Bulgaria Traffic & Speed Limits

Driving in Bulgaria requires a solid understanding of the country’s traffic regulations and speed limits to ensure a smooth and safe journey. Whether you're a local resident or a tourist, being familiar with the rules of the road can help you avoid fines and enjoy a hassle-free driving experience. Continue reading to discover essential information about speed limits, key traffic signs, and tips for driving safely across Bulgaria’s diverse roadways.

The Golden Sands on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast are a favorite among European holidaymakers. If you're planning to visit this beautiful region in the east by car, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with Bulgaria’s traffic rules ahead of time. Tourists who are unaware of or disregard these rules risk facing significant fines.

Traffic regulations in Bulgaria vary from those in other European countries. This applies not only to the speed limits on Bulgarian motorways but also to other important road conduct guidelines.

In this article, we’ll highlight the most essential regulations and offer advice on how to avoid fines during your journey to Bulgaria.

Breaking the rules can be costly! With our guidance, you’ll reach your destination on the Black Sea quickly, safely, and without any hassles.

Embarking on a road trip to Bulgaria? There are a few key considerations that will ensure a smooth and safe journey. While the first thought might be about the speed limits on Bulgarian roads, there are other nuances that can catch drivers off guard—like unique traffic light displays that might differ from what you're used to.

To help you navigate the roads confidently, we've put together a comprehensive guide to the most important traffic regulations in Bulgaria. Dive into the details, familiarize yourself with the rules, and make sure you're well-prepared for your adventure. Safe travels!

For European drivers, understanding the importance of tolls and vignettes on Bulgarian roads is essential. Vignettes, now entirely digital through the BGTOLL system, are mandatory on Bulgaria's national roads, replacing the old sticker versions. The transition to a digital vignette has made purchasing one incredibly straightforward. Many drivers opt to buy online the vignette before even reaching Bulgaria. All it takes is entering a few details online about yourself and your vehicle, and you’ll receive a confirmation email shortly after.

Unlike some European countries where no universal speed limits exist across motorways, Bulgaria has specific rules. Drivers on Bulgarian motorways must adhere to a speed limit of 130 km/h, which increases to 140 km/h on newer, well-maintained road sections. Outside urban areas, the speed limit is set at 90 km/h, while within towns and cities, it drops to 50 km/h. There are also different limits for motorcycles, sidecars, and motorhomes, depending on their weight. To ensure safe driving, always pay close attention to speed limit signs along your route.

At first glance, Bulgaria's traffic lights might seem identical to those in other European countries: red means stop, green means go. However, a closer look reveals a unique aspect—a countdown timer indicating how long each light will remain in its current phase. This feature, absent in many European countries, can be helpful for drivers. Remember, running a red light will result in a fine—more on that later.

While some European countries impose relatively small fines for illegal parking, Bulgaria’s fines are notably higher. To park in designated zones on the street, you must purchase a parking ticket from a nearby kiosk or sales point. Remember to clearly write the date and time of your arrival on the ticket. Payment via SMS is available, but only for those with a Bulgarian mobile phone, making traditional ticket purchase the most common option for visitors. Additionally, parking on the right side of one-way streets is a must—violating this rule also results in a fine.

Driving in Bulgaria requires a strict adherence to the country’s blood-alcohol limit, set at 0.5 ‰. This regulation applies to all drivers, including beginners. Ignoring it not only leads to hefty fines but can also result in the immediate loss of your driver’s license. While it may be tempting to enjoy a glass of wine or a beer during your holiday, it’s crucial to avoid alcohol entirely if you plan to drive afterward. These regulations, aimed at ensuring safety, are strictly enforced in Bulgaria and throughout the EU.

The catalogue of fines outlines the penalties applicable to various traffic violations in Bulgaria. These regulations are not limited to motorways but apply to all roads across the country. If you receive a fine notice by mail after your holiday, it is important to know that ignoring it is not an option. As Bulgaria is a member of the EU, fines can be enforced in your home country as well.

If you exceed the speed limit by 20 km/h or more, you can expect a fine starting at €25. For those driving over 50 km/h above the speed limit, the penalties increase significantly. The fines for such infractions start at €300, with the exact amount depending on the recorded speed.

Exceeding the legal blood-alcohol limit results in hefty fines, ranging from €250 to €1000. The catalogue of fines also covers other infractions, including driving while using a phone, parking violations, running red lights, and not wearing a seatbelt, with fines ranging from €10 to €50. Additionally, transporting children under 12 years old without proper safety measures is considered an offence.

Drivers are responsible for ensuring their vehicle is equipped with the necessary items while traveling in Bulgaria. For instance, all passengers in the vehicle must wear a high-visibility (reflective) vest. A first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher are also mandatory. Additionally, you must carry a valid identity card or passport, along with your driver’s license or the first part of the vehicle registration certificate during your holiday.