International Road Transport Operations in Bulgaria
Operational Activities
Cabotage
UK Hauliers may carry goods to/from or transit through the country or may enter Bulgaria with an empty trailer to collect a load. Third
Country operations can only be undertaken if a Bi-Lateral agreement exists between the three. Cabotage is not permitted.
Dangerous Goods
Bulgaria ia party to ADR, however, it is essential that fully completed ADR documentation is prepared for the movement of dangerous goods.
Abnormal Loads
Special authorisation must be obtained if vehicles/loads exceed maximum permitted weights and dimensions. There is alsp a prohibition on
movement of oversized and overloaded vehicles throughout the year where visibility is under 50 metres due to mist, heavy rain or snow,
black ice, during the hours of darkness and at peak times during the day except in cases of emergency.
Additional taxes are applicable to all vehicles/loads exceed maximum permitted weights and dimensions. For help and assistance, visit the AEBTRI website www.aebtri.com
Taxation
A full tank of fuel can be imported duty free.
Customs
TIR and ATA Carnets are accepted. CMR notes are recognised.
Movement Restrictions
There are many local restrictions applicable to goods vehicles in and around certain towns and on certain road networks, there are
diversions in place at all times. For a complete breakdown on these restrictions, please visit the AEBTRI website.
There are also general Summer Restrictions which concern the following:-
| Vehicles concerned | Road Network | Period of restriction | Prohibition Dates | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All trucks (solo and combination) with more than 2 axles | All motorways and 'A' roads | From 20 May to 30 Sept 2011 |
Fridays and Sundays
16.00 to 22.00 |
May 22, 27 and 29
September 2, 4, 16, 18 and 23 |
| Additional Exceptions include - carriage of perishable foodstuffs under temperature control and the movement of live animals. | ||||
Also during the summer period there is a prohibition on the movement of all vehicles with a total laden weight exceeding 20 tonnes between 12.00 and 21.00 when temperatures exceed 35 degrees celcius.
Road, Tunnel & Bridge Tolls
A toll system is in place within Bulgaria and is applicable to the road network in general. For all commercial vehicles it is based upon
the number of axles and the EURO engine type. Vignettes can be purchased for a day, week, month or annually.
The tolls levied for the bridge across the Danube between the towns of Rousse (Bulgaria) and Giurgiu (Romania) are based upon the following vehicle weights:
- 3.5t or less
- over 3.5t and less then 7.5t
- 7.5t or more and less then 12.0t
- 12.0t or more and maximum 3 axles
- 12.0t or more and minimum 4 axles
Vehicle Requirements
Documentation
Green Card required, plus original vehicle registration docs. A GB plate must be fitted to rear of vehicle/trailer.
| Maximum Weights & Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height | 4 metres |
| Width | 2.55 metres (Fridges 2.6 metres) |
| Length |
Artic 16.5 metres
Road Train 18.35 metres |
| Weight |
Artic 44 tonnes
Road Train 40 tonnes There are also various maximum permitted weights on vehicles, trailers and road trains which are applicable according to the number of axles. |
Safety Equipment
It is compulsory to carry snow chains between 1 November and 30 March, also recognised winter tyres should be fitted. Other requirements
applicable include:-
- First Aid Kit
- Dipped headlights between 1 November and 1 March
- Fire Extinguisher
- Warning Triangle set 30 metres behind vehicle in the event of breakdown
Driver Requirements
Legal Documents
Full passport required but no visa required. Medical Insurance. International driving licence in additiona to normal UK Licence.
Letter from employer giving driver permission to drive vehicle - Attestation letter and form.
Speed Limits
| Vehicles Concerned | Built-Up Areas (kms) | Outside Built-Up Areas (kms) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All purpose roads | All purpose roads | Dual Carraigeways | Motorways | |
| Trucks over 3.5 tonnes | 50 | 80 | 80 | 100 |
| Artics & Road Trains | 50 | 70 | 70 | 100 |
| Dangerous Goods | 40 | 50 | 50 | 70 |
Country Contact Info
British Embassy
9 Moskovska Street, Sofia 1000. Tel: +359 (2) 933 9222 Website: www.ukinbulgaria.fco.gov.uk
Transport Organisation
AEBTRI, 6 Iskarski prolom str, 1680 Sofia. Tel: +359 (2) 958 14 75 Website: www.aebtri.com
