Winter driving in Bulgaria

Tyres

From 15 November to 1 March, the Road Traffic Act requires tyres designed for winter or tyres with a tread depth of at least 4 mm. All year round, a tread depth of less than 1.6 mm is a defect recorded at the periodic technical inspection. Studded tyres are prohibited.

Snow chains

The law allows chains only when road conditions require them. Sign Г19 makes them compulsory on at least two driving wheels; it may also appear on the signs announcing the condition of mountain passes.

Lights, by day and by night

In Bulgaria, vehicles are driven during the day with daytime running lights or dipped headlights on, in every season, not only in winter.

Equipment on board

• A warning triangle, to be placed at least 30 m from the vehicle, and at least 100 m on a motorway or on a road with a limit above 90 km/h.
• A first-aid kit and a reflective vest.
• A fire extinguisher, whose servicing must be shown by a label.
• A spare wheel or a puncture repair kit.

Preparing for the journey

For the resorts of Bansko, Borovets or Pamporovo, set off in daylight, fill up before the mountains and check road conditions before you leave. The Porsche Macan GTS, the Audi RS6 Performance and the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S have all-wheel drive, which is welcome on snow; it does not exempt you from chains when signs require them.