Bulgaria Adopts Stricter DUI Laws, Introduces Terrorist Financing Penalties

Strategic Insights -

Bulgaria has taken significant steps to enhance its penal code, introducing stricter laws related to driving under the influence (DUI) and combating terrorist financing. The amendments, adopted at the second reading in the Parliament, aim to improve road safety and prevent the misuse of funds for terrorism.

Key Takeaways:

  • Refusal to submit to an alcohol and/or drug test after a traffic accident can lead to up to one year in prison and a BGN 2,500 fine.
  • DUI offenders with blood alcohol levels of more than 1.2 per mil can face imprisonment from one to three years and a fine from BGN 1,000 to BGN 5,000.
  • Repeat offenders who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol with blood levels of more than 0.5 per mil can face fines from BGN 2,000 to BGN 10,000 and prison sentences from one to five years.
  • Fatal traffic accidents caused by drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol, who escaped the scene or exceeded the speed limit, can result in prison sentences ranging from 12 to 20 years, or even life sentences in egregious cases.
  • Drivers who caused medium or grievous bodily injury during a traffic accident, and met one of the above conditions, can face prison sentences ranging from four to 12 years.
  • The amendments also introduce a chapter on terrorism, where collecting or providing funds for terrorist activities can lead to imprisonment from three to 12 years and a fine from BGN 5,000 to BGN 30,000.

Statistics:

  • Up to one year in prison and a BGN 2,500 fine for refusal to submit to an alcohol and/or drug test.
  • Imprisonment from one to three years and a fine from BGN 1,000 to BGN 5,000 for DUI offenders with blood alcohol levels of more than 1.2 per mil.
  • Fines from BGN 2,000 to BGN 10,000 and prison sentences from one to five years for repeat DUI offenders with blood levels of more than 0.5 per mil.
  • Prison sentences ranging from 12 to 20 years for fatal traffic accidents caused by drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Life sentences possible for egregious cases of fatal traffic accidents caused by intoxicated drivers.
  • Prison sentences ranging from four to 12 years for drivers who caused medium or grievous bodily injury during a traffic accident and met one of the above conditions.

Sources:

  • "Parliament adopted amendments to Penal Code" [https://www.bgnews.bg/novinite-639236-parlament-otsele-doprostredstva-k-penalnot-code](https://www.bgnews.bg/novinite-639236-parlament-otsele-doprostredstva-k-penalnot-code)