International road regulations are valid in Bulgaria. Driving conditions in major cities, as well as on the highways, are fair to good. You might experience problems if trying to reach more remote areas because of the poor road conditions (read: potholes!) and the lack of proper signage.
Your home-country driving licence may be used for up to six months in Bulgaria, after which it has either to be traded in for a Bulgarian one or you have to retake your test here to get a Bulgarian licence while keeping hold of your own. US driving licences are acceptable only if accompanied by an International Driver's License.
Some of the most common violations for which police in Bulgaria hand out fines include speed limit violations, driving without a seat belt and drink driving. You may also be curious to note that it is illegal to drive in high heels, open sandals and flip flops and to eat and drink behind the wheel. On most of the open roads around the country you will find speed traps. Frequently you will be warned by oncoming traffic flashing their lights at you, if not then you face a fine to be paid later at the local municipality.
Foreigners in Bulgaria may use their driving licence issued in their home country for up to six months in Bulgaria. Once this period is over, the licence needs to be translated and legalised.
According to the US embassy in Bulgaria, the US driver's licence in Bulgaria is accepted only if accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
International Driving Permits (IDP) are recognised in nearly 150 countries and serve as an official translation of the US driver's licence.
A vehicle entering the country needs to have insurance. Drivers entering the country also need to pay an entrance fee, calculated in accordance to the type of vehicle.
Road signs and driving regulations in Bulgaria follow international standards, though some signs might be missing in villages and on rural roads.
The road system in the country is still underdeveloped when it comes to smaller roads. Better driving conditions are found on major roads and highways. In order to use the highways in the country, you need to purchase a vignette.
Vignette prices
CATEGORY/DURATION
Weekly C1* - 42 C2* - 21 C3* - 4
Monthly C1* - 106 C2* - 52 C3* - 10
Annual C1* - 589 C2* - 295 C3* - 59
*Fines are in euro
C1: Construction machines and tractors
C2: Smaller construction machines, vehicles with more than 8+1 seats designed for passenger
transport
C3: Vehicles with up to 8+1 seats designed for passenger transport
Using a vehicle with international licence plates could subject you to unexpected police inspections. Be aware of some common violations and the fines for these:
Violation fines
VIOLATION/FINE
Speed limit violations: From 20 to 150 leva
Driving without a seat belt: Up to 40 leva
Driving intoxicated*: From 50 to 150 leva and suspension of licence
* The permissible amount of alcohol level in the blood is 0.5/1000. Sanctions depend on the
percentage exceeding the permitted level.
One of the most common violations is exceeding the speed limit. Speed limits in Bulgaria vary as follows:
Speed limits
SPEED LIMIT/APPLIES TO
50 km/h - Populated areas
90 km/h - Outside populated areas
120 km/h - Highways
According to the US embassy in Bulgaria, driving conditions are as follows:
Safety of Public Transportation: Fair
Urban road conditions: Fair
Rural road conditions: Poor to fair
Availability of roadside assistance: Poor
Bulgarian must-see places
Useful advice for your stay in Bulgaria
Information about the most popular Bulgarian beach and ski resorts
The town of Bansko has developed into a modern winter resort in just few years with its ski facilities and hotels offering accommodation at average to high prices. The place is particularly popular among foreign tourists, drawn by the blend of antique Revival-time architecture and up-to-date amenities
General Visa and Passport Information for Bulgaria (Consular Information)
Public holidays in Bulgaria. Most interesting carnivals and festivals
Links to the web-sites of all Bulgarian state institutions - the President, the Parliament, the ministries, etc. State agencies and commissions
Basic information about the social insurance, pension insurance, and health insurance systems in Bulgaria
Concise facts and figures about Bulgarian geography, government, economy, communications, transportation, etc.
Information about foreign embassies in Bulgaria. Addresses and telephones