GUIDEBG’S BRIEFS

DRIVING IN BULGARIA

Speeding is a common occurrence on the road and can happen to anyone. It can be caused by driving above the posted speed limit or not noticing a speed limit sign on a rural road. Many cars can now reach high speeds, making it easy to test the limits on highways. However, speeding can have severe financial and legal consequences and significantly contribute to traffic fatalities in Bulgaria. Speed limits are set according to the type of road and vehicle and are meant to keep you safe. It is important to remember that the posted speed limit is the maximum allowed speed, and it may not always be safe to drive at that speed in all conditions. Keep reading to learn more about speed limits and fines in Bulgaria.

Here is an overview of speed limits in miles Bulgaria. For cars and vans, the maximum speed permitted in Bulgaria on motorways is 87 mph (140 km/h); on expressways, it is 75 mph (120 km/h); on main roads and minor roads outside built-up areas, it is 56 mph (90 km/h); and in built-up areas, it is 31 mph (50 km/h), unless otherwise stated by traffic signs. Note that the speed limit signs in Bulgaria indicate the speed in kilometers per hour (km/h). On the infographics on the right, you can find the calculated speed limits in miles per hour  (US-style signs) and original kilometers per hour (EU-style signs). It may not be easy, but you must be accustomed to the Bulgarian speed limit sign style if you drive in Bulgaria. The table below shows speed limits in kilometers per hour (km/h).

* 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 dangerous/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 Busses with trailers driving on Non-urban roads – 43 mph (70 km/h) speed limit.

Driving speed checks

Speed checks are initiated on an ad hoc basis by road patrols from stationary or moving vehicles. Speed can be measured from a parked police car. Fixed speed traps are also in use 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 in the range 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):

Paying Fines and Tickets

All fines can be paid in cash, via bank transfer, through 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 fine are comparatively low if you only visit the country for a short time.

Link to the official Road Police fines resource (in Bulgarian language only)