Speeding can happen in a moment of inattention—perhaps you’re going 57 km/h in a 50 km/h zone or overlook a speed limit sign on a rural road. With today’s average car offering over 120 horsepower, reaching speeds above 150 km/h is effortless—and often tempting on motorways. But in 2025, Bulgaria introduced stricter penalties and new enforcement methods that make speeding riskier than ever.
Speeding now carries not just financial consequences, but also license suspensions, especially for significant violations. Enforcement has expanded beyond traditional police patrols: municipal and toll cameras now track speed in real time, and average-speed monitoring is in effect on major road segments. Even unmarked police vehicles are authorized to stop dangerous drivers, making it harder to avoid detection.
The danger is real. Speeding is one of the top causes of road fatalities in Bulgaria. Speed limits are designed to save lives—they vary by road type and vehicle class, and while they set the legal maximum, they don’t guarantee safety in poor weather or heavy traffic. Staying below the limit when conditions require it is part of responsible driving.
Speed Limits in Bulgaria
Here is an overview of speed limits in Bulgaria. For cars and vans, the maximum speed permitted in Bulgaria on motorways is 140 km/h; on expressways, it is 120 km/h; on main roads and minor roads outside built-up areas, it is 90 km/h; and in built-up areas, it is 50 km/h, unless otherwise stated by traffic signs. The following are the permitted maximum speeds in Bulgaria (km/h) for all vehicle categories:
| Road Type | Motorcycles* | Cars & Vans* | Cars/Vans + Trailer* | Trucks** | Buses*** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban roads | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Non-urban roads | 80 | 90 | 70 | 80 | 80 |
| Expressways | 90 | 120 | 90 | 90 | 90 |
| Highways | 100 | 140 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
* Motorcycles, passenger cars, and vans with or without trailers below 3.5t.
** Heavy goods vehicles over 3.5t that do not carry dangerous/hazardous materials or goods.
- Urban roads: 40 km/h – maximum speed for vehicles carrying dangerous goods.
- Non-urban roads: 70 km/h for heavy goods vehicles with semitrailers or trailers (Type O3, O4).
- Non-urban roads: 50 km/h for heavy goods vehicles carrying dangerous goods.
- Motorways & Expressways: 90 km/h for heavy goods vehicles with semitrailers or trailers (Type O3, O4).
- Motorways & Expressways: 90 km/h for heavy goods vehicles carrying dangerous goods.
*** If Buses with trailers driving on Non-urban roads – 70 km/h speed limit.
Speeding Fines in Bulgaria
Speed Check Tolerance and Safety Margin
A safety buffer is subtracted from the speed recorded during a radar speed check, with an allowance of 1% to 5% for this margin. This practice stems from potential inaccuracies in the vehicle’s speedometer and the measurement device. For utmost safety, assuming there is no safety margin at all is recommended.
Updated Speeding Fines and Penalties (2025)
In 2025, the fine structure was overhauled with a strong focus on high-risk offenders. Here’s a breakdown of the most critical updates:
Within Built-Up Areas
- +10 to +20 km/h: 50 BGN fine
- +21 to +30 km/h: 100 BGN fine
- +31 to +40 km/h: 400 BGN fine
- Over +40 km/h: 600 BGN fine + 2-month license suspension
Outside Built-Up Areas
- +11 to +30 km/h: 50 BGN fine
- +31 to +40 km/h: 100 BGN fine
- +41 to +50 km/h: 400 BGN fine
- Over +50 km/h: 600 BGN fine + 2-month license suspension
Driving speed checks
Speed checks are initiated ad hoc by road patrols from stationary or moving vehicles. Speed can be measured from a parked police car. Fixed speed traps are also used in cities and on other roads.
New Enforcement Methods
Recent amendments empower municipalities and toll authorities to enforce speed regulations using:
- Fixed cameras
- Toll system monitoring (average-speed control)
- Unmarked police vehicles equipped with visible blue lights, sirens, or loudspeaker warnings in Bulgarian and English
Revenue from municipal camera fines is split: 50% to the municipality, 50% to the state.
Repeat Offenses
- Second offense within 12 months: Double the fine + 3-month ban
- Third or more offenses: Triple the fine + 6-month ban
For Public Passenger and Hazardous Goods Vehicles
- Over by 10 km/h: Fine of 20 BGN
- Over by 11-20 km/h: Fine of 50 BGN
- Over by 21-30 km/h: Fine of 150 BGN
- Over by 31-40 km/h: Fine of 500 BGN
- Over by 41-50 km/h: Fine of 800 BGN
- Over by more than 50 km/h: Fine of 1000 BGN and suspension of driving privileges for 3 months. An additional 50 BGN fine for every 5 km/h over 50 km/h.
Repeated Offenses (as per Article 182 of the Road Traffic Act)
- Double the fine for repeat offenses from points 1-5 in the categories above.
- For repeat offenses, as per the 6th point in the 1st and 3rd categories, fines double, and driving privileges are suspended for 3 months.
Paying Fines and Tickets
All fines can be paid in cash, via bank transfer, EasyPay outlets, or online at Epay.bg. You will need to retain the ticket and bring it with you. If you pay the penalty on the spot, the police officer will provide you with a payment receipt. By the book, fines above BGN 50 can be disputed. However, the chances of disputing a penalty are comparatively low if you only visit the country briefly.
Speed Limits in Miles and Speeding Fines in Bulgaria
Link to the official Road Police fines resource (in Bulgarian language only)
