Driving in Bulgaria

Essentials

Driving licence

National driving licences conforming with the model in Annex 9 of the 1949 Convention or in Annex 6 of the 1968 Convention or to the European Communities’ model are accepted.

If the national driving licence does not bear the photo of the holder, the visitor must have an International Driving Permit. A foreign driving licence does not entitle the holder to drive a car in Bulgaria until the age of 18yrs old.

International Driving Permits (1949 or 1968) are recognised.

Important documents

When driving in Bulgaria the following documents should be carried:

• Full, valid driving licence* 
• Proof of insurance/green card (third party or above)
• Proof of ID (passport)
• Proof of ownership (V5C certificate)
• International Driving Permit (see driving licence section)

While driving in Bulgaria you are required by law to carry the following items. Hefty on-the-spot fines can be issued for failing to carry specific items: 

• Headlamp beam deflectors: Depending on your car, you will either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually.
• Warning triangle: all vehicles (except mopeds and motorcycles) which have broken down must be indicated by a warning triangle
• Reflective jacket: it is compulsory for any person who has to step out of the car, day and night, in case of breakdown or emergency on a motorway. It is also compulsory for motorcyclists
• Fire extinguisher/first aid kit: Compulsory on board private vehicle
• Motorcyclists: riders and all passengers of motorcycles must wear crash helmets

Rules of the road & regulations

Rules of the road

Overtaking & passing

Drive on the right, overtake on the left.

It is compulsory to have your headlights on in the daytime.

Rules follow the provisions of the Conventions on Road Traffic.

Priority

Rules follow the provisions of the Conventions on Road Traffic.

Priority belongs to vehicles travelling on main roads indicated as such by signs.

Trams have right of way over other road users whether they come from the right or the left.

Warning of approach

In built-up areas drivers are prohibited to sound their horn between 22:00 and 06:00 hours (on public holidays up to 09:00) and between 12:00 and 16:00. Outside these hours the horn may be used if it is really necessary. The horn may be used outside large towns to prevent an accident.

Places where the use of audible warning devices is prohibited are indicated by the international sign.

Towing

Caravans, camper vans and luggage trailers are admitted temporarily without a customs document. Objects of value should be declared.

Seat belts

It is compulsory to wear a seat belt on the front seats and the rear seats of a vehicle.

Travelling with children

Child restraint systems must meet the requirements of rule 44/03 of the UNECE. Children under the age of three may not be transported in vehicles not fitted with child restraints. Children aged 3 or over, measuring less than 150cm in height, may travel in a vehicle without child restraints but they must occupy a rear seat.

Children must be placed in special restraints suitable for their size and weight, according to EU regulations.

Snow chains

Snow chains are permitted. Their use can become compulsory according to road conditions, in which case this is indicated by the international road sign. When driving with snow chains, the speed limit is 50 km/h.

Speed limits

* 140km/h on certain motorways (must be signposted)

Penalties

On-the-spot fines

The police can impose fines on-the-spot for offences against traffic regulations. A receipt is given.

Parking

Parking regulations

Stopping and parking are prohibited at places where they may obstruct traffic. These places are indicated by signs.

In one-way streets, parking is on the left only.

There are no parking disks on meters; however there are Blue Zones and Green Zones where parking is limited by means of tickets. These are valid for thirty minutes or one hour; the driver must write the date and time on the ticket and put it behind the windscreen of his vehicle. It is possible to cumulate several tickets. Tickets can be purchased from kiosks or from sellers on the spot.

Enforcement of parking regulations

Parking fines range from 200 to 2000 BGN. Wheel clamps are used and are released on payment of a fine of 30 BGN. Vehicles causing an obstruction can also be towed away and a fine of 60 BGN is levied.

Traffic lights

Traffic lights

The international 3-colour traffic light system is used.

Drink/drug driving

Legal limit

The maximum level of alcohol in the blood is 0.05%.

Alcohol

The police can impose random breath tests on resident and visiting drivers. If the test is positive, the driver will be required to undergo a blood test carried out by a hospital doctor.

The police can test drivers for the use of drugs, at the roadside.

Availability of fuel

Filling stations are to be found in large towns and on main roads at an average distance of 30 to 40km. Some petrol stations are open day and night all the year round but most are open from 06:00 to 21:30 hours daily.

Motorists should not use the red pumps at petrol stations as these are for service vehicles only.

Means of payment

The purchase of fuel must be paid for in leva (cash). Some foreign petrol stations, e.g. Shell, accept credit cards.

Useful numbers:

112 - Here's a really important bit of knowledge; you can dial 112 from anywhere in Europe and an operator will connect you to an emergency service in the country you're visiting. Operators can answer your call in their native language, English, and French. 

Useful guides and maps

Michelin Motoring Atlas: Europe

UK Government travel advice

See up-to-date travel advice