Destinations / Moldova
Driving in Moldova as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Moldova drives on the right and uses both Latin and Cyrillic signage; an IDP is advised alongside your licence.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Moldova expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 90 km/h open roads |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in MDL. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Lights | Headlights on outside towns. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Zero-tolerance alcohol policy. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Moldova
At the pump
Petrol (95/98), diesel and LPG are widely sold; stations are plentiful on main routes but sparse in rural wine regions, so fill up before heading to Orhei. Cards are accepted at branded stations; prices are set within a regulated band.
After a crash
Call 112 for police and ambulance. Do not move vehicles before police document the scene; an official police report (proces-verbal) is mandatory for any insurance or rental claim.
Sources: rac.co.uk · tollguru.com · tyremap.com · internationaldriversassociation.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Moldova?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Moldova drives on the right and uses both Latin and Cyrillic signage; an IDP is advised alongside your licence.
Which translation format is used for Moldova?
Moldova uses the 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Moldova ask for a translation?
Chișinău desks ask for an IDP with non-EU licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Moldova?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Europe
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.