Bulgaria sadly doesn't have one complete motorway, although progress is gradually

being made on the main roads to Varna and Bourgas. Overall the quality of Bulgaria's major roads has much improved in recent years, although potholes continue to plague drivers, especially after the winter months.
During the winter months (1st November - 1st March) drivers must have their headlights on at all times. Police will all too happily stop and fine you for non-compliance. Winter tyres are a must. Make sure your screenwash is always topped up with antifreeze. After heavy snowfall, the priority is to clear major routes including those used by public transport, so don't be surprised if smaller side streets or suburbs become completely inaccessable by car.
 

Petrol service stations have sprung up like mushrooms along most major routes in Bulgaria and offer clean toilet and refreshment facilities along the way. Fuel in Bulgaria is lead free and available in the following octane levels: 92, 95 and 98. Diesel fuel is also widely available throughout the country. Many Bulgarians have converted their cars to run on propane gas, as this is far more economical than standard fuel.
 

Road signs in Bulgaria follow international standards. Major destinations and routes are signposted in Cyrillic and Latin letters, often however whole signposts have been stolen (for scrap metal) and it is possible to miss a turn off.
 

According to Bulgarian law seat belts must be worn by all passengers, mobile phones can only be used with 'handsfree' sets, and the legal alcohol limit is 0.5 pro mil. Recent new rules also restrict the wearing of dark sunglasses, high heels or flip flops, as well as forbidding eating and smoking at the wheel, although just how

this will be enforced remains to be seen!!

All cars must carry a first aid kit, fire extinguisher

and reflective jacket.
 

Speed limits for cars are 50km/h (30 mph) inside the city limits, 90km/h (55mph) outside cities and 120 km/h (75mph) on motorways unless indicated otherwise.
 

Bulgarian police may stop you to check your documents(you must carry them on you at all times!) or for committing an offence such as speeding, not wearing a seat belt etc. They are instructed to identify themselves by name. While there has been considerable progress in eradicating corruption within the police force, old habits die hard and there are many notorious radar speed traps around the country. Oncoming motorists will warn you by flashing their headlights.
 

Speed cameras have now been installed on main routes across the country, so if local drivers all conspicuously slow down you can be sure there is a speed camera or trap up ahead.
 

Should you be unlucky enough to be caught, you will get an immediate fine and in more serious cases you may have points taken off your license. Try not to be tempted to pay off the cop, even if it seems the easier option.
 

Generally the traffic police in Bulgaria are friendly and polite and we recommend you remain likewise. Getting into an argument will only make matters worse for you.
 

In the event of an accident, there are two options: call the traffic police (KAT - t. 165, 02982 2723) or fill out the accident damage form that all drivers should carry to settle insurance claims on minor damage. If  you have hired a car check with your car hire company for arrangements in the event of a breakdown.
 

Vignettes.  A road tax applies for most

major roads, outside the main town areas marked vignette. Vignettes can be bought from petrol stations across the country as well as at