Foreigners traveling by car in Bulgaria must know the requirements for vignettes on the national road network.They are mandatory for highways and premium roads outside urban areas, but not for city streets.Understanding the vignette system is important to avoid fines and hassles while traveling.The Bulgarian toll system differs from other European countries, so foreigners about vignettes should be informed in advance.
Mandatory requirements for vignettes in Bulgaria?
The vignette is a toll sticker that certifies the right to pass through the toll roads in Bulgaria.It is mandatory for all motor vehicles, including cars, trucks and motorcycles with an engine over 50 cm³, vans up to 3.5 tonnes and trailer/caravan combinations.A separate vignette is required for trailers/caravans with a total weight over 3.5 tonnes.Some categories (for example, cars of diplomatic missions, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Defense and other government institutions) are exempt.
The vignette is linked to the registration number of the vehicle, which allows the use of toll roads in Bulgaria.The vignette is also required for cars with foreign registration.
A vignette is required immediately after entering the country or before driving on toll roads.Exceptions are city streets and some secondary roads.
Who is required to have a vignette?
The absence of a vignette can result in unpleasant fines and compensatory fees that are significantly higher than the cost of the vignette itself.
Foreigners can easily and conveniently purchase the vignette in several languages – including English, German, Russian, Turkish, Greek, Serbian and Romanian – through official websites, mobile apps, border crossing terminals and retail outlets.Payment can be made by credit or debit card, bank transfer or cash.
Vignettes can be purchased online** through the official website of the National Toll Office bgtoll.bg or the BGTOLL application (available in English), as well as from vinetka.bg.The stickers are also sold at points of sale: cash desks of the Agency „Road Infrastructure“(API), at border checkpoints, gas stations (OMV, Shell, Rompetrol), post offices and other commercial establishments or service centers.
Where and how to buy a vignette?
When purchasing, it is necessary to correctly provide the vehicle registration number (on which the validity of the vignette depends) and the country in which it is registered and the starting date of validity.It is important to keep your proof of purchase (electronic or paper).
Purchase before travel is recommended to avoid fines.
The control is carried out by means of cameras or by mobile teams of traffic police patrols, which detect the vehicle's registration number and check in the system whether the vignette is valid.The absence of a vignette leads to fines of up to €153.38 / BGN 300 for passenger cars.The fine for not having a vignette can be paid on the spot or within 7 days with a 50% discount.The control over compliance with the requirements for vignettes is carried out by the Agency „Customs“and other competent authorities.
After buying the vignette, its validity can be checked online at bgtoll.bg or vinetka.bg by entering the vehicle registration number.It is recommended to always do this after purchase to ensure that the data is entered correctly.
Prices and types of vignettes
Vignettes are available in different variants according to the period of validity. The Bulgarian system offers:
- weekend (€5.11 / 10 leva) –valid from Friday 12:00 PM to Sunday 11:59 PM;
- weekly (€7.67 / BGN 15) –valid for 7 days from the start date;
- monthly (€15.34 / BGN 30) –valid for one month;
- quarterly vignette (€27.61 / BGN 54) –valid for three months from the start date;
- annual (€49.60 / BGN 97) –for one year from the start date.
Vignettes for cars up to 3.5 tons.For vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, the charges are significantly higher and are calculated using a different system.It is advisable to check whether the trailer or caravan is also subject to a vignette, especially if the combined mass exceeds 3.5 tonnes.