site.btaParliamentary Justice Committee Approves Harsher Fines for Driving Under the Influence

Bulgaria's parliamentary Legal Committee approved proposed amendments to the Penal Code that significantly increase fines for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, especially for repeat offenders.

The changes were proposed by the Ministry of Justice and incorporated into a consolidated bill combining 11 separate legislative proposals. The combined bill focuses primarily on road traffic offenses involving alcohol and drugs, as well as crimes against animals.

Under the new rules, first-time offenders caught driving with over 1.5 per mille blood alcohol will face fines between BGN 1,000 and 5,000 (up from BGN 200–1,000). Repeat offenders driving with more than 0.5 per mille will face fines of BGN 2,000 to 10,000.

For drug-impaired driving, the fines will range from BGN 1,000 to 5,000 for a first offense, and BGN 2,000 to 10,000 for repeat violations. Refusal to undergo a sobriety or drug test, after prior punishment for a similar offense, will also carry a fine of BGN 2,000 to 5,000.

The amendments are part of a broader package of Penal Code changes, including stiffer penalties for crimes against animals, road traffic offenses, underage sales of harmful substances, and public-sector bribery. A new chapter on terrorism is also being introduced. The bill will next be debated and voted on in plenary.