Speeding can happen in an instant—even if you’re doing 35 mph in a 31 mph zone or miss a speed limit sign on a country road. With today’s average car packing over 120 horsepower, hitting speeds above 90 mph is easy—and often tempting on highways. But as of 2025, Bulgaria has implemented harsher penalties and advanced enforcement tools that make speeding more dangerous than ever.
Now, speeding doesn’t just come with a fine—it can also result in a suspended license, especially for more serious violations. Enforcement goes well beyond standard police patrols: municipal and toll cameras now monitor speeds in real time, and average-speed checkpoints are active across major routes. Even unmarked police vehicles are allowed to stop reckless drivers, making it much harder to fly under the radar.
The risk is real. Speeding remains one of the leading causes of traffic deaths in Bulgaria. Speed limits are there to protect everyone—they vary based on road type and vehicle, and while they set the legal maximum, that doesn’t mean it’s always safe to drive at that speed. In bad weather or heavy traffic, slowing down is part of responsible driving.
Speed Limits in Bulgaria
Here’s a quick guide to speed limits in Bulgaria for cars and vans: On motorways, the limit is 87 mph (140 km/h); on expressways, 75 mph (120 km/h); on main and minor roads outside urban areas, 56 mph (90 km/h); and within built-up areas, 31 mph (50 km/h), unless traffic signs indicate otherwise. Remember, speed limit signs in Bulgaria show speeds in kilometers per hour (km/h). The infographics to the right translate these limits into miles per hour (US-style signs) and the original kilometers per hour (EU-style signs). Adapting to Bulgarian speed limit signs might be challenging, but it’s essential when driving in Bulgaria.
The table shows speed limits in kilometers per hour (km/h) in Bulgaria:
* Motorcycles, Passenger cars, Vans with or without trailers below 3.5t (7 716.2 pounds).
** Heavy goods vehicles over 3.5t (7 716.2 pounds) that do not carry hazardous materials or goods.
- Urban roads: 25 mph (40 km/h) – maximum speed for vehicles carrying dangerous goods.
- Non-urban roads: 43 mph (70 km/h) for heavy goods vehicles with semitrailers or trailers (Type O3, O4).
- Non-urban roads: 31 mph (50 km/h) for heavy goods vehicles carrying dangerous goods.
- Motorways & Expressways: 56 mph (90 km/h) for heavy goods vehicles with semitrailers or trailers (Type O3, O4).
- Motorways & Expressways: 56 mph (90 km/h) for heavy goods vehicles carrying dangerous goods.
*** If Buses with trailers drive on non-urban roads, there is a 43 mph (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 cities and on other roads.
Speed Check Tolerance and the Safety Margin
A safety cushion is deducted from the speed measured in a radar speed check, allowing for a 1% to 5% margin. This method accounts for possible inaccuracies in the car’s speedometer and the measuring equipment. For maximum safety, it’s advised to consider that there is no safety cushion at all.
Updated Speeding Fines and Penalties (2025)
In 2025, Bulgaria introduced a major overhaul of its speeding penalties, targeting high-risk driving behavior with stricter fines and tougher consequences. Below is a summary of the most important updates:
Speeding in Urban Areas (Built-Up Zones)
- 6 to 12 mph (10–20 km/h) over the limit: 50 BGN (approx. $28) fine
- 13 to 18 mph (21–30 km/h) over: 100 BGN (approx. $56) fine
- 19 to 25 mph (31–40 km/h) over: 400 BGN (approx. $225) fine
- More than 25 mph (40+ km/h) over: 600 BGN (approx. $340) fine + 2-month license suspension
Speeding in Rural Areas and Highways (Outside Built-Up Zones)
- 7 to 18 mph (11–30 km/h) over the limit: 50 BGN (approx. $28) fine
- 19 to 25 mph (31–40 km/h) over: 100 BGN (approx. $56) fine
- 26 to 31 mph (41–50 km/h) over: 400 BGN (approx. $225) fine
- More than 31 mph (50+ km/h) over: 600 BGN (approx. $340) fine + 2-month license suspension
How Speed Is Monitored
Police may measure your speed from parked or moving patrol vehicles. Speed traps can be fixed or mobile, and enforcement often takes place both in urban centers and on national roads. Bulgaria also uses advanced average-speed monitoring systems to track speeds between two points.
New Enforcement Tools (2025)
Recent legal changes have expanded the authorities’ ability to monitor and penalize speeding violations using:
- Fixed speed cameras
- Toll-system surveillance with average-speed tracking
- Unmarked police vehicles equipped with visible blue lights, sirens, or loudspeakers issuing commands in both Bulgarian and English
Revenue collected from municipal speed cameras is split equally: 50% goes to the municipality, and 50% to the national government.
Repeat Offenses
Penalties escalate for repeat violations:
Third or more offenses: Triple the fine + 6-month license suspension
Second offense within 12 months: Double the fine + 3-month license suspension
Interfering with measuring devices
A driver who uses a device to interfere with the instruments used to measure the motor vehicle’s driving speed pays a fine of 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 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, chances to dispute a penalty are comparatively low if you only visit the country briefly.
Speed Limits in Km/h and Speeding Fines in Bulgaria
Link to the official Road Police fines resource (in Bulgarian language only)
