Bulgaria is a great all-year round holiday destination, offering sun, sea and sand at many Black Sea resorts and plenty of skiing in the Rila, Pirin and Rhodopi Mountains. National currency is Bulgarian lev (€ 1.00 = 1.95583 BGN) In case of an accident dial 112 at no charge from a landline or mobile phone. English speaking operators are available. Bulgaria is a member of the European Union and as such the rules for driving in Bulgaria are similar to those in other EU countries.
- Driving in Bulgaria is on the right-hand side of the road.
- Minimum driving age is 18 yrs. However, car hire requirements state that you have to be at least 19 years old (age may vary by category) and you need to have held your license for at least 1 year.
- You need a valid and full national driver’s license. However, an International Driver’s License is highly recommended. Remember to always carry your driver’s license with you when driving.
- The use of seat belts is compulsory in both front and rear seats.
- Children under the age of 12 yrs old may not travel in the front seat and must use appropriate restraints.
- Dipped headlights have to be used during daylight hours all year round.
- The use of a mobile phone while driving is prohibited, with the exception of a hands-free device.
- Trams always have priority and pedestrians have the right of way in zebra crossings.
- Right turns on red traffic light are not allowed.
- The blood/alcohol limit in Bulgaria is 0.5 ‰ per liter of blood. It approximates to about having a pint and a half of beer or two small glasses of wine for an “average person”. It is best to play safe and not to drink and drive. Police have the power to carry out random alcohol tests on drivers at any time. Refusal to take the test may lead further penalties.
- You should always check emergency equipment of your car, because there are some things required by the law: emergency medical box, fire extinguisher, red warning triangle, spare tyre with rim, jack screw and lug wrench, a reflective green or orange vest.
- Speed limits are as follows:
- Urban areas – 50 km/h - Roads outside urban areas – 90 km/h - Motorways – 140 km/h
- To travel on the roads between cities in Bulgaria, cars must have a “vignette”. All Europcar vehicles are with purchased “electronic vignette”.
- Be careful where you park your car – in cities you could not only be fined, but your car could be towed away which will cost you stress and money. Restricted parking zones are Blue or Green and you are normally required to pay and display a receipt for parking. There are also paid parking lots where you can leave your car by paying decent amount of money.
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