As with any country, you should be aware of the traffic rules and regulations if you plan to drive in Bulgaria . Indeed, you will probably want to drive if you plan to stay in the country for a long time, regardless of whether you rent or buy a car. Make sure your driving license is valid and recognized in the country. Otherwise, you will have to apply for a Bulgarian driving license.
Conditions
Since driving licenses are mandatory in Bulgaria, we recommend that you check whether your license is recognized by the local authorities. Foreigners arriving from outside the European Union can use their national driving license for a maximum of one year. The driving license must be accompanied by a translation into Bulgarian. After this period, they will have to exchange their driving license for a Bulgarian one. In some cases, the foreigner will have to retake the oral traffic test and the driving test.
On the other hand, foreigners arriving from the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland are allowed to use their national driving license for the entire period of their stay in the country, regardless of the duration. In fact, these countries have signed the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, according to which foreigners do not have to take the oral driving test again.
Importantly:
The Bulgarian driving license must be renewed every ten years for the following vehicle types: AM, A1, A2, B and B1. As for the class C driving license, which applies to visually impaired drivers, it must be renewed every four years.
Driving license exchange in Bulgaria
You must be a resident of Bulgaria to be allowed to exchange your driving license for a Bulgarian driving license. If so, you simply need to call the traffic department closest to your place of residence with your original driving license and residence permit. Your original driving license will then be returned to the nearest municipality to your place of residence in your country, along with an explanation from the Bulgarian authorities.
Obtaining a Bulgarian driving license
You must register with a driving school to learn how to drive. Make sure the driving school is accredited by the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport. Driving lessons usually consist of the following:
- first aid introduction
- 40 hours of theory
- 24 hours of driving lessons.
Useful to know:
Don’t panic if you don’t understand either the Bulgarian or Cyrillic alphabet, as the traffic rules are also available in English and French.
You must also undergo a medical examination at a public hospital. After passing the driving test, the driving school will issue a certificate that must be presented to the nearest traffic police station. Other documents that must be provided are:
- your ID card
- first aid certificate issued by the Bulgarian Red Cross
- medical certificate
- receipt for payment of the application
- copies of certificates and diplomas.
In some cases, candidates may be required to provide a mental health certificate or any evidence that they have paid any fines previously incurred.
Car insurance in Bulgaria
All vehicles in Bulgaria must be insured, at least for third party liability, for a period of one year. The insurance policy, insurance card and sticker must be displayed on the windshield of the vehicle. To subscribe to third party liability insurance, the following documents must be submitted to the insurance company:
- vehicle registration certificate,
- roadworthiness certificate
- your ID card
- address confirmation.
Some insurance companies offer additional coverage and services. Be sure to choose the best policy for your needs and budget.
Road safety
In Bulgaria you must drive on the right side of the road.
To drive a car, you must be at least 18 years old.
Wearing seat belts is mandatory both in the front and in the back.
On the road from November 1 to March 1 inclusive, headlights must be on at all times.
From November 1st to March 31st, all vehicles must be equipped with snow chains in case of an emergency. In some areas, as indicated by road signs, you must attach them to the tires.
Read also: Vignettes in Bulgaria
The vehicle must always be equipped with a warning triangle, a reflective vest (green or orange), a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher.
The speed limit is 130 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h in cities and 50 km/h in residential areas.
The maximum permissible alcohol level is 0.5 g/l of blood. The police can ask drivers to take a breathalyzer at any time. Refusal will result in a fine. If the test result is positive, you risk a fine or even the confiscation of your car.