In Bulgaria vinetka for a trailer is mandatory to use the republican road network for motor vehicles that use the paid road network.These are mainly cars, buses and trucks.Trailers and caravans are not motor vehicles per se, but trailer loads.The question of whether a trailer or caravan requires a separate vignette to use the road network often confuses owners.The answer is not clear-cut and depends on the category of the towed vehicle and the towing vehicle.Understanding these rules is key to avoiding fines and trouble down the road.
When is only one vignette needed?
The basic rule is this: the vignette is paid for the motor vehicle pulling the trailer, not the trailer itself.This rightly does not apply to certain cases.
In most cases, if the total permissible weight of the composition does not exceed 3.5 tons, only one vignette is required - that of the towing vehicle.This vignette must be valid for the relevant category of the towing vehicle.
Second trailer or caravan vignette - when is it required?
Since January 1, 2019, a mandatory electronic vignette has been introduced in Bulgaria for caravans and trailers, when the total weight of the vehicle and trailer exceeds 3.5 tons.In such a case, a second vignette is required which is specific to the trailer or caravan being towed.This second vignette is for Category B2.Category B2 was introduced specifically for caravans that are towed by cars with a permissible maximum weight of up to 3.5 tons.The total weight of the entire composition exceeds 3.5 tons.
Toll charging and traveling abroad
When the trailer has its own registration and the weight of the composition exceeds 3.5 tons, it is already a heavy-duty composition.It is necessary to switch to a toll system, not a vignette.In this case, it is paid according to the distance traveled and the category of the vehicle.When the caravan is used as a self-towed vehicle, exceeds a certain weight threshold, it may fall under the scope of toll charging.
Always check the registration documents of the towing vehicle and the trailer/caravan to establish their permissible maximum weights.Add them up and if the result is over 3.5 tonnes, get ready to buy a Category B2 vignette for your trailer or caravan.This will save you fines and ensure a smooth journey.
Vignette fee is not payable when the caravan or trailer is not in motion, for example when parked at a holiday or camping site.A vignette is not required for driving on municipal roads (3rd and 4th class). When traveling abroad, the rules may be different.In some European countries, a separate vignette is required for trailers regardless of weight, while in others similar rules apply to Bulgarian ones.
The check at vinetka.bg will give accurate information about the registration and the necessary documents.This will avoid fines and trouble on the road.