Radical Changes to the Road Traffic Act: What Should We Know About the New Rules and Penalties?

Bulgaria has taken a decisive step towards improving road safety with the entry into force of new, stricter rules and increased sanctions under the Road Traffic Act. As of September 7, 2025, the changes, voted on by the National Assembly and promulgated in the "State Gazette" on August 5, affect all traffic participants - from car drivers to pedestrians and cyclists. The new measures aim not only to discipline drivers but also to create a safer environment for everyone, focusing on the most frequent and dangerous violations.

Average Speed Control: An End to Tolerance for High Speeds

One of the most significant and long-awaited changes is the introduction of effective average speed control across the road network. This system, which will use existing toll and municipal cameras, will allow authorities to calculate the average speed of vehicles between two points. This is a serious response to the problem of drivers who slow down only in the zone of instantaneous detection cameras and then accelerate again. The new fines for speeding have also been significantly increased, which underlines the seriousness of the problem. The goal is to reduce accidents caused by high speed by enforcing lasting compliance with the limits, not just temporary. This measure is a step towards European practices and aims to reduce the number of victims and injured people on the roads.

Fines for Pedestrians and New Rules for Electric Vehicles

The changes also affect pedestrians. For the first time, sanctions are imposed for the use of a mobile phone by pedestrians while on the road. This measure is a logical response to the growing danger of distracted pedestrians, who are increasingly involved in incidents because they are not paying attention to traffic. The law also pays special attention to the increasingly popular individual electric vehicles, such as electric scooters. Cyclists and drivers of these vehicles are now required to wear helmets, and their movement on sidewalks is prohibited. These rules have been introduced to ensure the safety of both the drivers themselves and pedestrians by limiting conflict situations on busy city sidewalks.

Sanctions and Restrictions Every Driver Should Know

The legislative changes also provide for other important restrictions. For some serious violations, in addition to increased fines, the revocation of a driver's license is now provided. This is a serious measure that aims to remove the most dangerous and undisciplined drivers from the road. Another key change is related to vehicle technical inspections. Vehicles with unpaid fines will not be able to pass the mandatory annual technical inspection. This practically connects the two systems and makes the payment of fines a mandatory condition for using the car. Fines for vehicle defects have also been increased, which aims to encourage owners to keep their cars in good technical condition to reduce the risk of accidents caused by technical problems.

Conclusion: The Path to Safer Roads

The entry into force of the new rules under the Road Traffic Act is a strong signal that the state is determined to deal with the chaos on the roads. The changes are comprehensive and affect all participants, imposing greater responsibility and discipline. From average speed control to fines for pedestrians, each measure is aimed at reducing incidents and improving road culture. Now it remains to be seen how these rules will be applied in practice and whether they will lead to the expected results - fewer victims and more safety for everyone on the roads of Bulgaria.