Within less than three months of active efforts to improve road safety, Traffic Police authorities have achieved significant success in curbing dangerous practices. As of September 3, 2026, 220 out of the 250 identified locations nationwide with a high concentration of illegal street racing and drifting are no longer frequented by enthusiasts of such activities, thanks to systematic police presence and enhanced control aimed at suppressing these high-risk public disturbances.
The list of more than 250 problematic locations was compiled in June, with statistics highlighting the highest number of such spots in the major cities of Sofia, Plovdiv, Pazardzhik, and Varna. During parliamentary oversight, Minister of Interior Ivan Demerdzhiev emphasized the institution's determination, stating: "We have the necessary will to implement actions that create the conditions for resolving the long-standing problems within the road safety system."
Each regional directorate of the Ministry of Interior analyzes incoming information from a wide range of sources, including social media, the internet, mobile applications, reports from citizens, and operational investigative activities, to identify areas with the potential for risky driving. To effectively cover all road users, various methods of intervention are being applied:
- use of police motorcycles;
- deployment of unmarked patrol cars;
- use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).
In addition to direct measures against street racing, the Ministry of Interior is actively working on enforcing administrative and penal liability against habitual violators of the Road Traffic Act. The focus of specialized police operations is directed toward violations of the Insurance Code and the rules that create the highest risk of severe accidents. Procedures for serving penal decrees have been accelerated, while strict follow-up control is being exercised over the enforcement of imposed sanctions.
In conclusion, Minister Demerdzhiev drew attention to the need to foster the right attitude among citizens from an early age. He added: "We must not forget that the attitude toward road safety in a society begins within the family. Upbringing, early education, and the examples we each set are the foundation for forming responsible behavior on the road."