Driving in Moldova

Nestled between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova offers something different for travellers seeking new adventures in Eastern Europe. Its picturesque countryside, sprawling vineyards and medieval fortresses are a pleasant surprise. 

The roads are very quiet, but if you’re planning a car trip around Moldova, it’s essential you’re fully prepared ahead of time as driving there has many differences to the UK. 

To make your trip east as safe and effortless as possible, we’ve put together a guide to everything you need to know before you go, from required documents to rules of the road.  

Driving a rented vehicle? Jump to the advice for driving a hire car in Moldova section.

RAC European Breakdown Cover (Basic and Comprehensive) provides a wide range of benefits should you breakdown in Moldova to ensure you stay safe. 

To supplement this, RAC also offers travel insurance. Cover will include medical expenses, baggage, personal money and belongings, among many other benefits.

• A valid, full UK driving licence
• A GB sticker (even if your car has Euro-plates – number-plates that show a circle of 12 stars on a blue background)
• Your motor insurance certificate
• V5 registration document or hire car paperwork

Aside from the documents above, there are some legally-required items you must bring with you to drive in Moldova.

Unless your headlights can be adjusted, it's a legal requirement to carry headlamp converters (stickers for your headlights when driving on the right, so your lights don't dazzle motorists coming the other way).

A warning triangle is also compulsory to carry in vehicles in case of a breakdown.

It's also recommended to have:

• Spare bulbs for your car's external lights
• A fire extinguisher 
• A first-aid kit
• A reflective jacket
• A Green Card (this is no longer a requirement, but it could be useful to back-up your insurance documents and show you've got the minimum legal level of cover. To find out more, contact your insurance company)

You can pick up all the car kit you need from RAC Shop.

• Wear a crash helmet if you're riding a moped or motorcycle
• Use dipped headlights day and night from 1 November to 31 March (motorcyclists must use them all year round)
• Your car will need to be declared to customs authorities at the point of entry into Moldova. Drivers of foreign-registered vehicles have to pay road tax, the cost of which depends on how long your stay is
• In Moldova, you drive on the right and overtake on the left. Vehicles from the right and emergency vehicles have priority
• Horns may be used when overtaking or in cases of immediate danger
• All accidents must be reported to the nearest police station within 2 hours, even if there has only been material damage
• There are no motorways in Moldova. However, when driving into Moldova, a road tax (vignette) is levied on foreign-registered vehicles. The cost varies depending on the length of your stay, but for up to seven days you can expect to pay around €4.
• Unleaded petrol and diesel are readily available, as is LPG. Payment is generally made in cash, although petrol stations in the main towns will accept credit cards
• If you're caught committing a motoring offence while driving through Moldova, you could be given an on-the-spot fine. Penalties range from 1,000 MDL (about £50) for a minor speeding offence to 25,000 MDL (about £1,100) for driving under the influence of alcohol
• Seat belts should be worn in all seats where a belt is available
• Children under the age of 12 must be placed in a child seat or booster cushion conforming to European safety standards
• The drink-drive limit is 0.03%. The police can ask you to undergo a breath test at the roadside as part of a routine check, or after an accident or traffic violation

The speed limit is 50km/h in built-up areas, reduced to 20km/h in residential areas. On the open road, the maximum speed allowed varies from 80km/h-110km/h, so keep a close eye on the signs.

• Roads vary in quality and driving standards can be poor. Avoid driving at night as many roads are unlit
• You should exercise caution if visiting the breakaway Transnistria region. If you do travel there, you will need a vignette. Check Government advice for travelling in Moldova for the latest information
• Parking must be on the right-hand side of the street in the direction of traffic and as near as possible to the kerb. Drivers parked illegally could be fined 150-300 MDL (about £7-£14)

In an emergency

112 - Here's a really important bit of knowledge; you can dial 112 from anywhere in Europe and an operator will connect you to an emergency service in the country you're visiting.

Operators can answer your call in their native language, English or French.

Breaking down in Moldova

RAC offers great-value, flexible RAC European breakdown cover tailored to meet your needs. We also offer comprehensive travel insurance, including cover for medical expenses, baggage, personal money and belongings.

Not all of the information in the guide above will be relevant to those looking to rent a hire car in Moldova.

Though it might be a good idea to read through everything anyway, here are the most important things to know for drivers of rental vehicles:

Rental information

• The minimum age to hire a car is 21
• You need a full, valid UK driving licence and usually a second proof of ID (passport)
• Some car rental companies ask that you have held your licence for a minimum term - check with your hire company first
• Most companies require you to use a credit card for deposit
• You may not be able to drive outside of Moldova unless planned in advance. Talk to your hire company about any potential restrictions or fees
• Make sure you get car hire excess insurance before your trip to protect yourself from unexpected costs. It's almost always cheaper to do this with a separate insurer and in advance

Hire car driving tips

• Moldovans drive on the right and overtake on the left - the opposite to the UK
• The speed limit is 50km/h in built-up areas, reduced to 20km/h in residential areas. On the open road, the maximum speed allowed varies from 80km/h-110km/h, so keep a close eye on the signs
• Dial 112 in an emergency
• It’s compulsory to wear seat belts in the front and rear seats
• The blood alcohol content limit for drivers of private vehicles is 0.03%. That's lower than the whole of the UK

UK Government travel advice

See up-to-date travel advice