Lawmakers discuss a complete ban on trucks in the left lane of motorways and new requirements for electric vehicles

Two bills amending the Road Traffic Act were presented today by deputies from the governing party Progressive Bulgaria. The proposal provides that heavy goods vehicles with a permissible maximum mass above 12 tons must travel only in the right lane on motorways and dual-carriageways with two lanes in each direction. The ban will also apply when overtaking. The Violations Code envisions a fine of 500 euros and a temporary suspension of the driving license for three months; on a repeated violation, the sanction reaches 2000 euros and a six-month suspension from the right to drive.

The authors explain the measure with severe road accidents, including the involvement of trucks and prolonged overtaking between trucks, which blocks the left lane and forces other drivers to slow down or change lanes. It is clarified that similar restrictions operate in a number of European countries, although available studies do not provide conclusive proof of reducing accidents.

The changes also include harsher sanctions for violations when crossing railway level crossings, overloading of trucks, and operating vehicles with dangerous technical malfunctions. Among them are heavily worn or damaged tires, tires of different sizes on one axle, and tires rubbing against parts of the vehicle. It is proposed to temporarily revoke the right to drive for drivers who have consumed alcohol above 0.5 per mille or prohibited substances, until responsibility is clarified, but for a period of up to 18 months. The same measure will apply in case of refusal to undergo a check.

GERB insists that electric scooters be operated only by persons with a category AM license or higher. For the first violation, a fine of 150 euros is provided, and for a repeat violation – 500 euros. The changes are to take effect six months after their publication in the State Gazette. According to the proponents, the measure will increase awareness of traffic rules and the level of driver preparation.

Mentioned are data on emergency medical assistance following incidents involving bicycles and individual electric vehicles from the period from the beginning of 2025 to June 2026, when 705 cases were registered, of which 498 involved electric scooters, and 279 of the injured were minors.

Source: plovdiv24.bg