Driving safety in Bulgaria – A Guide for Overseas Tourists

Bulgaria, located on the Mediterranean tip of Europe, is a beautiful country away from the maddening touristy crowd. Tourists can hire a vehicle from the car rentals in Sofia (the Bulgarian capital) and explore this stunning nation with ease. There are several car rental agencies available including Val & Kar, Europcar, Sixt, etc. that offer quality vehicles on rent.

Since, Bulgaria is a right-hand drive country (a point we will cover in the later part of the write-up) most motorists might find it a slight adjustment issue.  Also, drivers as well as co-passengers (even the ones sitting in the backseat) should wear seat belts throughout the journey. There are such smaller pointers

1. Rules of the road

As mentioned earlier, Bulgaria is right-hand drive nation. In short, you drive on the right side of the road and overtake from the left.

Also, drinking and driving is a serious offence in the country. The acceptable blood alcohol content (BAC) is 50MG in Bulgaria, and driver with higher BAC are either heavily fined or can be awarded jail time.

Remember to wear the seat belts all the time while on the road, even when you are sitting on the back seat.

For driving on the Bulgarian roads, you will need valid credentials including – driving license and international driving permit (for international tourists).

For intercity trips, the vignette sticker is a must. Most rental cars come fitted with these stickers, but cross checking them before getting into the car is always recommended.

2. Parking fee and signs

Usually, in the metropolis paid parking is available. The parking zones are divided into different sections – blue and green. Each section has a separate parking time limit and fee. Failure to pay the parking fee on time can get the driver fined or the car can get towed away.

3. Getting petrol from known petrol chains

While driving through the various cities of Bulgaria, you will come across different petrol stations of the road. Most travelers recommend stopping at well-known chains for petrol. Also, most petrol pumps accept payments in Euros. But remember to verify how much you are paying at the cash register. Tally with the daily rates and make the payments accordingly.

These safety measures keep you safe from road hazards while you explore the beautiful countryside of Bulgaria. You can go for car rentals Sofia agency, Val & Kar, for the job. To know more, visit http://www.val-kar.com/en/ or call 3598-786-66944.