Technical Inspection in Moldova for Ukrainian Cars — Need for Inspection and Risk of Fines
Ukrainian refugees entering Moldova in private vehicles should be prepared for Moldovan police and customs authorities to request proof of passing a technical inspection (TO) for all vehicles, including foreign-registered ones. According to Articles 120 and 121 of Moldova’s Road Traffic Law, all vehicles within the country must have a valid technical inspection and corresponding certificate.
Failure to provide the technical inspection document can result in a ban on operating the vehicle in Moldova and confiscation of registration plates. This is especially important to consider when entering the country or during prolonged stays. Ensure that your vehicle has a valid technical inspection in the country of registration and prepare all necessary documents before your trip.
Mandatory Technical Inspection in Moldova for Ukrainian Vehicles
In Moldova, the technical inspection for Ukrainian vehicles has become a mandatory requirement, and now car owners face the risk of fines for non-compliance.
If you encounter problems with crossing the Moldovan border due to a lack of technical inspection (TO), and you are heading to Ukraine or have an appointment for inspection in Romania (RAR), you can contact the Moldovan Customs Service at +373 22 78 88 88. Calling them may help resolve the issue on-site and avoid further complications at the border.
Excerpt from the Law – Resolution No. 357 on Traffic Rules:
- Article 120: To be allowed on the roads, vehicles must undergo periodic technical inspections at authorized stations, in accordance with the requirements of current legislation. The technical inspection report is printed on the vehicle’s periodic inspection certificate and, for motorcycles, mopeds, tricycles, quadricycles, and trailers/semi-trailers, a valid certificate is attached at the designated place on the license plate.
- Article 121: It is forbidden to operate a vehicle that has not passed the state technical inspection, and the registration plates may be confiscated in the following cases: a) If the vehicle was manufactured or modified in violation of the road safety standards; b) If it has not undergone state technical control or lacks the technical inspection certificate.
International Technical Inspection for Ukrainian Vehicles in Moldova
Reports indicate that an international technical inspection for Ukrainian vehicles, allowing them to operate in Moldova, must be done in Ukraine. Moldovan authorities have also refused to recognize Romanian RAR technical inspections, even if the vehicle has passed one in Romania.
Article 37 of the Moldovan Road Traffic Law establishes the conditions for vehicles to be allowed on the road and their required periodic technical inspections. Vehicles in international traffic may only operate on public roads in Moldova if they meet the technical conditions outlined in the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.
Fines for Lack of Technical Inspection in Moldova
In Moldova, driving a vehicle that has not passed the mandatory technical inspection results in a fine according to Article 229 of Moldova’s Code of Offenses. The fine for driving a vehicle that has not been properly registered or has not passed the technical inspection ranges from 450 to 600 Moldovan lei (approximately 25–35 USD).
Additionally, if a vehicle has not passed the inspection, its operation may be prohibited, which includes the possibility of confiscating the registration plates.
Article 229: Violation of Vehicle Registration or Technical Inspection Rules
- Driving a vehicle that is not registered or has not passed the technical inspection results in a fine from 9 to 12 units, with 3 penalty points added.
A Ukrainian citizen was fined 450 Moldovan lei at the Letova checkpoint in late August for attempting to cross into Romania without a valid technical inspection.
Conditional Unit for Calculating Fines in Moldova
In Moldova, the “conditional unit” (u.e.) is used for calculating fines and financial penalties. One conditional unit is equivalent to 50 Moldovan lei (MDL). For example, a fine ranging from 6 to 12 units would be between 300 and 600 Moldovan lei.
Discount Period for Fine Payment in Moldova
There is a discount period for paying fines. According to the Code of Offenses, if the fine is paid within three working days from the date it was imposed, the violator can pay only half of the fine amount. This rule applies to most offenses, including traffic violations.
Ukrainian Refugees in Moldova — New Challenges
Passing the technical inspection is an important and necessary requirement for the safe use of vehicles. However, for Ukrainian car owners in Moldova, the situation is significantly complicated. Ideally, Ukrainian vehicles should undergo the inspection in Ukraine, but not all car owners can or wish to return to the country, where active conflict continues. Going back to the conflict zone just to pass the technical inspection seems unreasonable and even dangerous.
Moldovan legislation does not allow Ukrainian vehicles to pass technical inspection at local stations, and Romanian inspections, despite geographic proximity and European standards, are not recognized as legal for Ukrainian vehicles in Moldova. As a result, Ukrainian car owners who have temporary refuge in Moldova are in a difficult situation. They are effectively unable to meet the technical inspection requirements, putting them in a vulnerable position.
This issue has been overlooked both by the Ukrainian embassy in Moldova and Moldovan authorities. As a result, owners of such vehicles are caught in a bind, with no real solutions for defending their rights and interests.
Our reports regarding the possibility of passing a technical inspection in Moldova have been updated as there have been cases of such inspection certificates being confiscated at the border by Moldovan authorities from Ukrainian citizens.