Bulgaria summary
Key facts
Official language(s)
Currency
Population
Time zone
Calling code
Drive on the
Member of the EU
Bulgarian
Lev
7,606,551
GMT + 2
359
Right
Yes
Local weather
Sofia
Speed limits
- Motorways:
- 120kmh (75mph)
- Open roads:
- 80kmh (50mph)
- Towns:
- 50kmh (31mph)
Road Safety
-
Alcohol limit:
- Drivers may be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood level as low as 0.05%
-
Use of mobile phone whilst driving:
- Illegal, unless a hands free set is used
-
Seat belts:
- Use of seat belts is mandatory in Bulgaria
- Children under 12 years of age are not permitted to sit in the front seat
- Child car seats are required by law, to be used in the back seats only
-
Traffic lights regulations:
- At unregulated crossings, the driver on the right has the right-of-way, but this rule is frequently ignored
- Right turns on red lights are not permitted unless specifically authorised
Costs
- Road tolls:
- All roads are tolled and require each car to purchase a "vignette" which costs €59 for a year, €10 for a month or €4 for a week. This will allow you to drive on all roads
- If you do not have a "vignette" you could be fined €500 by the police
- Your "vignette" should be included in the rental price if renting with a reputable company like National Car Rental
- On the spot fines:
- There are currently no on the spot fines
- If you commit a road offence you will be issued with a ticket by the police
General motoring advice
- Rush hour in built up areas:
- There is often heavy truck traffic along the two-lane routes from the Greek border at Kulata to Sofia
- Motorists should expect long delays at border crossings
- Fuel:
- Unleaded and diesel is available
- Parking advice:
- Use common sense and don’t park in restricted zones even if it seems as if everyone else does
- Sofia City Council uses yellow wheel clamps
- They will tow your car away, usually to the parking lot
behind the National Palace of Culture