SAVE over
on 2 weeks cover
£133
Bulgaria |  |
Updated: 02 May 2012 |
Bulgaria driving information
If you enter Bulgaria in a private vehicle, you must have your driving
licence, all original registration and ownership documents (including
logbook) as well as evidence of insurance valid in Bulgaria. If you have
hired a car you must have the original contract document, which should
state that the vehicle can be brought into Bulgaria. Border officials
will impound your vehicle if they are not satisfied that you own it or
have permission to use it in Bulgaria.
Tolls, in the form of a vignette, are charged on motorways and main
roads out of town. These are payable in Bulgarian Leva. The rate for
cars is currently BGN 10 for one week, BGN 25 for one month, and BGN
67 for one year. Rates are much higher for freight vehicles and coaches
for eight or more passengers. Vignettes can be purchased at ports and
border points, and are also available from post offices, large petrol
stations and DZI bank offices. You will be fined if you do not carry
the appropriate vignette.
Under Bulgarian law, vehicles that are registered outside the EU are
considered to be 'temporarily imported' when driven inside Bulgaria. If
they are stolen on Bulgarian soil, the owners will be liable for import
duty and related taxes. Cars registered in the Channel Islands and the
Isles of Man are subject to this legislation.
Take care when
driving, particularly at night. Many roads are in poor condition and
road works are often unlit or unmarked. Driving standards are generally
poor. Avoid confrontations with aggressive drivers who may be armed. You
should observe the speed limit and ensure that your vehicle is
roadworthy. Spot fines are charged for minor violations.
In 2008 there were 1,061 road deaths in Bulgaria.
This equates to 13.9 road deaths per 100,000 of population and
compares to the UK average of 4.3 road deaths per 100,000 of population
in 2008.
Some criminals have been reported to impersonate traffic policemen
and impose “fines” or even steal vehicles and personal belongings on
major routes. If you are crossing Bulgaria by car, you should try to
travel in daylight hours.
For General European driving tips click here