Driving Differences: Bulgaria vs. Czech Republic
When navigating the roads of Bulgaria and the Czech Republic, understanding the distinct traffic regulations and practices is essential for a safe journey. Key discrepancies include speed limits, lane markings, and the use of alcohol while driving. Familiarizing yourself with these variations will help ensure your travels remain secure and enjoyable..
Lanes
| Bulgaria | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the left edge on divided roads. | Used for marking no-parking zones. |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | Used for temporary traffic situations. |
| Overtaking: On Right | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. | Only on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Primarily reserved for public transport. | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs. | Labeled 'BUS' or specific road signs. |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
bulgaria:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
czech republic:
Used for marking no-parking zones.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
bulgaria:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
czech republic:
Used for temporary traffic situations.
Overtaking: On Right
bulgaria:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
czech republic:
Only on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Bus Lanes: Usage
bulgaria:
Primarily reserved for public transport.
czech republic:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
bulgaria:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
czech republic:
Labeled 'BUS' or specific road signs.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
bulgaria:
No
czech republic:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bulgaria:
N/A
czech republic:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Bulgaria | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30 km/h | 20-30 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 140 km/h | 130 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 100 km/h | 80-90 km/h |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes | Yes, commonly applied |
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
bulgaria:
30 km/h
czech republic:
20-30 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
bulgaria:
80 km/h
czech republic:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
bulgaria:
80 km/h
czech republic:
90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
bulgaria:
140 km/h
czech republic:
130 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
bulgaria:
100 km/h
czech republic:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
bulgaria:
No
czech republic:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bulgaria:
N/A
czech republic:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
bulgaria:
Yes
czech republic:
Yes, commonly applied
Signals
| Bulgaria | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles. |
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Bulgaria | Not used. |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when entering and exiting |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Only in cases to avoid accidents | Only in cases to avoid accidents. |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | Unnecessary use prohibited in most areas. |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | Fines may apply for misuse | Fines may apply for misuse. |
| Headlight Flash: Usage | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking. |
| Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage | Not to be used to signal other messages | Not to be used to signal other messages. |
| Hand Signals: Permitted | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning. |
| Hand Signals: Common Usage | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected. |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Bulgarian; symbols are standard | Czech; symbols are standard. |
| Traffic Signs: Priority | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed. |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangle-shaped with a red border | Triangle-shaped with red border. |
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
bulgaria:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
czech republic:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
bulgaria:
Not used in Bulgaria
czech republic:
Not used.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
bulgaria:
Signal when exiting
czech republic:
Signal when entering and exiting
Horn Usage: Allowed
bulgaria:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
czech republic:
Only in cases to avoid accidents.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
bulgaria:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
czech republic:
Unnecessary use prohibited in most areas.
Horn Usage: Penalties
bulgaria:
Fines may apply for misuse
czech republic:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
bulgaria:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
czech republic:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking.
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
bulgaria:
Not to be used to signal other messages
czech republic:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
bulgaria:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
czech republic:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
bulgaria:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
czech republic:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
bulgaria:
Bulgarian; symbols are standard
czech republic:
Czech; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
bulgaria:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
czech republic:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
bulgaria:
Triangle-shaped with a red border
czech republic:
Triangle-shaped with red border.
Turns
| Bulgaria | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not generally allowed | Generally not allowed unless specifically indicated by a green arrow. |
| Left Turn: General | Permitted unless prohibited by signs | Permitted unless prohibited by signs. |
| Left Turn: At Intersections | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left. |
| U- Turns Allowed | Permitted unless indicated otherwise by signs | Allowed unless prohibited by signs. |
| Special Turn Lanes | Yes, marked with arrows | Yes, marked with arrows. |
| Overtaking While Turning | Prohibited | Prohibited. |
Right Turn On Red
bulgaria:
Not generally allowed
czech republic:
Generally not allowed unless specifically indicated by a green arrow.
Left Turn: General
bulgaria:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
czech republic:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
bulgaria:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
czech republic:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
bulgaria:
Permitted unless indicated otherwise by signs
czech republic:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
bulgaria:
Yes, marked with arrows
czech republic:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
bulgaria:
Prohibited
czech republic:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Bulgaria | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Requirement | Valid driver's license required | Valid driver's license required. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted without International Driving Permit. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short visits with International Driving Permit | International Driving Permit recommended or required. |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Yes, proof required | Annual inspection mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on license plate or windshield | Displayed on the windshield. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
Driver's License: Requirement
bulgaria:
Valid driver's license required
czech republic:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
bulgaria:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
czech republic:
Accepted without International Driving Permit.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
bulgaria:
Accepted for short visits with International Driving Permit
czech republic:
International Driving Permit recommended or required.
