The Bulgarian Parliament has passed major amendments to the Roads Act and Road Traffic Act following a 14-hour session, including the introduction of one-day vignettes for passenger vehicles up to 3.5 tons. These short-term road usage permits will apply to the national road network and will come into effect six months after publication in the State Gazette.
Key New Measures and Reforms:
One-Day Vignette & Toll System Overhaul
- A one-day vignette for cars using the republican road network will soon be available.
- Tolls for heavy goods vehicles will be restructured based on:
- Road type or segment
- Distance traveled
- Vehicle category
- Number of axles
- Maximum permitted weight
- EURO emission class
- CO₂ emissions (both class and specific emissions)
- These toll revisions align with EU requirements for greener transport.
Speed Enforcement with Average Speed Cameras
- Average speed control will be implemented on about 50 road sections, primarily highways and expressways.
- Both toll system cameras and municipal surveillance systems will now be used to detect speeding.
- Automated reports with photographic and video evidence will support violations.
- Speed limits remain:
- 140 km/h for cars on highways
- 90 km/h for trucks
- 50 km/h in towns
- New “Zone 30” areas: 30 km/h in densely populated urban zones
Unmarked Police Vehicles Now Authorized
- Uniformed officers may enforce traffic laws from unmarked police vehicles if the violation presents an immediate danger.
- These vehicles will signal with flashing blue lights, sirens, and visible messages in both Bulgarian and English, or via loudspeakers.
Tougher Penalties for Traffic Violations
- Driving over 40 km/h above the speed limit outside urban areas now results in:
- A 600 BGN fine
- License suspension for 2 months
- Repeat offenses: 1,200 BGN fine and 3-month license suspension
- New fine amounts:
- Running a red light: 150 BGN (up from 100)
- Failing to yield at pedestrian crossings: 150 BGN
- Not stopping at a STOP sign: 100 BGN
Municipal Cameras Linked to Interior Ministry
- Municipal speed and surveillance cameras will now share data directly with the Ministry of Interior’s systems to support administrative fines.
- Municipalities must provide full vehicle and violation data to authorities.
Mandatory Fine Payments Before Technical Inspection
- Vehicles will not pass technical inspections unless all outstanding e-fines are paid.
Road Safety Reports Every Six Months
- The State Road Safety Agency is required to submit biannual reports on road safety to Parliament.