Roadsenses Logotype

Driving in Bulgaria vs. Sri Lanka: Key Differences Revealed

When navigating the roads of Bulgaria and Sri Lanka, drivers encounter notable variations in traffic regulations and driving culture. Key distinctions, such as driving on the right in Bulgaria versus the left in Sri Lanka, as well as differing speed limits and lane usage, emphasize the importance of understanding these contrasts for a safer travel experience abroad.

RIGHT

Driving Side

The driving side in bulgaria is the Right Side of the road

75

Driving Safety Score

The driving Driving Safety Score in bulgaria is 75

1.368 $

Gas Price in USD

The driving Driving Safety Score for bulgaria is 1.368 US Dollars

While the driving side of a country remains the same, the driving safety score is updated annually based on each countries car accident fatality rate. Lastly, the gas price is only an estimate. Due to frequent fluctuations, it serves as a general reference rather than an exact figure for each country.

Icon for the lanes section

Lanes

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Driving Side
bulgaria:
Right
sri lanka:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
bulgaria:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sri lanka:
Marks the right edge on divided roads.
Overtaking: On Left
bulgaria:
Yes
sri lanka:
No
Overtaking: On Right
bulgaria:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
sri lanka:
Allowed when safe.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
bulgaria:
Use rightmost lane.
sri lanka:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
bulgaria:
Primarily reserved for public transport.
sri lanka:
Reserved for buses.
Bus Lanes: Markings
bulgaria:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
sri lanka:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
bulgaria:
Yes
sri lanka:
No
Cycle Lanes: Usage
bulgaria:
Exclusive for bicycles.
sri lanka:
Bicycles often share lanes with other vehicles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
bulgaria:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
sri lanka:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
bulgaria:
N/A
sri lanka:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bulgaria:
N/A
sri lanka:
Speed limits remain constant unless otherwise posted.
Icon for the speeds limits section

Speeds Limits

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
bulgaria:
90 km/h
sri lanka:
70 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
bulgaria:
80 km/h
sri lanka:
60 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
bulgaria:
80 km/h
sri lanka:
60 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
bulgaria:
140 km/h
sri lanka:
100 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
bulgaria:
100 km/h
sri lanka:
80 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
bulgaria:
100 km/h
sri lanka:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bulgaria:
N/A
sri lanka:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
bulgaria:
Yes
sri lanka:
Yes; fines are applied at the time of citation
Icon for the signals section

Signals

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
bulgaria:
Not used in Bulgaria
sri lanka:
Not used in Sri Lanka
Hand Signals: Common Usage
bulgaria:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sri lanka:
Used more frequently in rural areas
Traffic Signs: Language
bulgaria:
Bulgarian; symbols are standard
sri lanka:
Sinhala, Tamil, and sometimes English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
bulgaria:
Triangle-shaped with a red border
sri lanka:
Triangular shape with a red border and a white background
Icon for the turns section

Turns

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Right Turn On Red
bulgaria:
Not generally allowed
sri lanka:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
bulgaria:
Permitted unless indicated otherwise by signs
sri lanka:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
Icon for the documentation section

Documentation

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
bulgaria:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sri lanka:
International Driving Permit required
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
bulgaria:
Accepted for short visits with International Driving Permit
sri lanka:
International Driving Permit required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
bulgaria:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
sri lanka:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bulgaria:
Mandatory
sri lanka:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bulgaria:
Mandatory
sri lanka:
Not mandatory
Icon for the road etiquette section

Road Etiquette

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
bulgaria:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
sri lanka:
Frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
bulgaria:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sri lanka:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

When navigating the roads of Bulgaria and Sri Lanka, drivers encounter notable variations in traffic regulations and driving culture. Key distinctions, such as driving on the right in Bulgaria versus the left in Sri Lanka, as well as differing speed limits and lane usage, emphasize the importance of understanding these contrasts for a safer travel experience abroad.

Icon for the alcohol section

Alcohol

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Limits: General Drivers
bulgaria:
0.05%
sri lanka:
0.06%
Limits: Professional Drivers
bulgaria:
0.00%
sri lanka:
0.04%
Limits: Underage Drivers
bulgaria:
0.00%
sri lanka:
0.00% - zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
bulgaria:
Common; checkpoints used
sri lanka:
Common; checkpoints used regularly
Enforcement: Fines
bulgaria:
Substantial
sri lanka:
Can be substantial
Icon for the roundabouts section

Roundabouts

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Signaling: Exiting
bulgaria:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sri lanka:
Signal left when preparing to exit
Icon for the emergency services section

Emergency Services

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Contact: General Emergency
bulgaria:
112
sri lanka:
119
Contact: Traffic Police
bulgaria:
Varies by region
sri lanka:
119 or contact local police
Contact: Roadside Assistance
bulgaria:
Check with your insurance provider or local providers
sri lanka:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bulgaria:
Mandatory
sri lanka:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bulgaria:
Mandatory
sri lanka:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Icon for the penalties and fines section

Penalties And Fines

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Common Fines: Speeding
bulgaria:
Varies; often €20 to €150, points on license
sri lanka:
Varies; expect substantial fines
Common Fines: Seat Belts
bulgaria:
Up to €50
sri lanka:
Fines applied; amount may vary
Common Fines: Phone Use
bulgaria:
Up to €50
sri lanka:
Fines applied; amount may vary
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
bulgaria:
Varies; typically fined and points on license
sri lanka:
Fines applied; amount may vary
Payment: On The Spot
bulgaria:
Common; fines often paid onsite
sri lanka:
Possible; fines may be paid on the spot