Changes in the Road Toll Tariff: One-Day Vignette and Euro

The government approved a draft Decree that provides for changes in the Tariff for fees collected for passage and use of the republican road network. The announcement was disseminated by the press office of the Council of Ministers. The main goal of these changes is to adapt the subordinate regulatory framework to the planned principles and procedures for the introduction of the euro as a currency in the country, in accordance with legal requirements.

One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a one-day vignette. This is done in implementation of the amendments to the Roads Act. The document provides that for the use of the paid republican road network by vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tons, within 24 hours, a fee of 4.09 euros will be due. In determining this price, the principle of proportionality has been observed, as well as the rule of increasing value when reducing the validity period. These principles are also embedded in the determination of the prices of the other vignettes.

Additional attention is also paid to oversized and heavy road vehicles. For the movement of such without proper permission from the owner or the administration managing the road, or if the vehicle exceeds the dimensions, mass or axle load determined by the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, a compensatory fee is provided. Its size is set at 1200 leva, equivalent to 613.55 euros. This fee has a sanctioning nature, being higher than the permit fees, but lower than the penalties imposed. The Council of Ministers emphasizes that the goal is to encourage drivers not to use paid roads with vehicles exceeding the established norms.

In addition, the provisions concerning fees for special use of the road through the operation of commercial roadside sites and road connections to them, within the scope of the road and the service areas, also include charging stations for electric vehicles. According to these changes, the construction and operation of charging stations will also be subject to a permit regime.

The Decree also provides for fees for special use of expressways, which have not been regulated in the current Tariff. These fees will be equal to the fees for a highway. In addition, a new article is added, which determines a fee for issuing a permit to a notified body for assessing the conformity of providers of the European Electronic Road Fee service.

It is recalled that in September an electronic vignette with a validity period of 24 hours was introduced, starting from the starting date and time, for vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tons.