Bulgaria has introduced a new technological feature to its toll camera system that allows authorities to detect whether drivers and passengers are wearing seat belts. The Road Infrastructure Agency announced that the upgraded function became operational on August 12, and within just a few days, 170 violations were registered.
The footage captured by these cameras is already being sent as official evidence to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, ensuring swift enforcement of penalties. This marks a new stage in the country’s efforts to reduce road accidents and improve compliance with traffic regulations.
The initiative forms part of the broader program by the National Toll Administration (NTU), which aims to enhance road safety without requiring additional financial resources.
Authorities explained that the upgrades rely on the existing capabilities of the toll system, making it both efficient and cost-effective. Statistics underline the effectiveness of Bulgaria’s toll camera network in tackling dangerous driving behavior.
Between July 15 and August 15, the system detected over 1,500 cases of manipulated license plates and more than 1,600 instances of vehicles driving illegally in the emergency lane. In each case, penalties were imposed in line with existing traffic laws.
Officials believe that stricter monitoring is necessary given Bulgaria’s persistent road safety challenges. The country has recorded higher-than-average road fatalities within the European Union, with non-compliance on seat belt use remaining a major contributor.
By automatically detecting violations, the toll system removes the reliance on manual checks, providing a more consistent level of control.
Looking ahead, authorities are preparing to expand the system’s capabilities further. The next planned function will target aggressive driving, specifically vehicles traveling at dangerously short distances from one another — a frequent cause of collisions on Bulgarian highways.
Additionally, the toll cameras are expected to be upgraded to provide real-time information for drivers, including traffic conditions and weather updates. This interactive function is scheduled to be rolled out in the coming months, creating a dual role for the system: enforcement and driver assistance.
The Road Infrastructure Agency emphasized that these steps are part of a continuous effort to modernize Bulgaria’s road safety framework. By combining strict control with advanced technology, officials hope to deter risky behaviors and promote responsible driving across the country.
Road safety experts have welcomed the move, noting that enforcement through technology often proves more effective than traditional methods. “When drivers know that cameras can detect not only speed but also seat belt use, they are more likely to comply,” one traffic safety specialist explained.
For now, the immediate impact of the new function is already visible, with hundreds of violations documented in less than a week. Authorities expect the numbers to rise as enforcement continues, but ultimately, the goal is to reduce fatalities and injuries on Bulgarian roads.
With future enhancements on the horizon, Bulgaria’s toll camera system is quickly becoming one of the most comprehensive road monitoring networks in the region.