Bulgaria Vignette – General Information
The Bulgaria vignette serves as proof of the road tax payment. It is mandatory to have a valid vignette Bulgaria if you plan on using national motorways and expressways. If you fail to obtain a suitable toll sticker (adhesive or digital), you are using the high-speed routes illegally.
Apart from the traditional toll sticker, you can also purchase a digital e-vignette Bulgaria. The online toll system was introduced by the Bulgarian Government in 2019. This solution is very convenient as it allows you to obtain the mandatory vignette prior to the planned trip.
A vignette is essential if you are driving a vehicle under 3.5t in Bulgaria (with the exception of motorcycles). Depending on the estimated travel time, select one of the four different validity periods for your toll vignette – 7 days, 30 days, 90 days, or an entire year.
Remember that using a Bulgarian vignette is mandatory for all travelers driving vehicles under 3.5t. Otherwise, you may receive a pricey fine – Bulgarian police officers can stop you for routine control, or you may be recorded by one of the special cameras placed throughout the country.
The digital vignette for Bulgaria is very convenient, as the registration process takes only a few clicks.
Vignette Requirement in Bulgaria
You cannot use the Bulgarian highways without a valid vignette – it is illegal. The toll vignette system was introduced by the Bulgarian Government to collect money that would be used to fund maintenance works of the high-speed routes. This way, the roads can be kept in the best shape and guarantee safety.
If you do not obey the motorway vignette requirement, you may be given an expensive penalty. A fine for driving on Bulgarian highways without the toll sticker is 3,000 BGN.
Types of Vignette Bulgaria
As for now, there is only one type of Bulgarian e-vignette available for drivers. However, you can select the most suitable validity period of the toll sticker, depending on your planned travel duration.
Vehicles under 3.5t (cars)
Buy one of the following Bulgarian e-vignette types for seamless travel:
Motorbikes up to 3.5t
Vehicles over 3.5t (trucks, buses)
As for the vehicles with a total maximum weight over 3.5t, they are not required to use a vignette for Bulgaria. Nevertheless, they must cover the road tax payment in another way.
The driver shall obtain a special measuring unit that will calculate the distance traveled through Bulgarian motorways. Then, once the journey is finished, the device will estimate the amount due. The driver must make the fee payment using a prepaid Route Pass (obtainable online or at petrol stations).
Special toll
Remember that you must pay an additional fee if your travel includes crossing the Danube River through toll bridges. This river acts as a natural border between Bulgaria and Romania.
- Calafat-Vidin crossing – 6 EUR
- Giurgiu-Rousse crossing – 3 EUR
Vignette Bulgaria Online Purchase
You can obtain the digital vignette Bulgaria in just a few easy steps. Before proceeding with the registration, make sure you have an electronic device connected to the Internet (for example, a smartphone). Then, simply follow these three steps:
- Choose your preferred e-vignette type – select the toll that will remain in force for the entire duration of your journey through Bulgaria.
- Complete the e-vignette registration form – provide your personal details and information about your car (vehicle category, license plate numbers).
- Cover the fee for the e-vignette processing – pay the calculated amount using your credit card, debit card, or one of the available online payment methods.
Once the payment has been covered, your official vignette for Bulgaria will be delivered to your e-mail inbox. If you cannot find the message, we recommend checking the SPAM folder.
Although the Bulgaria e-vignette will be linked electronically to your vehicle registration number, it is recommended to download the vignette to your smartphone. This way, you can always have it on hand.
Penalties for Driving without a Valid Vignette
If there is no toll sticker on your vehicle and if you do not have a valid vignette for Bulgaria online, you risk receiving a penalty. During your visit to Bulgaria, you may be stopped by police officers for a routine check – they can verify your identity and check the validity of your vignette.
What is more, in the entire country, there are cameras that scan each passing vehicle. If your registration number is not saved in the toll system database, you will be given a fine.
Online Vignette Bulgaria Benefits
If you choose to obtain the digital vignette for Bulgaria, you can enjoy multiple benefits of the purchase:
- Effortless and intuitive application procedure conducted online from home
- Obtaining the mandatory vignette prior to the journey to ensure peace of mind
- Keeping the vehicle without any sticky residue that is usually left from the toll sticker
- Contact with the Support Team that will answer all your questions
FAQ
What is a Bulgarian vignette?
The Bulgaria vignette is a form of road tax payment that is required from all travelers using the national motorways and expressways. You can obtain the traditional toll sticker to place it on your vehicle windshield, or you can complete the purchase online for a digital e-vignette.
Do I need a vignette for Bulgaria?
It is mandatory to have a valid vignette Bulgaria if you are driving a vehcile under 3.5t on the Bulgarian highways. Travelers driving motorcycles can enjoy the exemption from the vignette requirement. If your vehicle weighs over 3.5t, you need to use the distance-based toll system.
How to buy a vignette Bulgaria?
You can buy the toll sticker for Bulgaria at selected petrol stations and toll shops. However, it is much more convenient to buy the e-vignette online. The procedure is effortless, takes only a few minutes, and can be completed from home using our website.
How long is a vignette Bulgaria valid?
You can select one of the four available e-vignette Bulgaria types. Depending on the time you would like to spend in Bulgaria using the national highways, you can obtain a toll sticker for 7 days, 30 days, 90 days, or an entire year. The vignette becomes valid immediately.
What is the fine for not having a vignette for Bulgaria?
You must obtain a suitable vignette for Bulgaria before travel. Otherwise, you may face serious consequences in the form of a pricey penalty. Currently, the fine for using the motorways of Bulgaria without a valid toll sticker is 3,000 BGN.
Do I need a vignette Bulgaria for a motorcycle?
If you are planning to drive through motorways and expressways of Bulgaria on a motorcycle, you can enjoy the vignette exemption. The toll sticker is only essential for campers and passenger cars.
How much does a vignette Bulgaria cost?
The cost of your vignette will vary depending on the selected validity period of the toll sticker. For example, you need to pay 16.00 EUR for a 7-day vignette, while the annual toll sticker costs 61.00 EUR. You can complete the payment with your credit card, debit card, or using an online service.