Driving Abroad? Transnistria Offers Special Licence Plates
According to a recently passed law, vehicles from Transnistria will be allowed to register and use neutral licence plates until December 31, 2026.
This policy extension enables residents of Transnistria to continue registering their vehicles with neutral plates, allowing them to participate in international traffic.
It is important to note that this program does not apply to vehicles used for commercial purposes. Additionally, individuals residing outside of Moldovan-controlled territory are ineligible to register vehicles under this neutral licence plate scheme.
Justification for Extension and Benefits of Neutral Plates
This extension is necessary because the provisions of the Convention on Road Traffic stipulate that vehicles can only be driven internationally if they are registered with the relevant state authorities. Neutral licence plates offer several advantages. First, they allow Moldovan authorities to verify, through international law enforcement databases, that the vehicles are not reported as lost or stolen. Second, neutral plates enable authorities to identify drivers involved in road accidents, ensuring they are held accountable.
Background and Current Status
In 2018, residents of Transnistria were initially granted a two-year window to register vehicles with neutral plates. This deadline was subsequently extended due to its proven effectiveness. The program has demonstrably increased in popularity since Ukraine banned vehicles with unrecognised Transnistrian plates from crossing the Moldova-Ukraine border in 2021. As of today, over 10,000 vehicles from Transnistria have been registered with neutral plates at registration points established by the Public Services Agency in the cities of Tiraspol and Rîbnița.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
