Freedom of Movement, Road Conditions, and the Abolition of Illegal Charges on the Agenda of the Working Groups on Car Transport and Infrastructure Development
On 13 May 2026, the second meeting this year of the Working Groups on car transport and infrastructure development took place via videoconference. During the meeting, experts from Chișinău addressed current issues faced by citizens, economic agents, and vehicle drivers.
The dialogue on the operation of the vehicle registration points in Tiraspol and Rîbnița was continued. Representatives of the Public Services Agency (PSA) once again emphasized the need to resolve previously identified problems, including the revision of the working schedule, the establishment of an efficient appointment system, the use of the Romanian language on the website, clarification regarding days off and public holidays, ensuring access to video surveillance cameras, as well as addressing other difficulties that have been recorded over many years. Experts from Chișinău also noted that the neutral licence plate registration mechanism is operational, as confirmed by its continuous use, although its smooth functioning is hindered by a number of issues that have still not been resolved by Tiraspol.
Another issue raised during the meeting concerned the implementation of the information system intended for the electronic processing of compulsory motor third-party liability insurance documents. A representative of the National Bank of Moldova presented the relevant technical aspects and explained its use. Representatives of the State Road Administration addressed the situation regarding bridges, with a focus on the bridges over the Nistru River between the localities of Rezina and Rîbnița, as well as in the town of Dubăsari, underlining the importance of maintaining road infrastructure in a safe and functional condition.
During the meeting, Chișinău once again stressed the illegal nature of the so-called vignette charges applied to residents of the Transnistrian region who own vehicles with national registration plates, as well as the collection of pseudo-taxes from vehicles with a total weight exceeding 18 tonnes. Representatives of Chișinău emphasized that all transport-related payments are already applied in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Moldova, while the collection of other charges in the region lacks legal grounds. At the same time, the experts noted that, if representatives of Tiraspol explain this issue by referring to the condition of the roads, the constitutional authorities could examine the state of the road infrastructure and identify possible phased assistance measures, provided that Tiraspol removes the illegally installed unilateral checkpoints.
Chișinău highlighted the need for a pragmatic approach to issues related to road transport and road infrastructure development, with an emphasis on removing artificial obstacles, respecting the applicable legal framework, and ensuring freedom of movement for citizens and economic agents.
