Traveling by car in Bulgaria - traffic rules, vignette system.

Traffic rules on the territory of the republic of Bulgaria, as well as road signals, are in compliance with European Standards.

If you enter the country in a private vehicle, you must have your driving licence, all original registration and ownership documents (including logbook) as well as insurance valid in Bulgaria.

If you have hired a car you must have the original document, which should state that the vehicle can be brought into Bulgaria.

In Bulgaria you drive on the right and overtake on the left. One mile is equal to 1.6km.

The use of mobile phone while driving is permitted, but only with the help of hands-free device.

Participant in a road accident driving a car with foreign registration are obliged to remain on the site and wait for the traffic police to come.

Speed, petrol stations and road signs

Speed limit on highways is 120km/h (74mph), in build-up areas - 50 km/h (31mph), out-of town limit 80km/h, if not otherwise indicated.

You can find a petrol station in Bulgaria every 30 or so kilometers along the highways.

You shouldn't have problems reading the road signs, as they are identical with the ones used in the other countries.

Driving and alcohol limit

Drivers are banned from driving after consuming alcoholic drinks (over 0.5% per 1000 in the blood) and/or when they are under the influence of other intoxicating substances.

Alcohol limit, when driving, equals to 1 beer, a glass of wine, or 50 g alcohol.

Nevertheless you'd better refrain from drinking before driving.

Vignette system in Bulgaria

The vignete system is valid for the National Road Network, except for the ring roads and by-pass roads of populated areas as well as the roads within populated areas. Buying a vignette, you have the right to use over 300 km of motor ways and over 18 000 km of roads for the period specified in the vignette.

Driving road vehicles on teh Vignette Network without a valid vignette, is a violation and subject to sanctions in accordance to the Road Traffic Law. Access carefully the duration of your stay and buy appropriate vignette.

Where to buy a vignette in Bulgaria?
You can buy a vignette from all border-crossing points of the Republic of Bulgaria. There you will find designated units open 24 hours. The prices of vignettes are in Euro.

Prices of vignette types by categories in Euro: