Bulgaria vs France: Driving Rules Compared

France is one of the few countries that still requires drivers to carry a breathalyzer kit, a rule Bulgaria never adopted. Bulgaria’s own quirk is the motorway vignette, priced from EUR 5.30 a day up to EUR 64.50 a year for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes. Both countries keep traffic on the right and set the same 0.05% alcohol limit, but Bulgaria’s motorway ceiling, 140 km/h, sits above France’s 130.

Both Bulgaria and France drive on the right side of the road, which makes transitioning between them straightforward for drivers.

💡 Try it yourself: Speeding Fine Calculator 2026 — it covers France (not yet Bulgaria), free.

Speed Limits Comparison

One of the most practical differences for drivers is the variation in speed limits between Bulgaria and France.

Drivers in Bulgaria should observe limits of 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 140 km/h on motorway stretches.

Drivers in France should observe limits of 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on motorway stretches.

Key Speed Limit Differences

Drivers transitioning between Bulgaria and France should pay close attention to posted signs, as assumptions based on one country’s rules can lead to speeding tickets in the other. Speed cameras are common in both countries, and enforcement can be strict.

Traffic Rules and Regulations

Beyond speed limits, Bulgaria and France have several important differences in their general traffic rules.

Driving side: Bulgaria drives on the right; France drives on the right. Since both countries use the same driving side, the transition is seamless in this regard.

Minimum driving age: The minimum age to drive a car is 18 in Bulgaria and 18 in France.

Mobile phone use: Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is illegal in both countries. In Bulgaria, the penalty is EUR 25.56-102.26. In France, the penalty is EUR 135 + 3 points. Hands-free devices are generally permitted in both countries, but drivers should keep their attention on the road.

Seatbelts: Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants in both Bulgaria and France. The fine for not wearing a seatbelt is EUR 25.56 in Bulgaria and EUR 135 in France.

Running a red light: Red-light violations carry serious penalties. In Bulgaria, expect EUR 51.13-153.39 + 8 penalty points. In France, the penalty is EUR 135 + 4 points.

Alcohol and DUI Laws

Alcohol and driving regulations differ between Bulgaria and France, and the penalties for non-compliance can be severe in both.

Bulgaria sets its blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit at 0.05%.

France has a BAC limit of 0.05%.

Both countries share similar BAC limits, so drivers can apply the same level of caution in either country.

In both countries, penalties for drink-driving include fines, licence suspension, and potential imprisonment for serious offences. New and young drivers often face stricter limits (typically 0.00% to 0.02% BAC) in both Bulgaria and France. The safest approach is always to avoid any alcohol before driving.

Tyre and Equipment Requirements

Vehicle equipment requirements are an often-overlooked aspect of driving abroad. Bulgaria and France each have their own list of mandatory items.

Winter Tyres

• Bulgaria: Winter tyres are situational. Period: 15 Nov - 1 Mar (or when roads are snowy/icy). Studded tyres: prohibited. Minimum tread depth: 1.6 mm.
• France: Winter tyres are situational. Period: 1 Nov - 31 Mar (mountain law, designated departments). Studded tyres: restricted. Minimum tread depth: 1.6 mm.

Mandatory Equipment

When renting a car, rental companies typically provide the legally required equipment for the country of hire. If you plan to cross the border, confirm with the rental agency that the vehicle is equipped for both countries.

Speeding Penalties

The financial consequences of speeding vary between Bulgaria and France.

In Bulgaria, a minor speeding offence (approximately 10 km/h over the limit) typically results in: EUR 25.56. Penalties escalate significantly for higher speeds, and repeat offenders face licence suspension.

In France, a minor speeding offence (approximately 10 km/h over the limit) typically results in: EUR 68 (fixed fine). Penalties escalate significantly for higher speeds, and repeat offenders face licence suspension.

Both countries use a combination of fixed speed cameras, mobile speed traps, and in some cases average speed (section control) cameras.

Licence Requirements for Visitors

Before driving in {a} or {b}, ensure you have the correct documentation. Requirements for international visitors vary.

