Everything you need to know about driving in North Macedonia

So, you’ve decided to embark on a road trip through North Macedonia? Great choice! But before you rev up your engines and hit the road, there are a few things you should know about driving in North Macedonia.

If you are planning to rent a car to visit somewhere in North Macedonia but aren’t sure that driving is for you? Check if the destination is included in the range of tours and activities available from Skopje.

Driving in North Macedonia Facts

Every European country has its own distinct driving regulations and traffic norms, which you should adhere to during your visit. While there might be subtle variations, driving in North Macedonia aligns closely with practices in other nations, provided you exercise a degree of basic common sense. You’re unlikely to encounter any major surprises with North Macedonia’s driving laws, but an overview of these is provided below:

When it comes to speed limits, they’re posted in kilometres per hour (km/h) here. Within city limits, the speed limit is usually around 50 km/h, while outside the city it is 80mk/h and on highways, it can go up to 100 or even 120 km/h. Speed limits are well signposted, just make sure you’re paying attention to those signs – failure to comply can result it fines from 45 to 300€, which is the the last thing you want on your North Macedonian road trip.

Any fines you receive from driving violations should be paid at local banks or post offices. Under no circumstances should payments be made on the spot, as this is not permitted by North Macedonian law.

Now, let’s talk about road rules and regulations. In North Macedonia, seat belts are mandatory for everyone in the car – no exceptions. And if you’re traveling with kids, they’ll need to be in a child safety seat or booster seat, depending on their age and size.

And speaking of rules, don’t forget about the traffic police. They’re out and about patrolling the roads, and they’re not afraid to pull you over if you’re breaking the law. So make sure you’re obeying the speed limits, using your turn signals, and following all the other rules of the road to avoid getting slapped with a hefty fine.

Driving in North Macedonia

If you’re planning on driving in North Macedonia, you’ll need your valid driver’s license from your home country. It’s also a good idea to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP), especially if your license isn’t in English or Macedonian. And of course, don’t forget your car insurance & registration documentation – you’ll need those too.

Other things to consider if driving to North Macedonia from the UK, Ireland or other country that drives on the left, it’s a legal requirement to carry headlamp converters stickers, unless your headlamps automatically adjust. It is also a requirement to carry an orange emergency triangle in case of vehicle breakdown.

Winter tyres or snow chains are mandatory when travelling between 15 November and 15 March, with fines of up to 150 € for non-compliance.

Roads in North Macedonia

Overall, the roads in North Macedonia are fairly good, especially the newer highways, although there can still be the odd pothole or two along the way. There are a number of toll roads within North Macedonia, notably the M1, M2 & M4 highways. The prices vary between 40-80den dependent on the distance and can either be paid in Denars or Euros.

Navigating through cities like Skopje and Ohrid may pose challenges due to the erratic driving behaviors of certain locals and the presence of narrow, winding streets in certain areas. Nonetheless, drivers who are experienced and accustomed to driving in diverse international settings should generally manage well.

In rural regions, road conditions can be unpredictable, hence it’s crucial to stay alert and drive with caution. Expect encounters with slow-moving agricultural vehicles, stray dogs and livestock, and occasional instances of horses wandering onto the road, requiring you to be ready to stop at any moment.

Parking can pose a challenge, particularly in urban centre’s like Skopje. Finding available parking spaces, especially in the city centre, can be difficult, but there are numerous paid car parks available. Many of these parking facilities may require payment through mobile devices, either via dedicated apps or SMS, so it’s advisable to have phone with a SIM card that will work in North Macedonia.

As for petrol/gas stations, they’re easy to find throughout the country. Most gas stations accept both cash and cards, so you shouldn’t have any trouble fuelling up. The only difference from some European countries, notably the UK, is that there will be attendants that will fill your car up for you.

Finally, let’s talk about driving etiquette. In North Macedonia, it’s common courtesy to give way to pedestrians at crosswalks. In fact it is highly likely that pedestrians will walk in the road, with the expectation that cars will give way for them, so be prepared to stop. Car horns should be used sparingly when in built up areas, but on highways should be used when overtaking other vehicles to alert them of your presence.

And there you have it – everything you need to know about driving in North Macedonia. So buckle up, hit the road, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in this beautiful Balkan country!