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 testing the limits on highways easy. 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.
Speed limits 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 be difficult, 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).
| 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 (7 716.2 pounds).
** Heavy goods vehicles over 3.5t (7 716.2 pounds) that do not carry dangerous or 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.
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 the 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 Apeeding 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 6 MPH: Fine of 20 BGN
- Over by 7-12 MPH: Fine of 50 BGN
- Over by 13-18 MPH: Fine of 100 BGN
- Over by 19-25 MPH: Fine of 400 BGN
- Over by more than 25 MPH: Fine of 600 BGN
- Over by more than 31 MPH: Fine of 700 BGN and suspension of driving privileges for 3 months. An additional 50 BGN fine for every extra 3 MPH over 31 MPH.
- Outside City/Town Limits
- Over by 6 MPH: Fine of 20 BGN
- Over by 7-12 MPH: Fine of 50 BGN
- Over by 13-18 MPH: Fine of 100 BGN
- Over by 19-25 MPH: Fine of 300 BGN
- Over by 25-31 MPH: Fine of 400 BGN
- Over by more than 31 MPH: Fine of 600 BGN. An additional 50 BGN fine for every extra 3 MPH over 31 MPH.
- For Public Passenger and Hazardous Goods Vehicles
- Over by 6 MPH: Fine of 20 BGN
- Over by 7-12 MPH: Fine of 50 BGN
- Over by 13-18 MPH: Fine of 150 BGN
- Over by 19-25 MPH: Fine of 500 BGN
- Over by 25-31 MPH: Fine of 800 BGN
- Over by more than 31 MPH: Fine of 1000 BGN and suspension of driving privileges for 3 months. An additional 50 BGN fine for every extra 3 MPH over 31 MPH.
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 Km/h and Speeding Fines in Bulgaria
Link to the official Road Police fines resource (in Bulgarian language only)