Bulgaria: An EU/EEA driving licence is valid. An IDP is recommended for non-EU licence holders. Visitors can typically drive for up to 12 months on a foreign licence EU/EEA licences valid. Non-EU visitors should carry IDP.

France: An EU/EEA driving licence is valid. An IDP is recommended for non-EU licence holders. Visitors can typically drive for up to 12 months on a foreign licence EU/EEA licences valid. Non-EU visitors need IDP. Sworn translation accepted as alternative.

Always carry your licence (and IDP if applicable) while driving, as police may request to see it during routine checks or traffic stops.

Emergency Numbers

In case of an emergency while driving, it is essential to know the local numbers:

The EU-wide emergency number 112 works in both countries and connects to the appropriate emergency service.

Practical Tips for Driving in Both Countries

Before hitting the road in Bulgaria or France, consider these practical driving tips:

1. Check insurance coverage. Verify that your motor insurance or rental agreement covers driving in both countries. A Green Card may be required for cross-border travel.

2. Equip your vehicle properly. Ensure you have all mandatory equipment for both countries. It is better to carry extra items than to face a fine for missing equipment.

3. Be aware of environmental zones. Many cities have low-emission zones that restrict older vehicles. Check if you need an environmental sticker for either country.

4. Use a GPS or navigation app. Modern navigation apps often include speed limit warnings, toll information, and real-time traffic updates that can help you comply with local rules.

5. Understand toll systems. Research whether you need a vignette, transponder, or cash for tolls in each country.

6. Carry the right documents. Ensure you have your driving licence, IDP (if needed), vehicle registration, and insurance documents. Some countries require you to carry these at all times.

7. Research before you go. Familiarise yourself with the specific rules of each country before your trip. Print or save a summary of key rules for quick reference.

8. Learn key phrases. If you do not speak the local language, learn basic driving-related phrases. In an emergency, being able to communicate with police or paramedics can be invaluable.

Which Country Is Easier for Tourists to Drive In?

Which country is easier to drive in depends on your experience level, where you are from, and what conditions you are used to.

Based on tourist ratings, Bulgaria scores 3.3/5 (Moderate). Improving infrastructure, vignette needed, rural roads rough

Tourist reviews give France a driving ease score of 2.4/5 (Easy). Good roads, toll system can confuse, city driving challenging

Since both Bulgaria and France drive on the right, the transition between the two is smooth for most drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in France with a Bulgaria driving licence?

Yes, EU/EEA driving licences are fully valid in both countries without additional documentation.

What is the speed limit on motorways in Bulgaria compared to France?

The motorway speed limit in Bulgaria is 140 km/h, while in France it is 130 km/h. Always watch for posted signs, as limits may vary on specific sections due to roadworks, weather, or local restrictions.

Are winter tyres mandatory in Bulgaria or France?

In Bulgaria, winter tyres are situational (15 Nov - 1 Mar (or when roads are snowy/icy)). In France, they are situational (1 Nov - 31 Mar (mountain law, designated departments)). If you are travelling during winter months, it is advisable to use winter tyres regardless of legal requirements for safety.

Which country has stricter drink-driving laws?

Both countries have the same BAC limit of 0.05%, so the strictness is comparable. Penalties in both countries are serious and can include licence suspension, heavy fines, and imprisonment.

What side of the road do they drive on in Bulgaria and France?

Bulgaria drives on the right side and France drives on the right side of the road.

Can I use my car insurance from Bulgaria in France?

If both countries are within the EU/EEA, your motor insurance Green Card (or its digital equivalent) typically provides minimum third-party cover in both countries. Check with your insurer for full coverage details.

What emergency number should I call while driving in Bulgaria or France?

In Bulgaria, the general emergency number is 112 (police: 112, ambulance: 112). In France, call 112 (police: 17, ambulance: 15). The pan-European number 112 works in both countries.

Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026. Figures previously published in leva were converted at the fixed statutory rate of 1.95583 leva to the euro.00 to the euro.