Restrictions Apply on July 31 and August 2
Bulgarian road authorities are introducing temporary restrictions on heavy goods vehicles during periods of increased traffic at the height of the summer tourist season.
The measures apply to trucks with a maximum authorized mass exceeding 12 tonnes and will be in force during two periods:
- July 31 — from 16:00 to 23:00;
- August 2 — from 15:30 to 22:00.
Carriers operating through Bulgaria on these dates should take the restrictions into account when planning routes and delivery schedules.
Trakia, Struma and the Road to Kulata Are Affected
The restrictions will apply in both directions on the Trakia and Struma motorways, as well as on national road I-1.
Of particular importance for international freight operators is the section between the Simitli interchange and the Kulata border crossing on Bulgaria’s border with Greece. The corridor is widely used by trucks travelling between Central and Eastern Europe, Bulgaria and Greece.
The temporary measures are intended to reduce pressure on major roads during periods of particularly heavy tourist traffic.
Several Categories of Trucks Are Exempt
The restrictions will not apply to all freight vehicles.
Trucks carrying dangerous goods under ADR rules, live animals, perishable food products and cargo requiring controlled temperatures will be allowed to continue operating.
Special-purpose vehicles involved in road maintenance and infrastructure services are also exempt from the temporary restrictions.
Alternative Routes Are Available
Freight vehicles that do not qualify for an exemption will have to use alternative routes.
Instead of the Trakia Motorway, carriers are advised to use national road I-6.
For traffic heading toward the Struma Motorway and the Kulata border crossing, the alternative route runs along road II-19 through Simitli and Gotse Delchev, followed by road III-198 toward Kulata and via Chuchuligovo to national road I-1.
The diversions may increase journey times, making it important for transport operators to adjust driver schedules, mandatory rest periods and delivery deadlines in advance.
European Tourist Traffic Reaches Its Summer Peak
Late July and early August traditionally bring some of the heaviest traffic of the European summer season. Holiday travel significantly increases congestion on major motorways, border crossings and transport corridors leading to popular destinations in Southern Europe.
The first weekend of August is expected to be particularly busy. International road freight operators may therefore face not only temporary truck restrictions but also congestion on alternative roads and approaches to border crossings.
Bulgaria’s temporary measures are part of a broader pattern of seasonal restrictions introduced across Europe to manage heavy holiday traffic and reduce pressure on major freight and passenger corridors.
Read also: Europe Introduces Summer Truck Driving Restrictions for 2026
