Can I park on the pavement?
No — and the bill mounts fast. Parking on a pavement, in a park, a garden or on a playground inside a built-up area breaches the Road Traffic Act and is fined BGN 50 to 200, the amount set according to the seriousness of the offence. But the fine rarely comes alone: the car can be clamped or towed away. In Sofia, as of 2026, a clamp costs €30 and a tow costs €75, and those sums are due separately from the fine, with storage at the pound added on top. So a "five-minute" stop on the pavement can end up costing you more than €150 if the tow truck finds you first.
📋 The rules
- Parking on a pavement, in a park or garden is prohibited
- Fine: BGN 50 to 200, by seriousness of the offence
- The car may be clamped or towed away
- Sofia (2026): clamp €30, tow €75
- Those sums are on top of the fine, plus storage
🔓 Exceptions
- Pavement parking is allowed only where it is expressly marked out
- Designated bays for people with disabilities are used with a valid badge
- A penalty notice can be appealed to the district court within 14 days
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The fine is BGN 50–200, but the real bill is elsewhere. With a clamp you pay the release fee plus the fine; with a tow you pay the removal (in Sofia €75), the storage at the pound charged per hour or day begun, and the fine. The car is not released until everything is paid, and storage keeps accruing until you collect it. If you parked on a pedestrian crossing, at a bus stop or in a disabled bay, the sanction is heavier still. The penalty notice can be appealed within 14 days to the district court — and a fine paid within the statutory period is often reduced.
📎 Official sources
- lex.bg · Road Traffic Act →
- Sofia Municipality · Vehicle pounds →
- Ministry of the Interior · Traffic police →
❓ Frequently asked
What is the fine for parking on the pavement?
BGN 50 to 200, with the amount set according to the seriousness of the offence. The same applies to parking in a park, a garden or on a playground inside a built-up area.
How much does towing cost?
In Sofia, as of 2026, a tow costs €75 and a clamp €30. Both are due separately from the fine, and storage at the pound is charged on top of that.
Can I collect my car without paying?
No. The car is not released until the towing, the storage and the fine are all paid — and the storage charge keeps accruing for as long as the car sits at the pound.
Are there places where the pavement is allowed?
Only where pavement parking is expressly marked out with road markings. The absence of a sign does not mean it is permitted — it means the opposite.
Can I appeal?
Yes, a penalty notice can be appealed to the district court within 14 days. If you do not appeal, paying within the statutory period often means a reduced fine.
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