Can I drive with an expired technical inspection?
No. The annual technical inspection is mandatory. For cars it is valid for 1 year, but a new car has its first inspection in year 3, the second in year 5, and every year after that. Taxis and buses are inspected every 6 months, and motorcycles every 2 years. The inspection costs about BGN 40–55 (≈€20–28), with prices varying between stations by as much as 30%. Driving with an expired inspection is fined BGN 200 (≈€102) and your registration plates are removed — the car stops being roadworthy. In a crash without a valid inspection the insurer can refuse to pay under comprehensive cover, and the car cannot be transferred.
📋 The rules
- Cars: the inspection is valid 1 year
- New cars: first inspection in year 3, second in year 5
- Taxis and buses: every 6 months; motorcycles: every 2 years
- Cost: about BGN 40–55 (≈€20–28)
- Expired: BGN 200 and your plates are removed
🔓 Exceptions
- Newly registered cars are not inspected for the first 3 years
- Motorcycles are inspected every 2 years, not annually
- Without a valid inspection the car cannot be sold and transferred
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Driving with an expired technical inspection is fined BGN 200 (≈€102) and your registration plates are removed — so you do not simply pay and drive on; the car stops being roadworthy until it passes. In a road accident without a valid inspection the consequences are far more expensive: the insurer can refuse to pay under comprehensive cover; third-party liability still covers the injured, but the insurer has a right of recourse against you for what it pays out. And without a valid inspection the car cannot be transferred — the sale simply will not go through. A missed inspection usually costs dearly not because of the fine, but because of everything else.
📎 Official sources
- Road Transport Administration · Check your inspection →
- lex.bg · Road Traffic Act →
- Pravko · Validity of the technical inspection →
❓ Frequently asked
When does a new car get its first inspection?
In the third year after first registration, then in the fifth, and every year after that. So new cars are not inspected at all during their first three years on the road.
What is the fine for an expired inspection?
BGN 200 (≈€102), together with removal of the registration plates. The plates are the heavier consequence — the car cannot be driven until it passes an inspection.
How much does the inspection cost?
About BGN 40–55 (≈€20–28). Prices vary between stations by as much as 30%, so it is worth comparing before you go.
How often are motorcycles inspected?
Every 2 years, unlike cars, which are inspected annually. Taxis and buses are inspected every 6 months.
What happens in a crash with no valid inspection?
The insurer can refuse to pay under comprehensive cover. Third-party liability still covers the injured, but the insurer has a right of recourse against you for the sums it pays — meaning it will come after your pocket.
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