NEWS

Technical Inspection in Bulgaria for Foreign Cars – Need for Inspection and Risk of Fines

Technical Inspection (GTP) is mandatory for all vehicles using Bulgaria’s roads. This requirement applies not only to vehicles registered in Bulgaria but also to those with foreign registration that are within the country.

Lack of Technical Inspection for Ukrainian Registered Cars

If a Ukrainian-registered vehicle has not passed the technical inspection in Bulgaria, problems may arise. Key points to consider:

  • Refusal to Conduct the Inspection: Bulgarian GTP stations refuse to inspect vehicles with foreign plates because they are only authorized to inspect vehicles registered in Bulgaria. Bulgarian law does not allow conducting technical inspections for foreign-registered vehicles.
  • Legal Grounds: According to Article 147 of Bulgaria’s Road Traffic Law, vehicles engaged in international traffic, in transit, or belonging to tourists temporarily in Bulgaria must have a valid technical inspection performed in the country of registration.
  • Regulating Decrees: For full information on the technical inspection requirements in Bulgaria, you can refer to Government Decree No. H-32, dated December 16, 2011, from the Ministry of Transport. This document outlines the procedure for inspections, the requirements for stations, and their licensing conditions.

Inspection Requirements for Different Vehicle Categories:

  • Category N1: Vehicles for cargo with a maximum weight of up to 3.5 tons.
  • Category M1: Passenger vehicles with no more than eight seats, excluding the driver.

For vehicles registered in Bulgaria, technical inspections are mandatory in the third and fifth years after initial registration, and then annually, as per Article 147 of the Road Traffic Law.

Fines and Risks for Lack of Technical Inspection in Bulgaria

Driving a vehicle without a valid technical inspection is an offense. Fines, according to Article 179 of Bulgaria’s Road Traffic Law, range from 50 to 500 Bulgarian leva, depending on the severity of the violation. In cases of serious violations, such as operating an unsafe vehicle, the police may temporarily seize the technical passport, which will be returned only after the faults are corrected and the vehicle is re-inspected.

Official Request from Ukrainian Car Owners

Currently, it is impossible to pass the technical inspection for Ukrainian-registered cars in Bulgaria. However, an official request has been submitted for Bulgarian inspection stations to be allowed to inspect such vehicles. A decision on this is expected by September 16.

Reports of Successful Inspections in Bulgaria

There have been reports of Ukrainian vehicles passing the technical inspection at one of the Bulgarian stations. However, this may be an unofficial procedure. The document obtained in this way may not be legally recognized and could be invalid in inspections or insurance cases.

It is recommended to wait for the official decision on the request to allow inspections for Ukrainian-registered vehicles.

Question: Can You Get a Technical Inspection in Bulgaria for a Foreign-Registered Car if It’s Registered to a Bulgarian Company?

Answer: Yes, it is possible. If the car is registered to a Bulgarian company, it will be considered registered in Bulgaria, which allows it to pass the technical inspection (GTP) within the country. This option is suitable for those planning long stays in Bulgaria or who frequently use the vehicle in the country. However, registering the vehicle to a company requires legal formalities, making the company the owner of the car.

Conflicting Information About the Situation at the Border

On September 3, 2024, reports emerged about difficulties in crossing the Bulgarian-Romanian border, such as at the Negru Voda checkpoint. It was claimed that these vehicles would not be allowed into Romania. In the evening, TikTok videos appeared claiming that from the next day, technical inspections in Bulgaria would no longer be required, but these claims have not been confirmed.

Ukrainian citizens in Bulgaria are facing difficulties. Technical inspections are not available in Bulgaria, and returning to Ukraine for one is not always possible. In Romania, technical inspections for Ukrainian cars are rarely available, and booking an appointment takes a month. Car owners are looking for alternative routes to return to Ukraine and undergo the inspection there.

Lack of Response from Authorities Regarding the Technical Inspection Issue in Bulgaria

The Ukrainian consulate in Bulgaria, UN volunteers, and Bulgarian authorities have not commented on the situation. The issue arose due to unresolved matters with vehicles that are technically “temporarily imported” into the country but are still documented as “tourist” vehicles, with all the ensuing consequences. The confusion and lack of reliable information have led to rumors and concerns among many Ukrainian refugees in countries such as Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova. This contributes to the rise of conspiracy theories and negatively impacts the integration of the new Ukrainian diaspora.