Moldova

Managing Toll Charges in Moldova with Avignette.com

When travelling by car to Moldova, one important thing to manage is toll charges. Moldova has a road tax system, and all vehicles entering the country must pay a vignette fee except motobikes. This can be conveniently managed through Avignette.com, an official online platform that allows travellers to purchase the vignette before entering the country, avoiding the hassle of stopping at borders.

With Avignette, you can:

• Purchase the vignette online using a simple interface.
• Choose the vignette validity period (7 days, 15 days, 30 days, or 90 days, 180 days, or over 180 days).
• Pay using multiple payment methods, including debit/credit cards.

Pro Tip: Ensure you buy the vignette before entering Moldova. Failing to display a valid vignette can result in fines, and checkpoints on major routes can perform random checks.

Popular Driving Routes from the UK to Moldova

Driving from the UK to Moldova is a scenic and adventurous road trip through several countries. Depending on your starting point and preferences, there are a few main routes you can take:

1. Through France, Germany, Hungary, and Romania:
   • London – cross the English Channel by ferry or Eurotunnel to Calais, France.
   • Drive through France to reach Germany.
   • Continue through Austria and Hungary, passing Budapest.
   • Enter Romania via Satu Mare or Oradea, and then head east towards the Moldovan border at Albița.
2. Through Belgium, Poland, and Ukraine:
   • This route takes you through Brussels, Warsaw, and Lviv.
   • You’ll enter Moldova from Ukraine via the Palanca border.
3. Via the Balkans (for the adventurous):
   • Drive from Calais through Belgium, Luxembourg, and Austria.
   • Head south to the Balkans via Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia.
   • Enter Moldova from Romania.

Key Considerations:

• Make sure to check visa requirements for non-EU countries like Ukraine.
• Consider rest stops and overnight accommodation along the way.

Exploring Moldova’s Scenic Routes by Car

Moldova is a small but charming country, perfect for exploring by car. Its scenic routes offer views of rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque villages. Some top routes to consider include:

• Orheiul Vechi Route: A 1-hour drive from Chişinău takes you to this stunning archaeological site. The drive is filled with pastoral landscapes and traditional Moldovan architecture.
• Wine Routes: Moldova is famous for its wineries, and the Wine Road that connects Cricova, Milestii Mici, and Purcari wineries is a must-do.
• Transnistria Route: For the curious, a drive to the self-proclaimed Republic of Transnistria offers a glimpse into a Soviet time capsule. It’s about 70 km from Chişinău.

Scenic Stops:

• The Codru Nature Reserve, about 1.5 hours from the capital.
• The Nistru River, which offers peaceful riverbanks and small villages.

Planning an Electric Car Journey to Moldova: Essentials and Tips

If you’re planning to drive an electric car to Moldova, there are some additional considerations to keep in mind. While electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure is growing in Europe, Moldova’s charging network is still developing.

Electric Vehicle Charging in Moldova

There are several EV charging stations in Moldova, mainly located in Chişinău and a few larger towns:

• Fast-charging stations: Found in larger cities and along some main routes.
• Slow chargers: Available at hotels, shopping centres, and car parks.

Useful Apps and Websites:

• PlugShare and Chargemap are helpful for locating EV charging stations.

Tip: Plan your journey well, as some rural areas may not have any charging points. Bring adaptors that can fit the European Type 2 chargers, as these are most common in Moldova.

Mandatory Items to Have in Your Car

Before setting off on your journey to Moldova, make sure your car complies with local regulations. Moldovan authorities are strict about mandatory equipment in vehicles. Here’s a checklist of documents you must have:

• A legitimate, complete UK driving license
• A GB sticker (required even if your vehicle has Euro-plates, which display a circle of 12 stars on a blue background)
• Your motor insurance certificate
• V5 registration document or rental car paperwork

In addition to the documents mentioned, there are essential items required for driving in Moldova:

• Headlamp Converters: If your headlights can’t be adjusted, you must have headlamp converters to prevent dazzling oncoming drivers.
• Warning Triangle: This is mandatory for breakdowns.

It’s also advisable to carry:

• Spare bulbs for external lights
• A fire extinguisher
• A first-aid kit
• A reflective jacket
• Spare Tyre and Tools: Including a jack and lug wrench for changing a tire
• A Green Card (while not mandatory, it can support your insurance documents and prove you have the minimum coverage; check with your insurance provider for details).

Without these items, you could face fines during a police stop.

Understanding Moldova’s Key Traffic Regulations

Driving in Moldova is generally straightforward, but it’s important to be aware of the country’s key traffic rules to avoid fines and ensure a safe journey.

Speed Limits and Traffic Laws

Moldova has standard speed limits that apply across different types of roads:

• Urban areas: 50 km/h
• Open roads: 90 km/h
• Motorways: 110 km/h

Important Traffic Laws:

• Seatbelts: Mandatory for all passengers.
• Mobile phones: Usage without a hands-free device is prohibited.
• Drink-driving limit: In Moldova, if you’re caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.3 g/l or if your breath alcohol level exceeds 0.15 mg/l, you could face serious consequences. Even if your actions don’t amount to a criminal offense, the penalties are still steep. Drivers in this situation may be hit with a fine ranging from 35,000 lei (£5888) to 50,000 lei (£8411). Alternatively, you could face a contravention arrest lasting between 10 to 15 days. On top of that, you’ll lose your driving privileges for anywhere from 6 months to 3 years. It’s clear that Moldova takes drink driving seriously, so it’s best to stay sober behind the wheel!

Car Insurance Requirements

Most UK vehicle insurance provides minimum third-party cover for driving in the EU, but you need to check if your policy extends to Moldova. If it doesn’t, obtaining a Green Card is essential.

Top Tip: Always carry your insurance documents and vehicle registration papers. Traffic police often perform random checks.

Road Conditions and Driving Tips for Moldova

Moldova’s main roads are generally in decent condition, especially around Chişinău. However, rural roads can be rough, with potholes and unpaved sections. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Road hazards: Potholes and uneven surfaces are common in less-travelled areas.
• Night driving: Avoid driving at night in rural areas as street lighting is scarce.

Parking Rules and Availability

Parking in Chişinău is relatively easy, with plenty of car parks and street parking available. However, in the city centre, you may need to pay for parking using local kiosks or mobile apps. Free parking is available in most smaller towns.

Parking Tips:

• Look out for signs indicating no-parking zones.
• Park on the right-hand side of the street.

Fuel Prices and Availability

Fuel stations are plentiful in Moldova, especially on main routes and in cities. Prices are generally lower than in Western Europe, making it cost-effective for road trips.

Fuel Type	Price (per litre)
Petrol	£1.00 – £1.20
Diesel	£0.90 – £1.10
LPG	£0.50 – £0.70

Note: Most stations accept credit cards, but it’s wise to carry some local currency (Moldovan leu) for smaller, rural stations.

Emergency Numbers

In Moldova, the emergency number for all services (police, fire, and ambulance) is 121. This single number connects you to the appropriate emergency service.