Traffic Law, Penalties and Documentation
Documents to carry
A driver must hold a valid licence for the category of vehicle driven and carry it, the vehicle registration document, proof of compulsory third-party insurance, and evidence of a valid periodic technical inspection. Driving without insurance or with an expired inspection is a serious offence with administrative and financial consequences. The registration document identifies the vehicle and its owner; the insurance policy covers damage caused to others, not your own vehicle unless additional cover is bought.
Points and sanctions
Bulgaria uses a penalty-points system for driving offences, accumulating alongside fines. Serious offences - driving under the influence, refusing a test, causing a crash and leaving the scene, or greatly exceeding speed limits - carry heavier penalties and can lead to licence withdrawal. Minor offences receive fines, often with a discount for prompt payment and a higher amount if contested and lost. The exact figures change with legislation, so learn the principles and check current values.
Obligations at incidents
After a crash with injury or significant damage you must stop, secure the scene, warn other traffic, call emergency services and give details. Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offence. You must report certain incidents to the police.
Traps
Questions mix up insurance (covers others) with own-damage cover, and confuse licence categories with vehicle weights. Another trap is assuming a fine is the only consequence, ignoring points and possible withdrawal.
Rule of thumb
Keep four documents ready: licence, registration, insurance, technical inspection. If any is missing or expired, do not drive.