The limit: 0.5‰
The Road Traffic Act prohibits driving with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.5 per mille, or after using narcotic drugs or their analogues. For drugs, there is no threshold.
Penalties
| Blood alcohol level | What the legislation provides |
|---|---|
| From 0.5 to 0.8‰ | A fine, licence suspension for 6 months and 10 penalty points |
| From 0.8 to 1.2‰ | A fine, licence suspension for 12 months and 12 penalty points |
| Above 1.2‰ | Criminal offence: 1 to 3 years’ imprisonment, a fine and disqualification from driving ordered by the court |
| Drugs, in any quantity | Criminal offence: 1 to 3 years’ imprisonment and a fine |
The licence may be withdrawn on the spot, pending the decision. Refusing a test is also penalised: licence suspension for two years and a fine, or even criminal prosecution in some cases. Penalties increase for repeat offences.
The simplest rule
If you drink, do not drive: at the end of a dinner or an event, leave the car and take a taxi.
Official sources
- Road Traffic Act — ZDvP (lex.bg)lex.bg
- Criminal Code, Art. 343b (lex.bg)lex.bg
- Ordinance No. Iz-2539 on penalty points (lex.bg)lex.bg
Facts checked on 8 October 2026 against these sources.
Practical information, not legal advice. Rules and fees may change: the official source prevails.