Insurance
bulgaria:
Liability insurance mandatory
czech republic:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
bulgaria:
Yes, proof required
czech republic:
Annual inspection mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
bulgaria:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
czech republic:
Displayed on the windshield.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bulgaria:
Mandatory
czech republic:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bulgaria:
Mandatory
czech republic:
Mandatory.
Road Etiquette
| Bulgaria | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Flashing Lights: Usage | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake. |
| Flashing Lights: Misuse | Discouraged, fines may apply | Discouraged, fines may apply. |
| Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic. |
| Lane Courtesy: Blocking | Discouraged and may be penalized | Discouraged and may be penalized. |
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Only in emergency situations | Only in emergency situations. |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Less frequent use compared to some countries | Less frequent use compared to some countries. |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks. |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary. |
| Emergency Vehicles: Awareness | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights. |
Flashing Lights: Usage
bulgaria:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
czech republic:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
bulgaria:
Discouraged, fines may apply
czech republic:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
bulgaria:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
czech republic:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
bulgaria:
Discouraged and may be penalized
czech republic:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
bulgaria:
Only in emergency situations
czech republic:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
bulgaria:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
czech republic:
Less frequent use compared to some countries.
Pedestrians Priority
bulgaria:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
czech republic:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
bulgaria:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
czech republic:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
bulgaria:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
czech republic:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Bulgaria | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 0.00% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00% | 0.00%; zero tolerance |
| Zero Tolerance: Drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs. |
| Zero Tolerance: Medications | Check if medication affects driving ability | Check if medication affects driving ability. |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common; checkpoints used | Common, often at checkpoints. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial | Can be substantial. |
| Enforcement: Imprisonment | Possible for severe offenses | Possible for severe offenses. |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
bulgaria:
0.05%
czech republic:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
bulgaria:
0.00%
czech republic:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
bulgaria:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
czech republic:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
bulgaria:
Check if medication affects driving ability
czech republic:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
bulgaria:
Common; checkpoints used
czech republic:
Common, often at checkpoints.
Enforcement: Fines
bulgaria:
Substantial
czech republic:
Can be substantial.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
bulgaria:
Possible for severe offenses
czech republic:
Possible for severe offenses.
Test Refusal
bulgaria:
Can result in license suspension
czech republic:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Bulgaria | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Priority: Entering | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. |
| Priority: Inside | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly. |
| Signaling: Entering | Signal if turning immediately upon entry | Signal if turning immediately upon entry. |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal right when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit. |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight | Use for first exit or straight. |
| Lane Usage: Left | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe. |
Priority: Entering
bulgaria:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
czech republic:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
bulgaria:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
czech republic:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
bulgaria:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
czech republic:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry.
Signaling: Exiting
bulgaria:
Signal right when preparing to exit
czech republic:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
bulgaria:
Use for first exit or straight
czech republic:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
bulgaria:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
czech republic:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.
Emergency Services
| Bulgaria | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: Traffic Police | Varies by region | 158 |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or local providers | 1230—UAMK; additional providers can be used depending on insurance. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
Contact: Traffic Police
bulgaria:
Varies by region
czech republic:
158
Contact: Roadside Assistance
bulgaria:
Check with your insurance provider or local providers
czech republic:
1230—UAMK; additional providers can be used depending on insurance.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bulgaria:
Mandatory
czech republic:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bulgaria:
Mandatory
czech republic:
Mandatory.
Penalties And Fines
| Bulgaria | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; often €20 to €150, points on license | Varies; typically €50 to €600 depending on severity. |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Up to €50 | €50 or more. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Up to €50 | €50 or more. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Varies; typically fined and points on license | €100 or higher, points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Common; fines often paid onsite | Common, cash preferred. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 30 days to pay | Varies; typically 15-30 days to pay. |
| Foreign Drivers: Fines | Same as residents; must be paid | Same as residents; must be paid. |
| Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment | Possible if fines are not paid | Possible if fines are not paid. |
Common Fines: Speeding
bulgaria:
Varies; often €20 to €150, points on license
czech republic:
Varies; typically €50 to €600 depending on severity.
Common Fines: Alcohol
bulgaria:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
czech republic:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
bulgaria:
Up to €50
czech republic:
€50 or more.
Common Fines: Phone Use
bulgaria:
Up to €50
czech republic:
€50 or more.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
bulgaria:
Varies; typically fined and points on license
czech republic:
€100 or higher, points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
bulgaria:
Common; fines often paid onsite
czech republic:
Common, cash preferred.
Payment: Deadline
bulgaria:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
czech republic:
Varies; typically 15-30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
bulgaria:
Same as residents; must be paid
czech republic:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
bulgaria:
Possible if fines are not paid
czech republic:
Possible if fines are not paid.