RCA insurance before registration at Inspectoratul de Poliție Rutieră
- 6.Register the vehicle at DVS within 30 days of purchase
- •VIN number check for accident history and stolen vehicle database
- •Valid certificat de înmatriculare (vehicle registration document)
- •ITP (Inspecție Tehnică Periodică) — valid technical inspection sticker
- •Outstanding traffic fines or liens on the vehicle
- •Import customs clearance documentation for EU-origin vehicles
Used car purchase MDL 40,000–120,000 (EUR 2,000–6,200) for a serviceable vehicle; registration fee MDL 500–1,500; RCA insurance MDL 800–2,500/year; ITP (annual technical inspection) MDL 300–600.
Registration, Insurance & Tax
Register at DVS (Direcția Poliției Rutiere, Str. Grădinilor 6, Chișinău) or online at asp.gov.md. Required: sale contract, vehicle technical passport, proof of identity, valid RCA insurance, ITP certificate. Foreign-registered vehicles can be driven by expats for up to 90 days; for longer stays, the vehicle must be re-registered in Moldova or operated under customs temporary import rules. Customs procedures apply for vehicles imported from outside Moldova.
RCA (Răspundere Civilă Auto) — third-party liability insurance is mandatory for all vehicles in Moldova. Fines for driving uninsured: MDL 1,000–3,000 + vehicle impoundment. Green Card (Carte Verde) is required for driving Moldovan-registered vehicles in EU countries and other Green Card member states. Buy RCA and Green Card at any licensed insurer (Moldasig, GRAWE Carat, Intact, Colonnade). Annual RCA premium: MDL 800–2,500.
ITP (Inspecție Tehnică Periodică) is mandatory for all vehicles. New cars: first ITP at 3 years; then every 2 years. Vehicles over 7 years old: annual ITP. Cars over 15 years old: every 6 months. Conducted at authorised ITP stations (stații de inspecție tehnică autorizate). Fee: MDL 300–600. ITP checks: brakes, lights, emissions, suspension, tyres, seatbelts, windscreen and all safety systems.
Cycling
Cycling in Chișinău has improved significantly with dedicated cycle lanes on major boulevards and the Smile Bike / Nextbike sharing scheme. Cycling is popular for recreation in the National Forest Park (Codrii Rezervație) and wine country routes.
- •Cyclists must use designated cycle lanes (pistă de biciclete) where available
- •Helmet is not legally required but strongly recommended
- •Lights required when cycling at night (white front, red rear)
- •Under-14s must wear helmets
- •Cycling on pavements (trotuar) is prohibited for adults except where signposted
- •No cycling under the influence of alcohol — same 0.03% limit applies
- •Smile Bike / Nextbike cycle-sharing: available at major parks and city centre, MDL 30/day or MDL 100/month subscription
- •Mountain biking: Codrii forest and wine country routes around Cricova and Mileștii Mici
- •Use strong locks — theft occurs in city centre
- •Beware of tram tracks (șine) in older parts of central Chișinău — cross at right angles
- •Download the Businfo.md app to plan multi-modal routes combining cycling and public transport