Road rules and safety - Bulgaria

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The red light is preceded by an amber light at which the driver has to stop, except if the car is too close to the signalling device and cannot stop safely.

The use of seat belts and child restraint systems is MANDATORY (Directive 91/671/EEC as amended).

The use of seat belts is not compulsory for:

  • pregnant women;
  • persons whose physical status does not allow the use of safety belt;
  • taxi drivers when transporting passengers;
  • driving school instructors when driving a car for training purpose.

Motorcycles
Vehicles below 3.5 t

Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]

Urban roads
Non-urban roads
Motorways/expressways

Buses

Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]

Urban roads
Non-urban roads
  • 70 km/h Vehicle with trailer
Motorways/expressways

Heavy goods vehicles
over 3.5 t

Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]

Urban roads40 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).
  • 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).
  • 90 km/h for heavy goods vehicles carrying dangerous goods.

Passenger cars & vans with trailers
Vehicles below 3.5 t

Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]

Urban roads
Non-urban roads
Motorways/expressways

Passenger cars & vans
Vehicles below 3.5 t

Standard speed limits (unless otherwise stated by traffic signs) [km/h]

Urban roads
Non-urban roads
Motorways/expressways
0,5 g/l

Standard drivers

0,5 g/l

Novice drivers

0,5 g/l

Professional drivers

Forbidden drugs

THC (cannabis)

Methylamphetamine

MDMA (ecstasy)

Drivers are prohibited from driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or other drug substances.

If there is a road, traffic lane, road lane or alley designated for particular vehicles, drivers of these vehicles are obliged to use this road or lane.

A road lane marked for traffic only for vehicles engaged in regular public transport cannot be used by other road users.

A driver of a slow vehicle is obliged to drive on the farthest right lane except when turning or going round.

If there is a lane marked by a road sign for slow vehicles, drivers of such vehicles are obliged to use this lane.

In general, it is prohibited to drive on a motorway’s emergency lane.

Bicycles
Mopeds
Motorcycles with/without a sidecar
Light and heavy tricycles
Light and heavy quadricycles
Use of mobile phone without hand-free set.
Use of mobile phone with hand-free set.
Daytime running lights are mandatory even during daylight hours.
Safety equipment for carsreflective vest
warning triangle
first-aid kit
fire extinguisher
Safety equipment for cyclist
On public roads, each bicycle must be fitted with:
Working brakes
Warning bell
White or yellow lamp at the front and a red reflector (or a red light) at the back
White or yellow reflectors on both sides of the wheels
Cyclists are obliged to drive as close as possible to the right border of a traffic lane
Reflective vest (outside built-up areas, and at night/in poor visibility)

Disclaimer

This content on road safety and traffic rules is provided by the national authorities according to Article 8(1) of Directive (EU) 2015/413/EU. The European Commission does not assume liability for this content or its accuracy. For the most accurate and up-to-date information check national websites, where you can also find information on other national rules covering time-based charges (vignettes), emission stickers and road tolls.

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Road rules and safety

Last checked: 12/06/2023
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