The rules are being brought into line with European Union standards in a draft prepared by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development. The changes are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2029.
Currently, Moldova requires the use of child restraint systems for children under 12 years of age. The draft adds a new criterion: height under 150 cm. This restriction will ensure compliance with EU standards in effect in Germany, Portugal, and Austria.
The new provisions do not require mandatory additional equipment in vehicles but regulate the proper use of existing seat belts and child restraint systems. These will be classified according to both weight groups and height ranges.
At the same time, the legislation will include definitions of a seat belt, a child restraint system, and a rear-facing device.
In addition, in vehicles of categories M2 and M3, passengers will be reminded to fasten their seat belts. Seats equipped with seat belts must be marked with a special sign. A medical certificate exempting a person from using seat belts must include a validity period and the symbol specified by EU regulations.
