Road Markings and Traffic Signals
Road markings in Bulgaria carry legal force and are tested alongside signal phases. Continuous white lines may not be crossed, broken lines may be crossed when safe, and double lines combine a continuous and broken line so that only the side with the broken line may cross. Yellow zigzag or yellow lines near stops and bus bays restrict stopping; yellow boxes keep junctions clear. Lane arrows commit you to a direction once you enter the lane, and chevron areas are not driving space.
Traffic signals follow the standard vertical order: red on top, then amber, then green. A flashing amber means proceed with caution, typically at pedestrian crossings or malfunctioning junctions. A green arrow permits movement in that direction even when the main light is red, but only if you can clear the path of others. The amber light means stop unless stopping would be unsafe; treating amber as an invitation to accelerate is a classic wrong answer. Flashing red at level crossings means stop absolutely.
Temporary markings and signals from roadworks override permanent ones. Police hand signals override everything, including a green light.
Rule of thumb: read markings from the kerb inward; the line nearest you governs your lane, and a solid line beside your lane forbids changing lanes even if the arrow suggests it.
Worked example: a green main light with a red light and green arrow pointing left. You may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic, even though the main light is red for straight ahead.