Driving in Bulgaria | Mandatory Vehicle Equipment 2025

Heading to Bulgaria by car? Find out what your vehicle must carry in 2025 and avoid fines for missing items or documents.

Mandatory Vehicle Equipment | Bulgaria 2025

First-aid kit icon

First-aid kit

(DIN 13164 compliant)

Warning triangle icon

Warning triangle

(type-approved)

Reflective vest icon

Reflective vest

(driver only, stored in cabin)

Fire extinguisher icon

Fire extinguisher

(with pressure gauge)

Spare bulbs?

Not required under Bulgarian law.

Motorcycles

Only requirement: an approved helmet for rider and passenger. Reflective vests are optional but recommended.

First-aid Kit

A DIN 13164-standard kit is recommended and accepted in Bulgaria. Check expiry and completeness before your trip.

Child Transport

Child seat required for anyone under 150 cm or 36 kg.

Fines

Missing equipment fine: 50 BGN (~€26). May also lead to confiscation of vehicle documents during checks.

Recommended Equipment

  • Spare fuses and bulbs
  • Jumper cables
  • Snow chains (in winter)
  • Flashlight
  • Ice scraper
  • Tow rope
  • Accident form
  • Multi-tool or knife

Spare wheel and tools are recommended but not mandatory.

Mandatory Documents | Bulgaria

  • ID card or passport (min. 6 months valid)
  • Driving licence
  • Registration certificate with valid inspection
  • Third-party liability insurance (OC)
  • Authorisation (if driving a leased or borrowed vehicle, in Bulgarian)

In case of damage or theft

To report a claim, provide insurance number, vehicle and driver details, event description, photos, police report, and supporting documents.

Insurance

EU insurance is recognised in Bulgaria. Green Card is not required for Slovak-plated vehicles.

Key Traffic Rules | Bulgaria

  • Speed limits:
    • Urban: 50 km/h
    • Non-urban: 90 km/h
    • Motorways/Expressways: 120–140 km/h
  • Alcohol limit: 0.5‰
  • Headlights: must be on year-round
  • Seatbelts required for all passengers
  • Phone use only with hands-free
  • Only park in designated hotel or paid public parking areas (e.g. Sunny Beach, Golden Sands)

Speeding fines

  • +10 km/h: up to 20 BGN
  • +11–20 km/h: up to 50 BGN
  • +21–30 km/h: up to 100 BGN
  • +31–40 km/h: up to 400 BGN
  • +41–50 km/h: up to 600 BGN
  • >50 km/h: 700 BGN + 3-month licence suspension

Weekend truck bans

Trucks >12t banned on Fridays 16:00–20:00 and Sundays 14:00–20:00. Exceptions apply to food, live animals, ADR cargo.

Additional rules

  • Use only monitored parking
  • Lock your car while driving
  • Avoid leaving luggage in view
  • Avoid overnight stops in isolated areas
  • Authorisation for borrowed cars must be translated (BG, EN, FR, or DE)

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Bulgaria by car | Summary

Make sure your car carries a DIN 13164 first-aid kit, warning triangle, and reflective vest. In winter, switch to seasonal tyres and carry chains if driving into mountains. Missing gear or breaking local rules may cost you hundreds (or thousands) of euros.

Have a safe journey!