What you should remember while driving in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria is one of the least explored nations of the European frontier, enclosed by Greece, Romania, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Turkey. A small portion of the country opens up to the Turkish Straits, making Bulgaria an important stop points between Asia, the Middle East, and European land routes. Surrounded by stunning golden cathedrals and attractive nightlife, this tiny European country is yet to receive its due recognition.

 

Marked as one of the exotic destinations of the European continent, undoubtedly one of the best ways of exploring Bulgaria through road trips. With cheaper fuel and manageable prices, you can car hire from Sofia airport and explore the fascinating country. But there is a catch, travelers exploring the nation on four wheels, need to know a few of the vital pointers before grabbing the front wheel. 

Legal age for driving and other formalities 

For Bulgarians, the legal age for driving is 18 years. But there is a catch - in Bulgaria, you cannot rent an automobile before your 21st birthday. Additionally, you will need a valid driving license for at least one year – before renting a car.

For international travelers, a passport is a must while renting the vehicle. By the Bulgarian transport laws, travelers are required to carry car insurance as well as international driving permit, issued by the home country, for driving in Bulgaria. The Bulgarian law further mandates that, the passengers should carry the following items while driving on the roads:

1. Warning triangles
2. Headlight beam reflectors
3. First aid and fire extinguisher
4. Reflective jacket

Usually, most of these items come with the car, when you hire a vehicle from a reputable car rental agency.

Driving on the Bulgarian road

In Europe, you ride on the right side of the road and overtake from the left. And Bulgaria is no exception. For travelers coming from countries where the cars are driving on the other side of the road, it might require a bit of adjustment.

Also, you need to wear a seatbelt while driving on the road. This rule applies to the passenger on the backseat. Children below the age of 12 cannot sit on the front seat. For toddlers, you may bring in your car seat.

Interestingly, you are required to keep your car headlights on (during the day time as well) and dipped while driving. Additionally, Bulgarian Trams hold the right of the way (ROW) in the urban regions. So, in the cities, you have to give them access to the roads while driving.

Some additional things to remember:

1. You cannot horn your car in the urban region post 10 pm till 6 am (exceptions are permitted)
2. Wearing a seat belt is must
3. Cannot talk on the phone or drink while driving
4. You cannot drive in Bulgaria while wearing flip-flops, high heels or sunglasses

Vignette stickers and Parking regulation

While traveling outside the Bulgarian metropolis, rental cars need vignette stickers. These stickers signify that you have paid the road tax. Rental cars hired from reliable car hire agencies are pre-fitted with these stickers. However, remember to recheck before boarding the car.

In the Bulgarian metropolis, like Sofia, the parking is divided into two zones – blue and green – demarcated by road signs. You can book your parking slot by sending an SMS to the dedicated phone number. These parking spots come with time limitations, and failure to honors these markings can lead to a hefty fine.

Lastly, 

Some of the reputed car hire Sofia airport agencies like Val & Kar will provide you with the necessary information and assistance regarding road regulations and other important stuff. For more information, visit http://www.val-kar.com/en/ or call 3598-786-66944.