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Driving in Albania vs. Bulgaria: Key Safety Differences

When traversing the roads of Albania and Bulgaria, understanding their unique traffic regulations and practices is essential for a safe journey. From varying speed limits and lane usage to distinct alcohol regulations, this comparison highlights crucial distinctions that every traveler should be aware of to ensure a secure driving experience.

Lanes

Bus Lanes: Presence
albania:
No
bulgaria:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
albania:
N/A
bulgaria:
Primarily reserved for public transport.
Bus Lanes: Markings
albania:
N/A
bulgaria:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
albania:
N/A
bulgaria:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
albania:
N/A
bulgaria:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
albania:
40 km/h
bulgaria:
50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
albania:
80 km/h
bulgaria:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
albania:
70 km/h
bulgaria:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
albania:
70 km/h
bulgaria:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
albania:
110 km/h
bulgaria:
140 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
albania:
90 km/h
bulgaria:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
albania:
90 km/h
bulgaria:
100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
albania:
N/A
bulgaria:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
albania:
Yes; fines can be paid at the scene.
bulgaria:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
albania:
Not used in Albania
bulgaria:
Not used in Bulgaria
Traffic Signs: Language
albania:
Symbols are standard; local signs in Albanian
bulgaria:
Bulgarian; symbols are standard

Turns

Right Turn On Red
albania:
Not allowed unless explicitly permitted by a sign
bulgaria:
Not generally allowed
U- Turns Allowed
albania:
Varies by locality; check for signs
bulgaria:
Permitted unless indicated otherwise by signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
albania:
Accepted for visits less than one year; International Driving Permit recommended
bulgaria:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
albania:
Accepted for visits less than a year; International Driving Permit recommended
bulgaria:
Accepted for short visits with International Driving Permit
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
albania:
Mandatory; proof required
bulgaria:
Yes, proof required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
albania:
Displayed on windshield
bulgaria:
Displayed on license plate or windshield

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Usage
albania:
To warn of hazards or indicate intention to overtake
bulgaria:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
albania:
0.01%
bulgaria:
0.05%
Limits: Underage Drivers
albania:
0.00%; zero tolerance
bulgaria:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
albania:
Common, especially during holidays
bulgaria:
Common; checkpoints used
Enforcement: Fines
albania:
Substantial fines for violations
bulgaria:
Substantial

Emergency Services

Contact: Traffic Police
albania:
129
bulgaria:
Varies by region
Contact: Roadside Assistance
albania:
Check with your insurance provider
bulgaria:
Check with your insurance provider or local providers

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
albania:
Varies; fines can range from 5,000 to 20,000 ALL
bulgaria:
Varies; often €20 to €150, points on license
Common Fines: Seat Belts
albania:
Fines over 1,000 ALL
bulgaria:
Up to €50
Common Fines: Phone Use
albania:
Varies; potential fines and penalties
bulgaria:
Up to €50
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
albania:
Fines over 5,000 ALL
bulgaria:
Varies; typically fined and points on license
Payment: On The Spot
albania:
Yes; fines can often be paid at the scene
bulgaria:
Common; fines often paid onsite
Payment: Deadline
albania:
Varies; typically 15 to 30 days to pay
bulgaria:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay