Bulgaria has introduced a new CO₂ component into its road tolling system for heavy vehicles, as European countries continue to adapt distance-based charging frameworks in line with EU requirements.

The changes came into effect on 1 June 2026 and apply to vehicles with a technically permissible maximum mass of more than 3.5 tonnes using Bulgaria’s paid road network.

Under the revised framework, tolls are now calculated with reference to vehicle category, Euro emissions class, road type, distance travelled and CO₂ emissions class. The measure forms part of Bulgaria’s implementation of the revised Eurovignette framework, which requires member states to take vehicle CO₂ performance into account when charging heavy-duty vehicles for road use.

Vehicles first registered before 1 July 2019 are assigned to CO₂ Class 1, while zero-emission vehicles, including electric, hydrogen-powered and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, are placed in CO₂ Class 5 without the need for additional data. For trucks first registered on or after 1 July 2019 with internal combustion engines, operators are required to provide technical information from official vehicle documents to determine the correct CO₂ class.

Vehicles may fall within CO₂ classes 1 to 4 depending on their certified emissions performance. The revised tolling structure applies to trucks and other heavy vehicles travelling on tolled sections of Bulgaria’s road network, with rates varying by road class and vehicle characteristics.