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Winter Tyres in Bulgaria

Quick answer: Yes. Winter tyres are compulsory in Bulgaria from 15 November to 1 March (winter-suitable tyres). From 15 November to 1 March, motor vehicles must have tyres suitable for winter conditions. Tyres with at least 4 mm tread are accepted, so all-season or summer tyres in good condition can comply. Today: Not in force until 15 Nov.

Required?
Yes winter-suitable tyres
Right now
Not in force until 15 Nov
Dates
15 November to 1 March

The rule

From 15 November to 1 March, motor vehicles must have tyres suitable for winter conditions. Tyres with at least 4 mm tread are accepted, so all-season or summer tyres in good condition can comply.

What tyres count

Winter tyres, or any tyres with at least 4 mm tread.

Snow chains

Not confirmed. Check the official source below.

Studded tyres

Not confirmed. Check the official source below.

Fine

Not confirmed. Check the official source below.

Tips for visiting drivers

Winter tyres are the safer choice for Bansko, Borovets or Pamporovo even though 4 mm summer tyres are legal.

Notes: Your Europe's Bulgaria page lists no winter rule, and the Bulgarian National Television site refused connections, so this row relies on a news report of the Interior Ministry's announcement. Parliament adopted the rule in 2016.

Source

Official source and last check

The Sofia Globe, 14 November 2025, reporting the Interior Ministry · Cited, not copied · last checked

Not confirmed on an official page: chains, studs, fine. We show "Not confirmed" rather than guess.

This is general information, not legal advice. Rules change and local signs always apply; check the official source before you travel. "Right now" is worked out from today's date and the dates above; where the rule depends on snow, ice or signs, it applies only when those are present.

Before you drive

Check the road and the weather

Will the roads be icy? Hour-by-hour check for your townWeather warnings in force todayDriving laws in Bulgaria: speed limits, drink-drive limitLive road accident reports: BulgariaStopping distance on snow and ice
Questions

Winter tyres in Bulgaria: FAQ

Are winter tyres compulsory in Bulgaria?
Yes. Winter tyres are compulsory in Bulgaria from 15 November to 1 March (winter-suitable tyres). From 15 November to 1 March, motor vehicles must have tyres suitable for winter conditions. Tyres with at least 4 mm tread are accepted, so all-season or summer tyres in good condition can comply.
When do you need winter tyres in Bulgaria?
15 November to 1 March. Today: Not in force until 15 Nov.
What winter tyres are accepted in Bulgaria?
Winter tyres, or any tyres with at least 4 mm tread.
Do you need snow chains in Bulgaria?
Not confirmed. Check the official source below.
What is the fine in Bulgaria?
We could not confirm the fine on an official page. Your Europe's Bulgaria page lists no winter rule, and the Bulgarian National Television site refused connections, so this row relies on a news report of the Interior Ministry's announcement. Parliament adopted the rule in 2016.
Europe

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