Traffic Rules Bulgaria
Would you like to travel through Bulgaria by car and think that your knowledge of Germany’s traffic rules will somehow be enough? However, there are some differences in terms of behavior and traffic rules between Bulgaria and Germany. To make sure your trip isn’t affected by fines or other annoyances, we have summarized the most important information for you here.
The most important points
The blood alcohol limit is 0.5. For novice drivers who have held their license for less than 2 years, a 0.0 limit applies.
In Sofia, there is an environmental zone that can lead to access restrictions.
A rental car may only be rented from the age of 20 and only if you have held your driving licence for at least one year.
On some road sections, snow chains may be mandatory.
Things you absolutely must remember
A German driving licence is sufficient. Drivers who are not the registered vehicle owner must carry a power of attorney from the owner. You must also carry the registration certificate Part I.
As proof of valid motor third-party liability insurance, the German license plate is sufficient, but we recommend carrying the International Motor Insurance Card (“Green Card”). It shows that your vehicle is insured for third-party liability, and you can request it free of charge from your insurer. This also includes checking with your insurer before travelling to ensure you have sufficient coverage.
Carrying a high-visibility vest is mandatory for the driver, but in the event of an accident or breakdown, all persons must wear a high-visibility vest when leaving the vehicle. That’s why it’s recommended to carry as many vests as there are people in the car.
A warning triangle, a fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit must also be carried.
Toll and vignette
A vignette is required for all vehicles up to 3.5 t permissible gross weight (GVW) as well as motorhomes regardless of weight. Motorcycles are exempt. Recently, motorhomes over 3.5 t GVW also pay the toll via a vignette and no longer distance-based, as do commercial vehicles.
Commercial vehicles over 3.5 t pay a distance-based toll. The amount depends on the Euro emissions class, the number of axles and the type of road. Payment is made in advance using a route ticket (route pass/route plan), in which the route must be specified. Alternatively, you can sign a contract with a national toll service provider and pay the toll using an electronic on-board unit (OBU) or a GPS tracker.
If a vehicle-and-trailer combination exceeds a permissible gross weight of 3.5 t GVW, an additional vignette for the trailer must be purchased.
For crossing the Danube towards Romania, an additional special toll must be paid.
Danube crossings subject to special tolls
Vidin Bridge (BG) - Calafat (RO)
Ruse Bridge (BG) - Giurgiu (RO)
Oreahovo Ferry (BG) - Bechet (RO)
Nicopol Ferry (BG) - Turnu Magurele (RO)
The validity of your vignette is checked by many cameras and inspection vehicles. You can purchase the digital vignette easily and with immediate validity here.
Traffic rules
In general, there are many rules that also apply in Germany. Nevertheless, there are some differences and new rules. To give you an overview of the general traffic rules in advance, here is a summary of the most important basics.
Blood alcohol limit
The blood alcohol limit is 0.5. For novice drivers who have held their licence for less than 2 years, a 0.0 limit applies.
Headlights required
Bulgaria has a year-round daytime headlight requirement. This applies all year. You must always drive with dipped headlights or, alternatively, daytime running lights.
Traffic lights
Traffic lights in Bulgaria often have no yellow phase between red and green. The change is then indicated by a countdown timer.
Tyres
Vehicles registered in Bulgaria must be equipped with winter tyres. Winter tyres are not mandatory for foreign-registered vehicles.
Snow chains may be fitted to all vehicles and are mandatory on some sections when weather conditions require it. The permitted maximum speed with snow chains is 50 km/h.
Accidents and breakdowns
Accidents should always be reported to the police, regardless of the severity.
Speed limits
Car
In built-up areas: 50 km/h
Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h
Motorways: 130 km/h
Motorcycle
In built-up areas: 50 km/h
Outside built-up areas: 80 km/h
Motorways: 100 km/h
Light motorhome
In built-up areas: 50 km/h
Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h
Motorways: 130 km/h
Car + trailer / heavy motorhome
In built-up areas: 50 km/h
Outside built-up areas: 70 km/h
Motorways: 100 km/h
140 km/h is only permitted on motorways if it is a newly built section. Pay attention to the signs on site.
Fines
In the event of alcohol offences or a speeding offence, the Bulgarian police may confiscate your driving licence. It is then sent by the Bulgarian authority to Flensburg.
Illegal parking: from €10
Speeding (20 km/h): from €25
Using a phone while driving: €25
Seat belt violation: €25
Not wearing a high-visibility vest: €25
No valid vignette (car): from €150
Running a red light: from €250
Exceeding the blood alcohol limit: from €255
Speeding (50 km/h): from €300
No valid vignette (vehicles over 3.5 t): up to €1000
Excerpt from the fine catalogue: https://www.bussgeldkatalog.org/bulgarien/
Access restrictions: environmental zones
The so-called "Small Ring" is a small area in Sofia and is an environmental zone. From December 2025, the "Large Ring", which covers larger parts of the city centre, is also to become an environmental zone.
Vehicles that are not allowed to enter:
Cars and motorhomes (vehicle class M1) with emission standards petrol Euro 0–2 and diesel Euro 0–3
Commercial vehicles (vehicle class N1) with the same emission standards as cars
Tightening from December 2024 to petrol Euro 0–3 and diesel Euro 0–5
Vehicles permitted to enter do not need to register. The environmental zone applies every year from 1 December until the end of February of the following year, 24/7.
Refuelling and charging
Bulgaria is one of the countries with the lowest diesel and petrol prices in Europe. Petrol stations are easy to reach everywhere, and you usually don’t have to drive far to the next one.
Charging stations, on the other hand, are not yet as widespread and are mainly available in the capital, Sofia. However, the number of charging stations is being significantly expanded, and in 2025 there are expected to be over 10,000 charging stations in total.
There is only one hydrogen filling station, so we do not recommend travelling to Bulgaria with a hydrogen car.
Carrying fuel in spare canisters is prohibited.
Rental car
Although you may drive a car in Bulgaria from the age of 18, a rental car can only be rented from the age of 20. In addition, you must have held your driving licence for at least one year. Make sure whether a vignette has already been purchased for the rental car or not.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant trip!
If you have a valid vignette and follow the rules described in this article, nothing will stand in the way of a stress-free drive through Bulgaria. You can purchase your digital vignette for Bulgaria directly from us. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and have suitable toll products displayed.
We wish you a pleasant trip to Bulgaria and lots of joy while exploring this diverse country. You can find more information about the toll in Bulgaria in our guide. If you have any questions, you can reach us anytime via e-mail.
