Moldova Vignette

What Are Vignettes and Why Do You Need Them?

A vignette is a mandatory road tax permit required to drive on most major roads and motorways in Moldova. This system is different from the system in the UK, but it’s commonly used in several European countries. The vignette ensures that drivers contribute to the maintenance of Moldova’s road infrastructure. Whether you’re driving your own vehicle or renting a car, failing to purchase a vignette can lead to hefty fines, so it’s crucial to understand how it works. At Avignette.com you can easily purchase your vignette and it will be instantly valid.

Why do you need a vignette?

• Legal Requirement: Driving without one is illegal and subject to fines.
• Convenient Access: A vignette allows you to use most of Moldova’s motorways and national roads.
• Avoid Delays: Fines and penalties can disrupt your travel plans, costing both time and money.

What Roads Require a Vignette?

In Moldova, nearly all motorways and major roads are subject to tolls. If you’re planning to explore the countryside or drive between cities, a vignette will be necessary.

Roads requiring a vignette:

The Republic of Moldova has three types of public roads:

• National road (Romanian: Drum național – pl. Drumuri naționale)
• Local road (Romanian: Drum local – pl. Drumuri locale)
• Street (Romanian: Stradă – pl. Străzi)

Moldova is the sole nation that mandates the use of vignettes (roviniete) for all public roads, both within and outside urban areas, as a tolling mechanism specifically for vehicles not registered in Moldova. To travel on expressways and motorways in the Republic of Moldova, all foreign vehicles must possess either a physical or digital vignette. Motorcycles are exempt from this requirement. Here is an overview of the magistral roads in Moldova that require vignettes:

• M1: Ukraine → Dubăsari – Chișinău – Leușeni → Romania
• M2: Chișinău – Orhei – Soroca → Ukraine
• M2.1: M2 – Cosăuți
• M3: Chișinău – Cimișlia – Comrat – Vulcănești → Romania
• M3.1: M3 – Comrat East
• M4: Tiraspol – Dubăsari – Rîbnița – Hristovaia → Ukraine
• M5: Ukraine → Edineț – Bălți – Chișinău – Tiraspol → Ukraine

To find out about a complete list of republican roads that need vignettes click here.

Different Types of Vignettes Available

Moldova offers different vignette types depending on the length of your stay and the type of vehicle you are driving. These options make it easy for tourists to pick the right vignette for their needs.

Type of Vignette	Who
7-day vignette	Suitable for tourists or short-term visitors planning a brief stay in Moldova, such as a week-long trip.
15-day vignette	Ideal for travelers who need a bit more time, possibly for extended tourism or business engagements.
30-day vignette	Best for individuals on longer trips, such as expatriates or those conducting business over an entire month.
90-day vignette	Designed for those who require extended access, such as long-term business travelers or individuals staying for seasonal work.
180-day vignette	Suitable for residents or frequent visitors needing access to roads over a half-year period, often used by those with ongoing business or family ties in Moldova.
Over 180 days	Perfect for regular users of Moldovan roads, including residents and businesses that require consistent vehicle access throughout the year.

Most tourists opt for the 7-day or 15-day vignettes depending on the length of their trip. It’s important to buy the right vignette that matches the duration of your visit, as overstaying the vignette’s validity can lead to fines.

Vehicle Categories and Vignette Requirements

Moldova categorises vehicles differently for vignette purposes, and the fee you pay depends on your vehicle’s class.

Vehicle Category Description	Vignette Required?
Motorcycles, mopeds	No
Vehicles classified under tariff position 8703 (passenger cars)	Yes
Buses with 9-24 seats	Yes
Buses with more than 25 seats	Yes
Trucks with-without trailers, road tractors with- without trailer of up to 3.5 tons	Yes
Trucks with-without trailers, road tractors with- without trailer from 3.5 tons to 10 tons	Yes
Trucks with-without trailers, road tractors with- without trailer from 10 tons to 40 tons	Yes

How to Purchase a Moldovan Vignette Online

Buying a vignette online is the easiest and most convenient way to ensure you’re compliant before hitting the road. At Avignette.com, you can use our user-friendly online system that allows you to purchase vignettes from anywhere.

Steps to buy a your vignette:

1. Select vehicle type: Choose the type of vehicle for your e-vignette.
2. Choose calculation mode: Opt for “Calculate automatically” or “Order individual vignettes.”
3. Enter start date: Specify the start date for your e-vignette.
4. Enter end date: Indicate the end date for your vignette.
5. Compare options: Review and select the best vignette option.
6. Add to cart: Click “Add to shopping cart.”
7. Enter details: Fill in your personal and vehicle information.
8. Payment: Complete the purchase through our secure payment gateway.
9. Receive vignette: Get your digital vignette via email instantly.

Where to Buy a Vignette in Moldova (Online and Offline Options)

For those who prefer to purchase their vignette in person, or if you haven’t had time to buy it online before entering the country, there are several convenient options within Moldova.

Offline purchase points include:

• At the border: Vignettes can be purchased at designated kiosks at border crossings when entering Moldova.
• Petrol stations: Major petrol stations across the country, especially near highways, often sell vignettes.
• Post offices: Some larger post offices may also sell vignettes.

However, convenient online purchases at Avignette.com are recommended to avoid any hassle upon arrival.

Exempt vehicles include:

• Diplomatic vehicles: Cars used by foreign embassies and diplomatic missions.
• Emergency services: Ambulances, fire engines, and police vehicles.
• Public transportation: Buses used in public transit systems.

Check the specific exemptions before travelling to see if you qualify.

How Tolls Are Controlled on Moldovan Roads

Toll enforcement in Moldova is strict, and it’s essential that you comply with all regulations. There are several ways tolls are monitored.

Control methods:

• Automated systems: Cameras positioned along toll roads scan number plates to check whether a vehicle has a valid vignette.
• On-road patrols: Traffic police may stop vehicles for spot checks, particularly at border crossings and motorway entry points.

It’s important to keep your vignette receipt (physical or digital) accessible at all times in case of a road check.

Fines for Not Having a Vignette

If you’re caught driving in Moldova without a valid vignette, the fines can be quite steep.

Penalties range from 2250 MDL (about £100) to 9000 MDL (about £400) depending on the severity of the violation. To avoid fines, always ensure your vignette is valid and up to date.

Vignette Requirements for Rental Cars in Moldova

If you plan to rent a car while in Moldova, it’s important to know who is responsible for the vignette.

• Rental company responsibility: In most cases, the rental company will include the vignette in the rental fee. Double-check this when picking up your vehicle.
• Customer responsibility: If the rental company doesn’t provide a vignette, you’ll need to purchase one before driving on toll roads.

Make sure to ask about vignette requirements when renting the car to avoid surprises later on.

For detailed information on toll fees, vignette requirements, and environmental stickers across Europe, head over to Avignette.com. We offer a straightforward guide and the ability to buy the required vignettes and stickers, helping you get ready for your European road trip. Our goal is to make your journey smooth and compliant with local laws.