ELECTRONIC VIGNETTE FOR BULGARIA
As of 2019, the use of an electronic vignette is mandatory in Bulgaria for all motor vehicles on highways and state roads, with the exception of motorcycles and tricycles. This change came as part of a wider European trend to replace classic paper or self-adhesive vignettes with digital versions, allowing for a simpler and more convenient way to pay tolls. The electronic vignette is linked to the vehicle’s registration plate.
To drive on Bulgarian highways and main roads, a vignette is necessary. In addition to motorways, tolls are also charged on expressways and most lower grade roads, which can complicate route planning without tolled sections. For motor vehicles up to 3.5 tons, you can purchase a vignette with different validity periods, see below. If you are planning a trip to Bulgaria, it is important to have a vignette secured in advance to avoid problems at checkpoints.
As of 2019, the use of an electronic vignette is mandatory in Bulgaria for all motor vehicles on highways and state roads, with the exception of motorcycles and tricycles. This change came as part of a wider European trend to replace classic paper or self-adhesive vignettes with digital versions, allowing for a simpler and more convenient way to pay tolls. The electronic vignette is linked to the vehicle’s registration plate.
To drive on Bulgarian highways and main roads, a vignette is necessary. In addition to motorways, tolls are also charged on expressways and most lower grade roads, which can complicate route planning without tolled sections. For motor vehicles up to 3.5 tons, you can purchase a vignette with different validity periods, see below. If you are planning a trip to Bulgaria, it is important to have a vignette secured in advance to avoid problems at checkpoints.
You can buy a vignette here:
Electronic vignettes in Europe
Types of Roads
In Bulgaria, a distinction is made between highways and national roads. The maximum speed on motorways is 140 km/h, on national roads only 120 km/h. In 2012, the Bulgarian government announced that already existing important routes would be converted into motorways. This will reduce the high cost of building a new highway. National highways have at least two lanes, but many sections lack emergency lanes.
In Bulgaria, a vignette is mandatory for motor vehicles up to 3.5 tons (except motorcycles) on the following types of roads:
Motorway (Road A)
A1 (E80): Sofia – Burgas
A2 (E79): Sofia – Greek Border
A3: Plovdiv – Burgas
Expressway: All Roads Intended for High-speed Traffic
Botevgrad – Vidin
Shumen – Ruse
Stara Zagora – Kazanlak
The electronic vignette covers the cost of using these motorways and some main roads. There are no special toll roads beyond the vignette, but additional charges may be required on some bridges and ferries.
Different Types of Vehicles
In Bulgaria, vehicles are divided into two categories. The first group consists of vehicles with a maximum permissible weight of up to 3.5 tons, which includes passenger cars and motorhomes, which must have a vignette. The second group includes trailers. Vehicles with less than four wheels, such as motorcycles and tricycles, are exempt from the requirement to have a vignette.
Trailers
If the total weight of the vehicle with trailer exceeds 3.5 tons, a separate type E vignette must be purchased for the trailer. The validity of these two vignettes may not be the same. On the other hand, if the towing vehicle does not exceed the weight of 3.5 tons, no additional vignette is needed for the trailer.
Vehicles Over 3.5 Tonnes
From March 1, 2020, vehicles with a total weight of over 3.5 tons must pay a toll, which depends on the route taken. The amount of the fee is determined based on the distance traveled (using GPS tracking), the category of the vehicle (for example, truck or bus), its weight, the number of axles and the EURO emission class.
Validity of Vignettes
When traveling to Bulgaria, it is important to choose the correct vignette according to the planned length of stay. Whether you plan to stay for a week, a month or a whole year, choose the electronic vignette that best suits your needs.
Annual vignette: For motorway users who plan to travel around Bulgaria throughout the year with unlimited access.
90-day vignette: Allows travelers to use the highways carefree for three months.
1 month vignette: Suitable for those who plan a longer stay and want to explore more attractions in Bulgaria.
7-day vignette: Ideal for short-term visitors who want to use the motorways comfortably during their stay.
Weekend vignette: the shortest possible validity allows you to drive Bulgarian highways from Friday 12:00 to Sunday 23:59.
Fines in Bulgaria
Driving without a valid electronic vignette can lead to heavy fines. It is important to purchase a vignette that matches your category before you travel. It is also recommended to regularly check the validity of the electronic vignette, both before and after its purchase, so that you can react quickly in case of any problems.
If you are caught driving on the toll roads in Bulgaria without a valid e-vignette, you can face a fine ranging from around 140 € to 950 €. For a first offence, you can receive an offer of a compensation payment of around 35 €, which can be used to purchase a valid electronic vignette on the same day. For vehicles with a total weight exceeding 3.5 tons, the fine can reach up to 950 €.
Frequently Asked Questions
- The following types of vignettes are available in Bulgaria: weekend (4 €), 1 week (15.7 €), 1 month (24.6 €) , 90 days (37 €) and 1 year (59 €).
- No, motorcycles and tricycles are exempt from the toll vignette duty.
- A vignette is mandatory for motorways (e.g. A1, A2, A3) and expressways. In addition, some bridges and ferries may be tolled.
- Vehicles with a total weight of over 3.5 tons pay tolls depending on the route taken, vehicle type, weight, number of axles and emission class.
- Driving without a valid vignette can result in a fine from 140 € to 950 €. A compensation payment of 35 € may be offered for a first offence.
- If the combination of vehicle and trailer exceeds 3.5 tons, a separate vignette for the trailer must be purchased.
- The weekend vignette is valid from Friday 12:00 to Sunday 23:59.
- The maximum speed on motorways is 140 km/h, on national roads 120 km/h.