Drunk Driving Fines in Moldova: New Changes and Risks for Ukrainian Drivers
Starting from September 7, 2024, significant changes were made to the penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol in Moldova. Drivers who exceed the legal alcohol limits in their blood may face fines or administrative sanctions according to Article 233 of the Code of Offenses. This article regulates the responsibility for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, with fines ranging from 35,000 to 50,000 lei or the suspension of driving rights for up to three years. These measures are aimed at improving road safety and intensifying penalties for violators.
New Fines and Rules for Driving Under the Influence in Moldova
Minimum Alcohol Intoxication:
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC): 0.3 to 0.7 g/l or in exhaled air: 0.15 to 0.35 mg/l.
- Penalty: A fine of 35,000 to 50,000 lei (approximately 1900–2700 USD), or imprisonment for 10 to 15 days, along with the suspension of driving rights for 6 months to 3 years.
Advanced Alcohol Intoxication:
- BAC: Exceeding 0.7 g/l or exhaled air: 0.35 mg/l.
- Penalty: A fine of 75,000 to 125,000 lei (approximately 4100–6900 USD), or imprisonment for 1 to 3 years with mandatory suspension of driving rights.
Refusal to Test:
- Penalty: Refusing to undergo an alcohol test or medical examination will result in a fine of 100,000–150,000 lei (approximately 5500–8200 USD), with a prison term of up to 4 years.
Corruption on the Roads or How to Avoid “Scams for Foreigners”
While driving a Ukrainian-registered car in Moldova, you may be stopped by the police for checks on documents, insurance, or the presence of a vignette, as well as for alcohol testing. There have been reports from Ukrainian citizens who encountered alcohol checks in deserted areas on highways, where officers insisted on testing even when the drivers denied alcohol consumption.
Some drivers, confident in their sobriety, were shocked when the device showed a slight alcohol level exceeding the limit — 0.17-0.20‰. This minor excess could lead to the confiscation of their driver’s license and the demand for a blood test to confirm the state of intoxication. This situation made it impossible for the drivers to continue their journey, especially if they were transiting through Moldova.
Suspected Police Manipulations in Moldova
There is suspicion that police may use prepared alcohol testers, in which small amounts of alcohol might have been introduced in advance, potentially simulating a positive result. These tests are often difficult to detect visually, as the packaging damage is not visible, and drivers rarely inspect the test tubes closely, trusting the police.
Strategies to Pressure Ukrainian Drivers
Police, taking advantage of a foreign driver’s vulnerability in an unfamiliar country, often offer to “resolve the issue on the spot,” citing the significant fines and lengthy procedures at the narcology center. These “solutions” could cost drivers 500 euros or more. However, in cases where the driver insisted on full testing and refused to accept bribes, especially if they were living in Moldova under temporary protection, the situation often “resolved itself.” Once the police discovered the driver was living in Moldova for a long time, the situation quickly changed, documents were returned, and the incident ended.
How to Avoid Such Situations:
- Always stay calm when interacting with the police.
- Insist on repeat testing in official medical institutions if you are confident in your innocence.
- Avoid offers to “resolve it on the spot.”
- If possible, inform the police that you have been living in Moldova for an extended period, if applicable. In some cases, this has helped drivers avoid manipulations.
These tips will help you avoid potential unpleasant situations while driving in Moldova and protect you from unlawful actions.
Additionally, make sure your vehicle complies with Moldova’s fire extinguisher and first aid kit requirements to avoid unnecessary issues on the road.