In central Chișinău, a car with Ukrainian license plates was towed from a sidewalk near the city circus after being parked in violation of local regulations.
Before the tow truck arrived, pedestrians covered the expensive BMW with hay and left a note criticizing the owner for showing disrespect toward the residents of Chișinău. For the vehicle’s owner, the incident became a lesson in observing the norms and rules of life in the Moldovan capital.
Over the weekend, Moldova’s Ministry of Internal Affairs published statistics on traffic violations recorded by law enforcement officers on Saturday and Sunday alone. According to police data, 52 intoxicated drivers were removed from the roads. Authorities also recorded 1,784 cases of speeding, 802 traffic-light violations, 726 illegal parking incidents, and 328 drivers cited for failing to wear seat belts or for using mobile phones while driving. In total, more than 4,000 traffic violations were documented.
It often seems that many owners of expensive vehicles treat traffic regulations as mere recommendations rather than mandatory rules. In this context, it is worth remembering that ignoring traffic laws—whether by parking on sidewalks or driving under the influence—creates risks for everyone and undermines respect for Moldovan law.
For visitors to the capital, including those arriving from Ukraine, it is important to remember that the road to the “West,” as practice shows, begins with respect for the people who live around you.
