Court reviews vehicle fine check rule
Bulgaria’s Constitutional Court has unanimously agreed to review an ombudsman challenge targeting legislation that would prevent vehicle owners from obtaining technical inspections if they have outstanding traffic fines. All 11 judges voted to examine whether the provision violates citizen rights.
The disputed law, scheduled to take effect in May, adds unpaid penalty orders and tickets to existing technical inspection requirements that currently include valid identification, insurance documentation, and annual tax payments. Vehicle owners, users, or anyone presenting a car for inspection must clear all enforced fines before the system permits the mandatory safety check to proceed.
The ombudsman contends the amendment infringes on constitutional protections afforded to Bulgarian citizens by creating additional barriers to vehicle operation.
