If you are planning a long stay in Bulgaria with a car with Ukrainian license plates, it is important to know about the peculiarities of local legislation regarding technical inspection. Here are the main points to consider in order to avoid problems and keep your car in good technical condition during your stay in the country

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Technical Inspection (TI) is a mandatory procedure for all vehicles used on Bulgarian roads. This requirement applies not only to vehicles registered in Bulgaria, but also to those with foreign registration and temporarily staying in the country, including Ukrainian vehicles.

For Ukrainians who are in the country because of the war or are here for other reasons, it is important to understand the nuances of technical inspection and the possible consequences of its absence.

Do Ukrainian cars in Bulgaria still need to undergo technical inspection? We will tell you further in the article.

Technical inspection of a car in Bulgaria: details

According to the law, vehicles with foreign registration participating in international traffic must have a valid technical inspection conducted in the country of registration. This means that cars with Ukrainian license plates must have a valid technical inspection conducted in Ukraine. However, in practice, there are difficulties with passing the technical inspection in Bulgaria.

Problems with passing the technical inspection in Bulgaria

Bulgarian inspection stations refuse to inspect cars with foreign license plates, as they are authorized to inspect only vehicles registered in Bulgaria. Thus, it is virtually impossible for Ukrainian cars to undergo technical inspection in this country. This creates serious problems for those Ukrainians who cannot return to Ukraine to undergo the inspection.

The inspection requirements for different categories of vehicles are as follows:

- Category N1: Vehicles for cargo with a maximum weight of up to 3.5 tons.
- Category M1: Vehicles for passengers with no more than eight seats, not including the driver.

Please note! For cars registered in Bulgaria, technical inspection is mandatory in the third and fifth years after initial registration, and then annually, as specified in Article 147 of the Road Traffic Act.

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Possible consequences of not having a vehicle inspection

Failure to have a vehicle inspected may result in various legal consequences. According to Article 179 of the Bulgarian Traffic Law, driving a car without a valid technical inspection is an offense punishable by a fine of BGN 50 to 500.

In the case of serious violations, such as driving an unsafe car, the police may temporarily withdraw the registration certificate, which will be returned only after the malfunctions are eliminated and re-inspection is carried out.

One of the possible options for Ukrainians who plan to stay in Bulgaria for a long time or use a car frequently in the country is to register a car with a Bulgarian company.

In this case, the vehicle is considered to be registered in Bulgaria, which allows it to undergo technical inspection in the country. However, this process requires legalization, and the car formally becomes the property of the company.

Current situation

Currently, the Bulgarian authorities do not comment on the situation with the impossibility of passing the technical inspection by Ukrainian cars. Although there are reports of successful passage of technical inspection at one of the Bulgarian stations, such cases may be unofficial and not recognized during inspections or in insurance cases.

Ukrainians who find themselves in Bulgaria are advised to wait for an official decision on whether to allow vehicles with Ukrainian license plates to undergo technical inspection.

The problem with the technical inspection is a significant concern for Ukrainian citizens in this country, as they are unable to legally use their cars or return to Ukraine to undergo the inspection.

Ukrainian car owners should monitor the developments and look for alternative ways to solve the problem, including possibly through other countries, such as Romania, where inspection of Ukrainian cars is rare but still possible.

Green Card for travelling abroad

Please note that in order to travel from Ukraine abroad and to legally move around Europe, you need to take out a Green Card insurance policy.

The policy is valid on the territory of the member states of the Green Card system, namely, in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Great Britain, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Spain, Malta, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Morocco, Moldova, Norway, Norway, Norway, Morocco, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Hungary, France, Finland, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Switzerland and Turkey.

If you have a Green Card, if you get into an accident abroad, you can expect to receive compensation from an insurance agent.

It is better to buy insurance online, as it is quick and easy. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can take out a Green Card policy from a licensed insurer. Packages are available for different periods from 15 days to 1 year for cars and trucks, trailers and semi-trailers for trucks, as well as motorcycles and scooters.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Are you planning a trip to Europe by car? A Green Card from Visit Ukraine is your reliable protection on European roads. Fast processing, affordable prices and complete peace of mind while travelling. Apply for a Green Card and enjoy a safe trip abroad!

Do you have additional questions? Contact the Visit Ukraine hotline (Telegram | WhatsApp).

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

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