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Bulgaria E-Vignettes and Toll Calculator 2025: Complete Guide

System: Electronic Vignette (BGToll)
Operator: Road Infrastructure Agency (RIA)
Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN) / Euro (EUR)
Coverage: All motorways and most national roads
Technology: Electronic license plate recognition

Do I Need an E-Vignette for Bulgaria? 2025 Update

Yes, all motor vehicles (except motorcycles) require a valid e-vignette to use Bulgarian motorways and most national roads. The electronic vignette system has been mandatory since January 1, 2019.

E-Vignette Required For:

  • All vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes with at least 4 wheels
  • Cars, motorhomes, caravans, light commercial vehicles
  • Trailers when total vehicle combination exceeds 3.5 tonnes

Exempt from E-Vignette:

  • Motorcycles and vehicles with less than 4 wheels
  • Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes (use distance-based BGToll system)
  • Emergency vehicles and diplomatic vehicles

Bulgaria E-Vignette Costs: Current Rates

Bulgaria offers multiple e-vignette validity periods with recent price updates effective May 2025.

Current E-Vignette Prices (2025)

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Validity Period Price (BGN) Price (EUR) Coverage
Weekend 10 BGN ~€5.10 Friday 12:00 - Sunday 23:59
1 Week 15 BGN ~€7.65 7 consecutive days
1 Month 30 BGN ~€15.30 30 consecutive days
3 Months 60 BGN ~€30.60 90 consecutive days
Annual 97 BGN ~€49.50 365 days from start date

Heavy Vehicles (Over 3.5 tonnes)

Heavy vehicles use the BGToll distance-based system:

  • Rate calculated by GPS tracking, vehicle weight, axles, and emission class
  • EURO emission class affects pricing
  • Registration required at BGToll system
  • Covers trucks, buses, heavy motorhomes

Special Toll Sections

Additional tolls apply for Danube River crossings:

  • **Danube Bridge 1** (Ruse-Giurgiu): €6 for cars
  • **Danube Bridge 2** (Vidin-Calafat): €5 for cars
  • Separate payment required beyond standard e-vignette

How to Purchase Bulgaria E-Vignettes

Online Purchase (Recommended)

Official Platforms:

  • **BGToll website:** web.bgtoll.bg
  • **Mobile apps:** Available on Google Play and App Store
  • **Authorized dealers:** Various European providers

Digital Benefits:

  • Immediate validity available
  • Linked to license plate number
  • No physical sticker required
  • Email confirmation with proof of purchase

Physical Purchase Points

Available At:

  • Border crossings and customs points
  • Self-service terminals across Bulgaria
  • Petrol stations and service areas
  • BGToll customer service centers

Important Purchase Requirements

  • **Exact license plate entry:** Must match vehicle registration exactly
  • **Start date selection:** Can be immediate or future date
  • **Vehicle category verification:** Ensure correct weight classification
  • **Non-refundable:** E-vignettes cannot be cancelled once purchased

Recent Changes (2025)

  • **May 2025:** Updated pricing structure with modest increases
  • **Enhanced mobile app:** Improved user interface and payment options
  • **Expanded coverage:** Additional national roads included in toll network
  • **Stronger enforcement:** Increased camera surveillance and mobile control units
  • **Digital integration:** Better cross-border compatibility with neighboring systems

Penalties & Enforcement

Violation Detection

  • **300+ stationary cameras:** Fixed surveillance points on highways
  • **100+ mobile units:** Random roadside checks
  • **24/7 monitoring:** Continuous license plate verification
  • **Automatic fines:** Electronic penalty notices sent to vehicle owners

Penalty Structure

Violation Type First Offense Standard Fine Heavy Vehicles
No vignette €31 (compensation payment) €130-865 Up to €865
Expired vignette €31 (same-day purchase) €130-865 Up to €865
Wrong vehicle category €31 €130-865 Up to €865

Planning Your Bulgaria Journey

Cost Considerations

  • **Short transit:** Weekend vignette (€5.10) for brief crossings
  • **Week-long trips:** Weekly vignette (€7.65) for tourist visits
  • **Extended stays:** Monthly (€15.30) or quarterly (€30.60) for longer journeys
  • **Regular travel:** Annual vignette (€49.50) for frequent visitors

Travel Tips

  • **Purchase timing:** Buy before entering toll roads to avoid fines
  • **License plate accuracy:** Double-check exact plate number entry
  • **Coverage verification:** Ensure your route uses toll roads requiring e-vignette
  • **Border crossings:** E-vignettes available at all major border points
  • **Alternative routes:** Some local roads remain toll-free

Bulgaria vs. Neighboring Countries

Country System Type Annual Cost (Cars) Coverage Notes
Bulgaria Electronic vignette €49.50 All motorways + national roads No motorcycles
Romania Electronic vignette ~€28 Highways and national roads Rovinieta system
Serbia Distance-based tolls Varies by distance Major highways Pay per journey
North Macedonia Distance-based tolls Varies by distance Selected highways Limited toll network
Greece Distance-based tolls Varies by distance Most highways Pay per journey
Turkey Electronic HGS/OGS Varies by distance Major highways Electronic transponders

Frequently Asked Questions

Do motorcycles need e-vignettes in Bulgaria?

No, motorcycles and vehicles with fewer than 4 wheels are exempt from e-vignette requirements and can use toll roads free of charge.

Can I get a refund if I enter wrong license plate details?

No, e-vignettes are non-refundable once purchased, even if incorrect vehicle details are entered. Always double-check your license plate number.

What happens if I'm caught without a valid e-vignette?

First-time offenders may be offered a compensation payment of €31 to purchase a valid vignette on the same day. Otherwise, fines range from €130-865.

Can I use Bulgarian e-vignettes on all roads?

E-vignettes are required for motorways and most national roads, but some local and regional roads remain toll-free. Check route coverage before travel.

Do I need separate vignettes for car and trailer?

Only if the combined weight of car and trailer exceeds 3.5 tonnes. If it does, both vehicle and trailer need separate e-vignettes at the same price.

How long does e-vignette validity last?

Validity depends on the type purchased: weekend (Friday 12:00 - Sunday 23:59), weekly (7 days), monthly (30 days), quarterly (90 days), or annual (365 days).

Can I purchase e-vignettes at the border?

Yes, e-vignettes are available at all major border crossings, but online purchase in advance is recommended to avoid delays.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • **Incorrect license plate entry** - Use exact format from vehicle registration, including all letters and numbers
  • **Wrong vehicle category** - Ensure total weight calculation includes trailers if applicable
  • **Assuming motorcycle exemption applies to trikes** - Only vehicles with fewer than 4 wheels are exempt
  • **Forgetting Danube bridge tolls** - Additional payments required for river crossings
  • **Not purchasing before toll roads** - Buy e-vignette before entering the network
  • **Trusting unauthorized websites** - Use only official BGToll platforms to avoid extra fees

Coverage & Network Information

Toll Road Network

  • **Total coverage:** 1,000+ km of motorways and national roads
  • **Major routes:** A1, A2, A3, A4 motorways plus selected national roads
  • **Border connections:** Direct toll road links to Romania, Serbia, Turkey, and Greece
  • **Free alternatives:** Local and regional roads available for most routes

Special Considerations

  • **Transit traffic:** E-vignette required even for brief crossings
  • **Commercial vehicles:** Different rules apply for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes
  • **Seasonal variations:** No price differences by season or time of day
  • **International integration:** Compatible with neighboring countries' electronic systems

Useful Links & Resources

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