Today, in accordance with their official publication in the _State Gazette_ on August 5, 2025, key amendments to the Road Traffic Act come into force. These amendments aim to increase the safety of all road users - from drivers of motor vehicles, through cyclists and users of electric vehicles, to pedestrians.
The changes were the subject of lively parliamentary debates before they were adopted and published. They are the result of a thorough analysis prepared by experts from the State Agency "Road Traffic Safety" (SARS). The agency provided a detailed explanation of the main innovations in its joint column with the BTA, called "On the Road, Life Has Priority".
One of the most significant innovations is the introduction of average speed as a criterion for violations. The control system will use cameras located at the beginning and end of specific road sections. According to the official definition, "average speed" is the speed at which a vehicle covers a given section in a specific time, established by an automated technical means or a sectional control system. This means that even if you are not caught in the act of speeding, a violation can be established based on the entire distance traveled between two checkpoints.
Crossing railway tracks is now subject to strict restrictions.
The new regulations prohibit not only crossing outside of railway crossings but also the unauthorized lifting or bypassing of lowered barriers. Special attention is paid to dangerous practices such as changing gears on the crossing itself or reversing on it.
Another significant change affects driving in the emergency lane. Until now, exceptions were allowed in cases of vehicle breakdown or a health problem of the driver or passengers. With the new legislation, these exceptions are completely removed. This leads to a complete ban on driving in the hard shoulder, as well as in the oncoming traffic lane.
To reduce incidents caused by sudden maneuvers, the law now requires smooth speed reduction. Abrupt braking is strictly prohibited, except in a single case - to avoid a road traffic accident. When yielding to other road users, braking must be performed in the lane the car is occupying.
Ban on mobile devices and pedestrians
A strict ban is also imposed on the use of mobile devices while driving. An exception is made only for devices that allow communication without the use of hands, or for systems built into the car.
Regarding pedestrian crossings, drivers are required to reduce speed or stop to let pedestrians who have already stepped onto the roadway or are signaling their intention to cross pass.
The new rules also introduce an expanded set of requirements for drivers involved in an accident. If there are injured parties, they are not allowed to consume alcohol or drugs until the arrival of the control authorities. In cases of only material damage, if there is no agreement between the parties, they must immediately notify the relevant service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, without leaving the scene of the accident, and also refrain from consuming alcohol and intoxicating substances.
For children under 150 cm in height who are traveling in vehicles of categories M1, N1, N2, and N3, the use of restraint systems is now absolutely mandatory.
Technical inspections and foreign licenses
The performance of a technical inspection to check the roadworthiness of the vehicle is now contingent on the owner or user not having any unpaid fines or property sanctions imposed by a final penalty decree, ticket, or electronic ticket for violations committed with the same vehicle.
Bulgarian citizens can drive vehicles on the territory of the country with a foreign national driving license for up to one year from the date of their entry, but only if it was issued by a country outside the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland.
Pedestrians are also subject to new rules. They are required to look around before stepping onto the roadway and not to use mobile devices that distract their attention. It is forbidden to cross immediately in front of or behind a stopped bus, tram, or trolleybus at a stop.
Rules for electric vehicles and cyclists
Specific requirements for individual electric vehicles have also been included in the Act. The minimum driving age is 16. Drivers must wear a protective helmet and operate a vehicle with a maximum speed of up to 25 km/h. When crossing a pedestrian crossing, they must dismount the vehicle and cross on foot, taking traffic into account. A valid "Civil Liability" insurance is also mandatory.
The operation of unregistered vehicles is prohibited, as is driving during the dark part of the day. It is also forbidden to drive with one hand, perform dangerous maneuvers, use mobile devices, and lead animals. Parking in parks, gardens, and other designated areas is also prohibited.
Cyclists are now required to wear reflective elements or a vest outside populated areas, at night, and in low visibility. When crossing a pedestrian crossing, they, like users of electric vehicles, must dismount their bicycle and cross on foot.
- The detailed text of all changes is available on the official website of the State Agency "Road Traffic Safety".