Electronic vignettes and tolls in Bulgaria as from 1 January 2019

The amendments to the Road Traffic Act enter into force on 1 January 2019, introducing the obligation to pay tolls prior to the use of the road network in accordance with the earlier amendments to Roads Act. As from the beginning of 2019, the payment of tolls will be monitored by the MoI authorities together with the Customs Agency and the controlling bodies of the Roads Infrastructure Agency which will have the powers to pull over moving vehicles. For the purpose of checking the payment of tolls, inquiries will be made in the electronic tolling system which is set up in accordance with the Roads Act. If a violation is established, the motorist will have the option to pay a compensatory charge in an amount that is substantially lower than the statutory fines and thus the consequences of the violation will be settled quickly and effectively without more severe sanctions.  Vehicles for which the tolls due have not been paid may be prohibited to move on the roads but the new provisions do not require application of the whole procedure of releasing the vehicle after the payment of the tolls. The overall objective of the amendments is to provide easy options for payment of tolls, even late payment in higher amounts, without burdening the users and owners of motor vehicles with severe sanctions and coercive administrative measures.

Dobrev & Lyutskanov Law Firm participates in the drafting of the legislative amendments as a consultant to the Road Infrastructure Agency.