Highways and roads concerned in Bulgaria

The Bulgarian vignette is mandatory for traveling on most major roads in the country. Whether you are on a tourist trip or in transit to another country, it is essential to know the toll roads and highways. In Bulgaria, the use of the vignette applies not only to modern highways but also to certain heavily trafficked first-class national roads. Here is an overview of the main routes concerned, to avoid any infringement and travel peacefully.

The vignette is required to use:

• All Bulgarian highways (marked by a blue sign with the "A" symbol)
• Some national roads (1st class), particularly around major cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas
• The expressways connecting the main economic and tourist routes

Examples of major axes:

• A1 (Trakia): Sofia – Plovdiv – Burgas
• A2 (Hemus): Sofia – Varna
• A3 (Struma): Sofia – Greek border
• A4 (Maritsa) : Plovdiv – Turkish border

💡 Secondary roads and certain urban areas do not require a vignette.

Driving without a vignette: zones and exceptions

Although the electronic vignette is mandatory on most highways and main national roads, it is entirely possible to travel without a vignette on certain portions of the territory. Indeed, secondary roads (class II or III), often less frequented and more rural, are not subject to tolls. These routes can be useful for local trips, detours, or visits off the main thoroughfares.

Similarly, some urban areas, particularly in city centers, residential neighborhoods, or internal roads within municipalities, do not require a vignette. However, this varies by region, and it is recommended to check your route carefully before traveling.

This type of traffic may suit budget travelers, but be careful: these roads can be longer, less well-maintained, and sometimes congested during the summer. For a smooth and quick journey, using the main routes is highly recommended… with an up-to-date vignette of course!

What types of vehicles need a vignette in Bulgaria?

In Bulgaria, the use of an electronic vignette is mandatory for all motor vehicles under 3.5 tons traveling on toll highways and national roads.

Here are the relevant categories:

• Private cars
• Motorhomes and vans (if the total authorized weight is less than or equal to 3.5 tons)
• Light commercial vehicles
• Towed trailers (if the vehicle + trailer combination exceeds 3.5 tons, a specific sticker may be required)

Motorcycles, on the other hand, are not subject to the vignette requirement in Bulgaria. They can freely use the highways without charge.

For vehicles over 3.5 tons (trucks, buses, coaches), the toll system is different: it does not rely on a vignette, but on a toll per kilometer, calculated based on the route, vehicle type, and emissions. This system relies on an onboard GPS device (OBU box) or billing via electronic toll collection through an authorized provider.

Validity periods of the Bulgarian vignette

Bulgaria offers several vignette duration options based on your needs, whether you are a tourist or a professional:

The flexibility of the Bulgarian system allows you to freely choose your validity start date at the time of purchase, including for deferred activation.

The validity starts on the date chosen at the time of purchase, so it is possible to buy in advance and plan your activation. You can purchase your vignette up to 30 days in advance, which is convenient for organizing your trip without stress.

Once purchased, the vignette is linked to your license plate: no physical support is needed, everything is recorded electronically.

Where to buy your vignette for Bulgaria?

The Bulgarian electronic vignette can be easily purchased through several official channels.

You can order your vignette directly online at EuroVignette. You benefit from an interface in your language, secure payment, responsive customer support available 7 days a week, and immediate email confirmation with proof of purchase.

It is also possible to purchase the vignette:

• At certain gas stations located near borders or on the motorway network
• At the electronic terminals present at the entry of the territory
• At partner post offices or payment centers in Bulgaria

However, these options may involve waiting lines, additional waiting time, or an interface in Bulgarian, which complicates the process, especially for foreign tourists.

Penalties for lack of sticker in Bulgaria

Bulgaria has an automated control system (ANPR cameras and patrols) that allows for instant verification of whether a vehicle is compliant.

In case of absence of a valid vignette:

• You risk a fixed fine of 70 BGN (approximately 35 €) if paid quickly
• If you refuse to pay the fixed fine, you may face a legal fine of up to 300 BGN (approximately 150 €)
• The police can detain you until payment is made.

Highways in Bulgaria: a developing network subject to sticker

The Bulgarian highway network is undergoing modernization and is a major strategic axis for travelers coming from or heading to the Balkans, Turkey, Greece, or Romania. All highways in Bulgaria are subject to the mandatory electronic vignette for light vehicles under 3.5 tons.

Bulgarian highways are identified by the letter "A" followed by a number and are signposted with blue signs, as in many European countries.

The Bulgarian highway network is gradually expanding across the country, connecting major cities, strategic borders, and tourist areas. Here are the main highways you will likely use when passing through Bulgaria:

• A1 – Trakia: connects Sofia to Plovdiv and Burgas, on the Black Sea coast
• A2 – Hemus: connects Sofia to Varna (northeast coast) – some sections are still under construction
• A3 – Struma: connects Sofia to the Greek-Bulgarian border (Kulata) via Blagoevgrad
• A4 – Maritsa: east branch of the A1, connecting Plovdiv to the Turkish border (Kapitan Andreevo)
• A5 – Cherno More (Black Sea): long-term project to connect Varna to Burgas (partially built)

The specifics of the highway network in Bulgaria

• The network is not yet fully completed, with some sections under construction or modernization.
• The maximum speed limit on Bulgarian highways is generally 140 km/h, unless otherwise indicated.
• Bulgarian highways are free for motorcycles but require a vignette for cars.
• Some routes may include rest areas, gas stations, and checkpoints (police or customs).

Can an electronic vignette be transferred in Bulgaria?

No, the electronic vignette is neither transferable nor modifiable once purchased! It is automatically linked to the license plate entered at the time of order and remains valid only for that specific vehicle for its entire validity period.

This means you cannot:

• Transfer a vignette to another vehicle (even in case of sale, exchange, or temporary replacement)
• Correct a typo on the license plate after payment validation
• Change the validity period after purchase

What to do in case of an error?

If you entered an incorrect license plate or selected the wrong type of vignette, the vignette becomes invalid and you risk a fine during a check, even if payment has been made.

No modification or refund procedure is provided by the authorities, which is why it is essential to check all information before confirming your order.

Before any purchase, take the time to check the accuracy of your license plate (spelling, format, any spaces), confirm the type of vehicle, the desired duration, and the start date of validity. Keep your proof of purchase by email in case of inspection or dispute. If in doubt, do not hesitate to contact our customer service available 24/7 before placing the order.

Driving in Bulgaria: driving rules and local specifics to know

Before getting behind the wheel in Bulgaria, it is important to know the local traffic rules to travel safely and avoid fines. In addition to the obligation of an electronic vignette on highways and main roads, the country applies certain specific road regulations, sometimes different from those in force in other European countries.

Main rules to follow

• Daytime running lights are mandatory day and night. Even in the middle of summer, all vehicles must drive with their lights on at all times, under penalty of a fine.
• Maximum blood alcohol level: 0.5 g/l. The tolerance is very low. In case of a positive test, sanctions may include license withdrawal, high fines, or vehicle immobilization.
• Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory in the front and back.
• Using a phone while driving is prohibited, except with a hands-free kit.
• Safety vest and warning triangle are mandatory on board. In case of breakdown or accident, these items must be used.
• Winter tires are mandatory from November 15 to March 1. If you are driving in winter, make sure you are well equipped, especially in mountainous areas.

Speed limits (unless otherwise indicated)