A new stage in Bulgaria's road toll policy: From September 1, a series of changes to toll prices will come into effect. The National Toll Administration informs that, starting from the beginning of the month, the values per kilometer traveled for all vehicles weighing over 3.5 tons will be updated. The changes affect both the per-kilometer tariff and the maximum toll that can be charged.
These corrections are part of a long-term strategy set out in Council of Ministers Decree No. 20 of March 31, 2025, which provides for a gradual change in the Tariff for fees for passing and using the republican road network. The first stage of this update was implemented on April 1, 2025, when prices were increased by 10%. The upcoming change on September 1 represents the second and final stage of the planned update, with another 10% increase to be applied. Thus, the total increase for the two stages reaches 20% in accordance with the decision of the Council of Ministers.
To illustrate the effect of these changes, the National Toll Administration provides a specific example. Until April 1, 2025, a route pass for a specific section cost 10 leva. After the first increase, in the period from April 1 to August 31, the same pass cost 11 leva. From September 1 onwards, its final price will reach 12 leva, reflecting the full 20% increase.
The changes also come into force for the so-called compensatory fees, which are imposed for certain violations. As these fees are calculated at double the maximum toll for the respective vehicle category, their value also automatically increases.
Despite the changes, the agency explicitly emphasizes that the prices of electronic vignettes for passenger cars remain unchanged. This decision ensures that the financial burden of the update will be directed exclusively at heavy-duty traffic and the companies that operate such vehicles, without affecting regular drivers.