Bulgaria toll highways and Route Pass

In Bulgaria, all vehicles using the national road network, including highways and motorways, are required to pay toll fees through the e-vignette system. For heavy goods vehicles (trucks), buses, and vehicles over 3.5 tons, a distance-based toll system applies, while light vehicles (cars) and motorcycles must purchase an e-vignette. Below is a comprehensive guide to Bulgaria's toll highway fees for different vehicle categories.

Bulgaria's toll highway system is an essential aspect of the nation's transportation network, designed to maintain and improve road infrastructure. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, understanding the toll fees is crucial for ensuring a smooth journey. Light vehicles, such as cars and motorcycles, are required to purchase an e-vignette, a digital toll pass, while heavy vehicles, including trucks and buses, are subject to a distance-based toll system. Compliance with these regulations not only helps to support road development but also avoids hefty fines and delays. Make sure you're fully prepared before hitting the road in Bulgaria!

The e-vignette is mandatory for cars and motorcycles on most of Bulgaria’s motorways and national roads. The cost depends on the type and duration of the vignette:

• Weekend Vignette: Valid from noon on Friday until Sunday at midnight.
• Weekly Vignette: Valid for seven days from the start date.
• Monthly Vignette: Valid for one calendar month.
• Quarterly Vignette: Valid for three months from the start date.
• Annual Vignette: Valid for one year from the start date.

These fees apply to passenger vehicles with a maximum weight of up to 3.5 tons, including trailers, if the combined weight remains under the limit.

• Electric vehicles (zero-emission)
• Emergency service vehicles
• Diplomatic vehicles
• Vehicles used by public authorities for specific tasks (e.g., road maintenance)

• E-Vignette: Official E-vignettes can be purchased online via the  Bulgarian toll system E-Vignette Bulgaria website. The vignette is linked to the vehicle’s registration number, so no physical sticker is needed.
• Distance-Based Toll: For heavy vehicles, payment is made via an onboard unit (OBU) or a GPS tracker linked to the toll system. These units automatically calculate the fees based on distance traveled.

Failure to comply with the toll system can result in heavy fines:

• For Light Vehicles: Fines can range from 150 to 300 BGN (approx. 75 to 150 EUR) for not having a valid e-vignette.
• For Heavy Vehicles: Fines can be significantly higher, ranging from 750 to 3,000 BGN (approx. 375 to 1,500 EUR), depending on the vehicle’s size and distance traveled without payment.

A Route Pass in Bulgaria is a specific type of toll payment option designed for heavy vehicles (over 3.5 tons), such as trucks and buses, that travel along pre-defined routes. The Route Pass is an alternative to using an Onboard Unit (OBU) or GPS-based tracking system for calculating toll fees based on distance traveled. This option allows heavy vehicle drivers to purchase a pass for a specific route in advance, simplifying the toll process for occasional or single journeys.

The Route Pass is part of Bulgaria’s distance-based toll system, which applies to vehicles over 3.5 tons. It is an ideal solution for heavy vehicles that don’t frequently travel on Bulgarian toll roads or for those making one-time trips.

Here’s how it works:

1. Define Your Route: Before starting the journey, the driver selects the route that the vehicle will follow. The route must begin and end on roads subject to the toll system. It can be created online or through an authorized toll service provider.
2. Pre-Pay for the Route: After defining the route, the driver purchases the Route Pass by paying the toll fee upfront. The cost depends on the length of the route, the type of vehicle (weight, number of axles), and its EURO emissions class.
3. Valid for a Specific Time: The Route Pass is valid only for the selected route and must be used within a specific period, typically 24 hours. It covers the toll fees for that route only.
4. No Onboard Unit Required: Since the toll is prepaid for the specific route, there is no need for an onboard unit (OBU) or GPS tracking device in the vehicle. This makes it convenient for occasional users of Bulgarian toll roads.

• Simple and Convenient: The Route Pass eliminates the need for installing or maintaining an OBU or GPS device, making it ideal for one-time or infrequent trips.
• Cost Transparency: Drivers know exactly how much they will pay for the toll in advance, which simplifies budgeting and avoids unexpected toll charges.
• Ideal for Occasional Travel: The Route Pass is perfect for drivers who only occasionally use Bulgaria's toll roads, such as foreign truck drivers transiting the country.

The Route Pass is primarily designed for:

• Heavy Goods Vehicles (Trucks) over 3.5 tons, especially those transiting through Bulgaria.
• Buses or other large vehicles making infrequent or one-off journeys on Bulgarian toll roads.
• Foreign Vehicles that don’t have an OBU or GPS unit installed but need to comply with Bulgaria’s toll system for a specific trip.

The Route Pass official  can be purchased online through Bulgaria’s toll service E-Vignette Bulgaria or from authorized points of sale. The driver will need to provide:

• Vehicle details: Including registration number, weight, number of axles, and emissions class.
• Selected route: The predefined start and end points of the route.
• Payment: The toll fee is paid in advance.

The Route Pass offers a flexible and straightforward way for heavy vehicles to comply with Bulgaria’s toll system without the need for an onboard unit. It’s a convenient solution for occasional trips, providing a transparent, prepaid toll system that ensures legal travel on the country’s toll roads for specific routes.