Attention, drivers! Traffic fines issued abroad might be recognized, enforced in Moldova

Traffic-related contravention sanctions imposed on citizens of Moldova by authorities of other states might be recognized and enforced in Moldova. The report on the draft law regulating this matter today was approved by the parliament’s legal commission for appointments and immunities.

The draft provides for amendments to the Contravention Code, which establish the procedure for determining, notifying and enforcing sanctions for traffic infringements committed with vehicles registered outside Moldova. The measures aim to expand cross-border cooperation mechanisms and strengthen the framework for international assistance, including through such systems as EUCARIS.

The authorities will issue a notice of traffic rules violation, which will include details about the offense committed, the sanction applied, the rights of the person concerned, the method of appeal and the notification deadlines. The persons concerned will have access to a European information portal via link or QR code.

Notices may be issued within 11 months at the latest after the date the contravention was committed and in situations where the driver is not immediately identified, the period will be up to five months. Procedural documents will be issued in the language of the country where the vehicle is registered and, upon request, translated into an official language of the state of registration. The right to defense and the possibility to examine the case via videoconference are also stipulated.

For the implementation of the draft law, the Interior Ministry has designated a national contact point at the General Police Inspectorate, which will ensure the exchange of information and the necessary support in identifying drivers who have committed contraventions.

The draft aligns national legislation with the European Union’s standards on cross-border road safety and will be submitted to the parliament for consideration in plenum.