Traffic police starts checks on Bulgarian roads as part of operation “Winter”

Traffic police on November 15, 2023, launches the operation "Winter", which aims to ensure that vehicles are ready for driving in winter conditions.

From 15 November to 1 March, all vehicles are required to be equipped with winter tyres with a minimum tread depth of 4 mm.

Today, November 14, is the last day motorists can drive with summer tyres without being fined. Operation “Winter” takes place for the 29th time.

Particular attention will be paid to headlights, brakes and tyres.

The operation will go through three phases, each with a duration of 10 days.

The first phase will focus on cars, the second phase will focus on pedestrians and passengers, and the third phase on safe driving.

Fines are also divided into three categories. The smallest is BGN 50.

"Zero tolerance for offenders. There are currently 9,800 people with powers under the Road Traffic Act who can take action under the law. Every day about 770 teams for 24 hours work on the territory of the country," said the head of the traffic police, Commissioner Dimitar Michev.

"I would like to remind that penalties vary from 50 BGN to 500 BGN, depending on the severity of the violation of technical requirements," said Chief Inspector Maria Boteva of the traffic police.

"All motorways are brought into winter mode," said the head of Road Infrastructure Agency, Eng. Yassen Yordanov.