In Bulgaria, the vignette is mandatory for driving on national roads outside of populated areas.There are a number of exceptions where you do not need to purchase a vignette.Checking the vignetteis important to avoid unnecessary costs or fines.

Roads of republican importance

First of all, sections of roads that are not part of the national road network do not require a vignette.These are usually municipal roads, streets in populated areas and some local sections.It is important to distinguish between them and roads of republican importance.These are highways, first-class, second-class - ring roads, side routes, and third-class roads.
For all of them, the vignette is mandatory.

Newly constructed road sections that have not yet been officially put into service can also be used without a vignette for a certain period.Information about such sections is usually published by the Agency „Road Infrastructure“.Motorways with an alternate route – in places where there is no alternative and the highway passes through the settlement, the journey may be without a vignette.Example: part of AM "Hemus" near Shumen.In some cases, alternative routes to large cities such as Sofia are foreseen, which do not pass through paid sections, allowing traffic without a vignette.

People with disabilities

Persons with 50% and over 50% permanently reduced working capacity are entitled to one free electronic vignette per year, provided the vehicle is owned by the person.

Vehicles with less than four wheels

This includes motorcycles, bicycles and all other non-motorized vehicles, tricycles, ATVs and mopeds.Motorcycles are not subject to tolls in Bulgaria, which makes them an attractive alternative for economical travel.Agricultural machinery, which are not intended for traffic on roads, are not subject to a vignette.Vehicles with a special traffic regime are also exempt from the vignette fee.These are the cars of the emergency medical aid, fire department, police, gendarmerie, diplomatic missions.This also includes emergency vehicles and vehicles of the Ministry of Defense and the Bulgarian Army when performing official tasks.

Electric cars

A vignette fee is not required for EVs, which are registered all-electric vehicles.This does not include hybrids.If the car is transported by bus or on a platform, there is no need for a vignette.If the motor vehicle is registered abroad and the stay in Bulgaria is less than 24 hours, a vignette is not mandatory.

When the motor vehicle is not moving on a highway, but is stopped, a vignette is not required.For vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons, a different type of toll must be paid based on distance traveled, not a vignette.

Fines and penalties

When driving on a highway without a valid vignette, the fine is BGN 300 for cars and up to BGN 700 for trucks.Therefore, it is always necessary to check whether the route requires it.

When a vignette is NOT required - a list of exceptions and situations

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