The Ministry of Regional Development (MRRD) has published a draft for public discussion on significant changes to the national road tolling system. The key innovation is the introduction of a flexible one-day electronic vignette, which will be valid exactly 24 hours from the moment of purchase.
The project envisages significant changes in vehicle taxation, with the main focus on introducing an environmental component in determining road fees. For passenger vehicles up to 3.5 tons, the option to purchase an electronic vignette with 24-hour validity will be introduced, providing greater flexibility for drivers.
In the absence of an electronic vignette, the proposed minimum road fee will be equal to the price of a one-day vignette, rather than the weekend vignette, as is currently the case. This change aims to ensure fairer taxation and better control of road traffic.
A particularly significant element of the new rules is the introduction of differentiated fees for heavy vehicles and buses over 3.5 tons. Fees will be calculated based on multiple factors, including:
• Technical characteristics of the road
• Distance traveled
• Vehicle category
• Number of axles
• Total technical mass
• EURO emission category
• Carbon dioxide emission class
This multi-factor system is directly inspired by Directive (EU) 2022/362 of the European Parliament and complies with modern European sustainable transport standards. The main goal is to encourage the use of more environmentally friendly vehicles through financial incentives, applying the "Polluter Pays" principle.
Five carbon dioxide emission classes are being introduced, where class 4, for example, covers heavy vehicles with low emissions, and class 5 – vehicles with zero emissions. The classification is expected to be reviewed every six years after initial registration.
Revenues from the new environmental fees will be specifically directed towards investments in low-carbon transport, improving road infrastructure, financing climate measures, and creating intelligent transport flow management systems.
The changes in the regulation are part of a larger process of adapting Bulgarian legislation to European requirements for sustainable and environmentally friendly transport.