Varna replaces green right-turn arrows with full traffic lights
Two Varna junctions now have three-colour right-turn signals instead of green arrows; five more will follow under new national rules.
Varna is switching right turns at seven signal-controlled junctions from a single green arrow to a full three-colour right-turn signal. Two junctions already work the new way, Varna Municipality said on 22 October 2026: drivers may now turn right only when the right-turn light is green, while pedestrians get a red signal at that moment.
Where has it changed?
- Hristo Smirnenski Blvd / Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd — working since 21 October 2026, for traffic coming from Prilep St (Vyaturna Melnitsa) along Hristo Smirnenski and turning right onto Tsar Osvoboditel;
- Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd / Osmi Primorski Polk Blvd — for traffic coming from the University of Economics along Tsar Osvoboditel and turning right onto Osmi Primorski Polk.
Why is Varna changing the signals?
The work follows Ordinance No. RD-02-21-2 of 24 October 2024 on traffic lights, published in State Gazette No. 96 of 12 November 2024 and in force since 14 May 2025, the municipality said. Its company for transport and automated traffic control says the aim is to bring all signals in line with the law and to reduce the risk of collisions between turning cars and people crossing.
Which junctions are next?
According to the municipality, the other five junctions are:
- Vladislav Varnenchik Blvd / Saborni Blvd;
- Vladislav Varnenchik Blvd / Otets Paisiy St and Dr Piskyuliev St;
- Vladislav Varnenchik Blvd / Hristo Smirnenski Blvd and Dimitar Polyanov St;
- Vladislav Varnenchik Blvd / Republika Blvd;
- Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd / Pirin St and Bitolya St.
At all five the green arrow has already been removed, and the city is commissioning the design of the new signals through an existing framework agreement. No date for their completion has been announced.
What does it mean for drivers and pedestrians?
Drivers turn right only when the right-turn section shows green; at that moment pedestrians on the crossing have red. If you are used to “free” right turns on the green arrow, take extra care: at the converted junctions, turning on red is a violation, and it is the offence people report most often in the Varna police’s video-report campaign. If you walk or cycle around the city, our guide to walking, cycling and taxis in Varna has more tips. For other transport news, see how Varna’s bus tickets are moving to one app, with live GPS to follow.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Can I still turn right when the green arrow is off?
At the converted junctions there is no green arrow any more — turn right only when the right-turn signal shows green.
Why is Varna changing this?
To comply with a national ordinance on traffic lights that took effect on 14 May 2025 and to reduce crashes.
Which junctions are next?
Five more, four on Vladislav Varnenchik Blvd and one on Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd; the green arrows there are already off and the new signals are being designed.
