Full driving licence plus 1968 IDP
RequiredUK photocard licence is accepted with a 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Permit; EU licences are accepted without an IDP. Carry both parts of the licence at all times.
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Country driving guide · 2026
Driving in Moldova
Everything UK and EU drivers need before crossing the border into Moldova: 10 legal requirements + 6 other things worth knowing.
10
Required
2
Recommended
4
Good to know
Tick before you go
Pre-departure checklist for Moldova
10 legal must-haves. Print it, tick them off, throw it in the glovebox.
Full driving licence plus 1968 IDP
UK photocard licence is accepted with a 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Permit; EU licences are accepted without an IDP. Carry both parts of the licence at all times.
Passport with 3 months validity
Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date; UK and EU nationals get 90 days visa-free in any 180-day period.
Green Card insurance mandatory
Moldova is in the Green Card system but UK and many EU policies exclude it by default: confirm with your insurer and buy local border insurance (RCA) from around 700 MDL (EUR 35) for 15 days if not covered.
V5C log book or owner authorisation
Carry the original V5C registration document; if the car is not in your name you need a notarised letter of authorisation from the owner to avoid problems at the border.
Foreign-plate road charge (Vinieta)
Foreign-registered cars must buy an electronic vinieta before or at the border, from 4 EUR for 7 days up to 180 EUR for 180 days, paid online at evinieta.gov.md or at border kiosks.
Warning triangle, hi-vis, first aid, extinguisher
You must carry a warning triangle, reflective hi-vis vest, first aid kit and a working fire extinguisher; spare bulbs are also strongly expected at police checks.
Drive on the right, overtake on the left
Traffic drives on the right; UK drivers should take extra care at junctions and roundabouts in the first hours.
Speed limits 50/90/110 km/h
Urban 50 km/h, rural 90 km/h, expressway 110 km/h; novice drivers (under 2 years) are capped at 70 km/h outside towns.
Zero-tolerance alcohol limit
BAC limit is 0.0 g/L: any measurable alcohol is a criminal offence with heavy fines and possible imprisonment.
Dipped headlights at all times
Dipped headlights or daytime running lights are compulsory day and night, year-round, on all roads outside built-up areas.
Documents
Passport with 3 months validity
RequiredPassport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date; UK and EU nationals get 90 days visa-free in any 180-day period.
Green Card insurance mandatory
RequiredMoldova is in the Green Card system but UK and many EU policies exclude it by default: confirm with your insurer and buy local border insurance (RCA) from around 700 MDL (EUR 35) for 15 days if not covered.
V5C log book or owner authorisation
RequiredCarry the original V5C registration document; if the car is not in your name you need a notarised letter of authorisation from the owner to avoid problems at the border.
Vignette
Foreign-plate road charge (Vinieta)
RequiredForeign-registered cars must buy an electronic vinieta before or at the border, from 4 EUR for 7 days up to 180 EUR for 180 days, paid online at evinieta.gov.md or at border kiosks.
Tolls
No motorway tolls beyond the vinieta
Good to knowMoldova has no separate toll roads or motorway network in the EU sense: the vinieta is the only road-use charge for foreign cars.
Required equipment
Warning triangle, hi-vis, first aid, extinguisher
RequiredYou must carry a warning triangle, reflective hi-vis vest, first aid kit and a working fire extinguisher; spare bulbs are also strongly expected at police checks.
Headlamp beam deflectors for RHD cars
RecommendedFit beam deflectors on UK right-hand-drive cars to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic, as dipped headlights are required day and night.
Driving rules
Drive on the right, overtake on the left
RequiredTraffic drives on the right; UK drivers should take extra care at junctions and roundabouts in the first hours.
Speed limits 50/90/110 km/h
RequiredUrban 50 km/h, rural 90 km/h, expressway 110 km/h; novice drivers (under 2 years) are capped at 70 km/h outside towns.
Zero-tolerance alcohol limit
RequiredBAC limit is 0.0 g/L: any measurable alcohol is a criminal offence with heavy fines and possible imprisonment.
Dipped headlights at all times
RequiredDipped headlights or daytime running lights are compulsory day and night, year-round, on all roads outside built-up areas.
Avoid Transnistria by car
Good to knowThe breakaway region of Transnistria is not covered by Moldovan insurance or Green Card; FCDO advises against all but essential travel there and entry/exit can involve unofficial fees.
Environment
Winter tyres Dec-Feb
RecommendedWinter tyres are required from 1 December to 28 February when roads are snow or ice-covered; rural roads can be poorly cleared and potholes are common year-round.
Money
Moldovan Leu, fuel around EUR 1.20/L
Good to knowCurrency is the Moldovan Leu (MDL); petrol and diesel are roughly 24-26 MDL/L (EUR 1.20-1.30). Cards work in Chișinău but carry cash for rural fuel stations and tipping is not expected.
Declare cash over EUR 10,000
Good to knowAmounts of EUR 10,000 or equivalent must be declared in writing at the border; emergency number is 112.
Plan your Moldova road trip
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Don't get caught out
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Drive on the right, overtake on the left
RequiredTraffic drives on the right; UK drivers should take extra care at junctions and roundabouts in the first hours.
Speed limits 50/90/110 km/h
RequiredUrban 50 km/h, rural 90 km/h, expressway 110 km/h; novice drivers (under 2 years) are capped at 70 km/h outside towns.
Zero-tolerance alcohol limit
RequiredBAC limit is 0.0 g/L: any measurable alcohol is a criminal offence with heavy fines and possible imprisonment.
Dipped headlights at all times
RequiredDipped headlights or daytime running lights are compulsory day and night, year-round, on all roads outside built-up areas.