ANNUAL VEHICLE INSPECTION IN BULGARIA - DOCUMENTS, REQUIREMENTS AND FINES
Periodic motor vehicle inspection safety check
All vehicles registered in the Republic of Bulgaria are due for mandatory annual vehicle inspection (AVI). It is hardly necessary to discuss whether vehicle inspections are real or fictitious, and whether they actually reflect the condition of the vehicle? The important thing for us is to be informed of the specific requirements and documents necessary to easily pass the AVI and to protect ourselves from the trouble and the hassle of dealing with the Traffic Police.
Keep in mind that if there ever was a possibility for a vehicle to pass the AVI based only on the documents presented (without actual inspection of the vehicle), this practice stopped since the beginning of 2012 because of the placement of cameras at the inspection stations which are connected directly to the office of the Executive Agency "Automobile Administration". The documents of the vehicle are also scanned and sent to the Agency's office for verification.
FREQUENCY OF THE ANNUAL VEHICLE INSPECTION AND VALIDITY PERIOD
Perhaps, the exact name of the vehicle inspection should be not "annual" but "periodic" because some vehicles have to pass inspection twice a year.
- Passenger cars must pass AVI once a year.
- Taxi vehicles are required to pass AVI at every six months.
- Cargo vehicles and trucks older than 10 years are also required to pass AVI at every six months.
- New cars have to pass AVI for the first time in their third year, and the second inspection has to take place two years after the first one (after their fifth year they are due for annual inspection).
The passing certificate is valid by the date written on the inspection ticket! It is advisable not to wait until the last moment.
WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO PASS AN ANNUAL VEHICLE INSPECTION
- Vehicle registration card Part I and Part II (the large and the small card), a photocopy of the large card is permitted.
- Policy/proof of valid civil liability insurance.
- If the vehicle is equipped with a natural gas fuel system, it must have a sticker "GAS" on the rear windshield (the AVI certificate also certifies the condition of the natural gas fuel system).
- Proof of paid vehicle property tax.
- Identity document of the person presenting the vehicle for inspection.
HOW MUCH DOES THE ANNUAL VEHICLE INSPECTION COST AND HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE
In general, every vehicle inspection station determines its inspection fee, which is usually about BGN 40. The price includes the cost of the inspection, the certificate and the pass inspection sticker.
The duration of the vehicle inspection is at least 20 minutes, during which it is advisable to stay away.
WHAT IS INSPECTED DURING AN ANNUAL VEHICLE INSPECTION
During an AVI the overall condition of the vehicle is inspected, particularly the following:
- Vehicle identification (registration plates, documentation, VIN, etc.);
- Components of the braking system (functioning, condition, parking brake, ABS, etc.);
- Steering (mechanical condition, backlash, power steering, etc.);
- Driver visibility (field of vision, condition of windshields, mirrors, wipers, etc.);
- Lights, reflectors and electrical equipment (lights operation, gauges, taillights, turn signals, hazard lights, battery, etc.).
- Axles, wheels, tires and suspension (axles, condition of wheels, tires and suspension)
- Chassis and equipment related to the chassis (condition of the frame, cargo compartment, etc.).
- Other equipment (seat belts, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, horn, speedometer, etc.).
- Harmful environmental effects (noise, exhaust emissions, leaks)
Before bringing your vehicle for inspection, it is advisable to wash it because visual appearance does matter. Inspect the condition of your lighting system, windshields (cracks) and exhaust system (corrosion, holes, fumes). In general, it is more difficult for vehicles with removed catalyst system to pass AVI.
WHAT ARE THE FINES FOR DRIVING WITH EXPIRED/INVALID ANNUAL VEHICLE INSPECTION CERTIFICATE
If the Traffic Police finds you driving a vehicle without AVI certificate, they can issue a fine of up to BGN 50. The fine is for driving a technically faulty vehicle. The police may decide to issue you a ticket and after the ticket’s penal provision is applied, in addition to the monetary penalty, you will have 5 control points deducted.
More serious troubles may arise with your insurance company if your vehicle is without a valid AVI certificate and is involved in an accident. Your insurer may refuse to make a compensation payment under Casco insurance because of your driving a technically faulty vehicle! This is especially true in cases where you were at fault (no right of recourse). All Casco insurers include in their terms exceptions for driving technically faulty vehicles.
The insurer may refuse to pay compensation under "Civil Liability" insurance to persons who suffered damages or may have recourse against you if your vehicle was without a valid annual inspection certificate. The damages could be enormous!