Speeding can happen to anyone instantly: You drive at 57 km/h through a 50 zone or fail to see a speed limit sign on a country road. Speed limit violations are a mass phenomenon on the road. And there may be speed cameras lurking everywhere. An average new car has more than 120 hp, far enough to reach a speed of 150+ km/h. This can make it tempting to rush or test car limits on the highway. But it may have profound implications, both financial and legal. Speeding is a contributing factor in traffic fatalities in Bulgaria. Speed limits can only help keep you safe. Speed limits are different depending on the type of road and vehicle. Please observe them. The speed limit is the maximum speed you can drive at, which does not mean it is safe to drive at this speed in all weather and traffic conditions. Continue reading below to understand details regarding speed limits and fines in Bulgaria.
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, 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 Busses with trailers driving on Non-urban roads – 70 km/h speed limit.
Speeding Fines in Bulgaria
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 the cities and on other roads.
Speed Check Tolerance and Safety Margin
A safety margin is deducted from the speed measured in a radar speed check. You may account for a safety margin of 3% to 5%. Safety margin originated from the inaccuracies in the car speedometer, as well as with the measuring device. To be safe, you should account for a zero safety margin.
Fines and penalties applied to speeding and repeat offenses
Comparatively limited fines and administrative penalties apply to serious speeding and repeated offenses in Bulgaria (compared to other European countries):
Speeding Fines Regulations (based on Article 182 of the Road Traffic Act)
Within City/Town Limits
- 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 100 BGN
- Over by 31-40 km/h: Fine of 400 BGN
- Over by more than 40 km/h: Fine of 600 BGN
- Over by more than 50 km/h: Fine of 700 BGN and suspension of driving privileges for 3 months. An additional 50 BGN fine for every 5 km/h over 50 km/h.
Outside City/Town Limits
- 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 100 BGN
- Over by 31-40 km/h: Fine of 300 BGN
- Over by 41-50 km/h: Fine of 400 BGN
- Over by over 50 km/h: Fine of 600 BGN and an additional 50 BGN fine for every 5 km/h over 50 km/h.
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: Double the fine and a 3-month suspension of driving privileges.
Systematic Offenses
- For systematic offenses from points 4-6 in all categories: Double the fine and a 6-month suspension of driving privileges.
- A “systematic offense” is defined as 3 or more violations within a year since the first penalty ticket or electronic slip for the same type of violation.
- Interfering with measuring devices
A driver using a device interfering with the instruments used to measure the driving speed of the motor vehicle pays a fine amounting to BGN 50.
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 and bring the ticket 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, chances to dispute 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)
