Vehicle inspection (ITP) in Moldova: cost and frequency
The vehicle inspection — officially the periodic technical inspection, or ITP — is the mandatory safety check that every vehicle registered in Moldova must pass to stay road-legal. Below are the costs, how often you need it, and what to bring.
How much the inspection costs in Moldova
There is no fixed price. Each station sets its own fee, which you pay before the check. For an ordinary car you will usually pay 350–650 lei, most often around 450.
Why the price varies
- The vehicle: inspecting a car costs less than inspecting a minibus or a truck.
- The station: prices differ from one to another, even in the same city.
- A retest may cost extra if repairs were needed.
Road tax and RCA
To pass, two more things must be in order: the road tax must be paid, and you must hold a valid RCA policy — RCA is the compulsory third-party motor insurance in Moldova. The road tax is calculated from engine capacity. A 1400 cm³ engine costs 840 lei a year, for example. Pay it through MPay, the government payment service, at a bank or through Paynet before you arrive at the station.
With the road tax included, an ordinary 1400 cm³ car costs roughly 1200–1500 lei a year, not counting the RCA policy.
See the full road tax ratesHow often the inspection is due
It depends on the age and type of vehicle. For an ordinary car the rule is simple: under 10 years old, every two years; over 10 years old, every year.
| Vehicle type | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Cars under 10 years old | every 2 years |
| Cars over 10 years old | annually |
| Motorcycles and scooters | every 2 years |
| Light trailers (up to 750 kg) | every 2 years |
| Taxis and ambulances under 10 years old | annually |
| Taxis and ambulances over 10 years old | every 6 months |
| Buses and minibuses under 10 years old | annually |
| Buses and minibuses over 10 years old | every 6 months |
| Trucks and heavy trailers | annually |
Age counts from the year of manufacture, and the first inspection is due when you register the car. If you have had a crash that affected the steering, brakes, suspension or airbags, you must have the car inspected before the normal due date.
What you need at the station
Very little. At the station you identify yourself with your ID card or driving licence, and that is it. The station checks everything else electronically, through the Autotest system:
- Your car and owner details
- Whether the road tax is paid
- Whether you have a valid RCA policy
You do not need to bring receipts. But the road tax must be paid and the RCA policy must be valid, or the inspection will not start. The car also needs a fire extinguisher, first-aid kit and warning triangle on board.
What happens if you fail
It depends on how serious the problems are:
Minor problems
You get the certificate and can drive. Fix them before the next inspection; the car is not re-checked in the meantime.
Serious problems
You have 30 working days to fix them. Until then you may only drive to a garage or back to the station. Return within that window and only the original findings are re-checked.
Dangerous problems
You may not drive at all until you fix them and pass a new inspection.
How long it lasts and what happens if it expires
The certificate is valid for exactly one inspection interval: two years, one year or six months. One copy stays in the car. You may not drive with an expired inspection certificate. The fine is between 450 and 600 lei.
Tip
Check your road tax and RCA policy first, then ring two or three stations near you and compare fees. The gap between the cheapest and the most expensive can be more than 200 lei for exactly the same check.