Information on Bulgarian laws for tourists and owners of Bulgarian homes.
Whether you are an occasional visitor to your Bulgarian home or are living in Bulgaria permanently, you will want to keep on the right side of the law. In depth information on Bulgaria´s criminal, commercial or property laws can be obtained from a legal specialist, but both new residents and tourists should be familiar with the most everyday laws below.
Information on Bulgaria´s motoring laws
Driving is on the right hand side of the road in Bulgaria. At junctions, give way to the car on the right. Turning right at traffic lights is not permitted unless specifically authorized, and mobile phones must not be used by a driver.
Speed limits (for cars: 120km/h on dual carriage, 90km/h on rural highways and 50km/h in built up areas) are strictly enforced by police.
Motorcyclists (and any passenger) must wear helmets and drive with lights on at all times. Speed limits are lower than for cars (100km/h on dual carriage, 80km/h on rural highways and 50km/h in urban areas).
The use of seat belts is mandatory for all passengers, both front and rear, except pregnant women. Children under 10 years of age may ride in the front seat only if using a child car seat.
Police offices may not collect fines on the spot; they may only issue a ticket with the fine to be paid at the motorist´s local regional tax office. Punishments for drivers involved in accidents causing injury or death range from a small fine to life imprisonment.
Information on Bulgarian´s alcohol and drug related laws
Drunk driving is a serious offence in Bulgaria and drivers can be deemed under the influence of alcohol with a blood level as low as 0.5mg/l (it is 0.8mg/l in the UK).
Possession of drugs (even for personal use) is strictly illegal. As the country continues to clamp down on organised crime, drug laws are being strictly enforced. Offenders should expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
Offences relating to drunken, disorderly behaviour and hooliganism may also be treated more seriously than in the UK.
Living in Bulgaria and using public transport
You must have a valid ticket before you can travel. Inspectors are regularly seen on buses and trams and they ride on all trains. In Sofia, it is necessary to validate your bus or tram ticket in a machine as you get on the vehicle.
Information on Bulgaria´s marriage laws
Only civil weddings (between members of the opposite sex) are legal. Religious weddings can take place but have no legal validity unless a civil ceremony also takes place. Men and women have equal rights within marriage.
Same-sex partners are not allowed to legalize their relationships.
Cohabitation between heterosexual and gay couples is not legally recognised for inheritance (unless there is a will), parental rights over the children of the other partner, nor adoption.
Living in Bulgaria - sex laws
The age of consent is 16 for both heterosexuals and homosexuals. Child sex and pornography is heavily punished. Prostitution is illegal but tolerated and is especially rampant in resort towns and Black Sea ports.
There is no handy single source of information on Bulgaria´s legal system and laws, but the country is rapidly coming into line with the rest of Europe. Give or take a few motoring adjustments and not carrying drugs for personal use, most Brits living in a Bulgarian home or visiting the country should be able to avoid any legal misunderstandings by behaving as they would in the UK.
