Television host and actor Alexander Kadiev has been fined by Sofia police after posting a video on social media that showed him using a mobile phone while operating a motor vehicle. The incident, which occurred in Sofia during a rainstorm, prompted authorities to take action after the footage circulated online.
Incident Details and Police Action
The video, uploaded by Kadiev to his personal Facebook profile, captured the actor driving a convertible in a residential area of Sofia while accompanied by his 11-year-old daughter. In the recording, Kadiev is seen using a selfie stick to film himself and his child during a storm. The footage drew immediate criticism from social media users who pointed out that the act constituted a traffic violation.
Following the dissemination of the video, the Sofia Directorate of Internal Affairs (SDVR) initiated an investigation. Officers subsequently visited Kadiev at his address to issue a formal penalty. According to the actor, he received a fine of 51 euros and the deduction of 8 control points from his driver’s license. Kadiev confirmed the penalty in a follow-up video, acknowledging his responsibility and stating that the fine was deserved.
Legal Framework and Enforcement
Under the Bulgarian Road Traffic Act, the use of a mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited unless the driver uses a hands-free device. Article 183, paragraph 4, item 6 of the legislation outlines the specific penalties for this violation: a fine of 51 euros and the removal of 8 control points.
Authorities have several methods for identifying such infractions. Typically, violations are documented during routine stops by Traffic Police officers who witness a driver holding a phone. However, incidents are also increasingly being identified through reports submitted by citizens, including footage shared on social media platforms. When such evidence is provided, police conduct an investigation to verify the occurrence of the violation and identify the driver involved.
Public Commentary and Broader Context
In his response to the fine, Kadiev emphasized that the law should apply equally to all citizens, regardless of their public profile. “There are no famous people,” he stated, adding that he was penalized as a citizen of the Republic of Bulgaria in accordance with the law. While accepting the consequences of his actions, Kadiev also expressed a desire to see similar institutional determination applied to broader societal issues, such as corruption and infrastructure safety.
This case reflects a growing trend where user-generated content on platforms like Facebook and TikTok serves as evidence for traffic enforcement. In recent years, several other public figures, including influencers and performers, have faced police scrutiny or legal consequences after documenting their own traffic violations, such as excessive speeding or dangerous driving, on social media.
Summary of Penalties for Mobile Phone Use While Driving
| Offense | Financial Penalty | Control Points Deducted |
|---|---|---|
| Use of mobile phone without hands-free device while driving | 51 Euros | 8 |
The incident serves as a reminder that content creators and public figures remain subject to the same traffic regulations as all other motorists. As the police continue to utilize online evidence for enforcement, the visibility of such actions continues to spark public debate regarding road safety and the accountability of individuals in the public eye.
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