New Road โฃTraffic Rules Take Effect September 7, Impacting Electric Scooters, Bikes, and Pedestrians
SOFIA, Bulgaria – Updated road traffic regulations come โขinto force nationwide on September 7, โฃintroducing specific rules for individual electric vehicles โข(EVs) and bicycles, alongside existing pedestrian safety measures.The changes, outlined โby the State Road โSafety Agency (BTA), aim to clarify usage and enhance safety for all road users.
The new rules address aโค growing โฃnumber of EVs โon Bulgarian roads, establishing โฃrequirements for registration – details of which will be specified in โa forthcoming Municipal Council ordinance – and prohibiting operation during darkness โwithout appropriate lighting. EV riders are also forbidden from operating vehicles โwithout holding the handlebars securely, using handheld mobile devices, or leading animals. Parking restrictions are expanded to include parks, gardens, squares, playgrounds, pedestrian zones, metro entrances, bus stops, pedestrian crossings, and access routes โคfor people with disabilities.
Cyclists are now required to wear reflective vests or elements onโค clothing when riding outside settlements, during darkness,โ or โin reduced visibility, andโ must use white or yellow frontโฃ lights. Like EV riders, โคcyclists are prohibited from using handheld mobile devices while in motion. Bothโ EV and bicycle riders must dismount and walk their vehicles when crossing pedestrian walkways.
Valid civil โขliability โขinsurance is mandatory for EV ownersโ to cover damagesโข caused toโ third parties.
Further details and ongoing updates regarding theโค new regulations are available on the State road safety Agency website (BTA).