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Interested in seeing all that North Macedonia has to offer? Rent a car and prepare for driving in North Macedonia with these must-know tips and info!

North Macedonia is one of the most underrated countries in the Balkans and, for that matter, Europe! It is rich in breathtaking nature, untold culture, and hidden gems. For travelers looking to steer clear of the beaten path, there’s no better adventure than a road trip through North Macedonia.

Driving in North Macedonia is highly attainable even for the most beginner of travelers and also very affordable.

We’ve packed this guide with a ton of FAQs, a road trip itinerary, route map, and the basic rules for driving in North Macedonia.

First, Is Renting a Car in North Macedonia Worth It?

North Macedonia is home to exciting and vibrant cities like Skopje and bustling larger towns like the charming Ohrid. If you are visiting North Macedonia for a brief period of time, a trip to either of these two destinations will give you a great glimpse of what the country has to offer.

However, the country is, for the most part, an outdoor destination. There are mountain peaks to conquer, remote villages to visit and fortresses to trek to.

Many of its gems and best features are found in nature and not near the closest city center. You can only get so far with a trip to North Macedonia without your own car or a rental car.

After our own experience, we believe it would be an injustice to plan a visit to North Macedonia without driving. To understand North Macedonia on a closer level, travelers must get in the car and venture off to many of its lesser-known corners.

Trust when we say, the cost of renting a car in North Macedonia is worth every penny.

Aside from the freedom that a car will give you, it’s also the most efficient form of transportation. The network of highways is well maintained and efficiently connects its principal cities and destinations.

In a country like North Macedonia, the train system isn’t fantastic, and buses are finicky. Renting a car in North Macedonia will undoubtedly allow you to see the most in the least amount of time.

North Macedonia Driving Laws and Guidelines

Each country in Europe has its own set of driving laws and traffic rules that you must follow when visiting. Although there are minute details here and there, driving in North Macedonia is similar to other countries as long as you are practicing some level of common sense.

There is little chance that any of the driving laws in North Macedonia will catch you off guard or seem unordinary.

Traffic Rules

• Headlights must be consistently on while driving, 24 hours a day (low beams during the day).
• Children under 12 years old are not allowed in the front seat.
• The use of mobile phones is not allowed while in motion.
• Seatbelts must be worn.
• Enter roundabouts in a counterclockwise direction and give priority to those already in the roundabout.
• Drinking and driving is not encouraged – a legal limit is defined as 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.

Getting a Traffic Ticket in North Macedonia

By law, it is not permitted for a police officer to request a cash payment if you are pulled over for a violation. If this occurs, you should report the incident to a police station.

If you receive a ticket for a traffic violation while driving in North Macedonia, it should be paid at a bank or post office with an official receipt.

North Macedonian Speed Limits

Not complying with speed limits is the easiest way to receive a ticket in North Macedonia. When driving on rural roads where there is nobody around, it’s easy to step on the gas. You may be surprised by a police officer and fines for disobeying speed limits range from €50 – €300.

Within Cities and Towns: 50km/h (31 miles per hour)

Rural Areas: 80km/h (48 miles per hour)

Major Motorways: 120km/h (74 miles per hour)

Handling Police Checkpoints

Police checkpoints are pretty infrequent in the U.S. so it’s normal to be taken by surprise when you encounter one while driving abroad. However, harmless police checkpoints are very common all over Europe.

Whether you’re driving in Italy, Germany, or the Balkans, you can expect to run into some sort of “random” traffic stop.

We have noticed that the frequency of police checkpoints does vary depending on if there is something else going on in the world, for example, a war or migrant crisis. Still, they traffic stops will never be a complete rarity, and you should know what to expect if you run into one.

A police checkpoint is standard procedure, and honestly, if you encounter anything other than a two-minute routine check, it’s unusual. Police officers will always ask you for the passports of all the passengers in the car and the documents for the car you are driving (insurance and registration).

A majority of the time, the officers briefly glance over the documents and may ask you a simple question or two about where you are going and where you are from.

Checkpoints do not typically include searching of a vehicle; this only occurs at borders when you are traveling outside of the Schengen zone.

Our recommendation to handle these police checkpoints smoothly is to always have your documents handy, be polite, and answer questions truthfully.

From our own experiences, many police officers will waive our car to go on by without stopping simply because we have a child with us. That’s why you have kids, people!

FAQs About Driving in North Macedonia

Is It Safe to Drive in North Macedonia?

We would fully recommend that any average driver can drive in North Macedonia without complications. Overall, yes, driving in North Macedonia is safe as long as you are conscious of the rules and your surroundings.

The country is not dangerous for tourists and doesn’t experience regular attacks or reports of safety precautions for travelers.

From our experience, we feel it is safer to drive in North Macedonia than in other Balkan destinations. Places that see many more tourists, such as the Albanian Riviera or Montenegro’s town centres, are a bit more challenging to navigate for anyone who is less than an experienced driver. Drivers in North Macedonia are also less erratic and aggressive.

Basic Tips for First Time Drivers in North Macedonia

Travellers who may not have a ton of experience with driving abroad can be mindful of a few things to make their North Macedonia road trip easier.

• Beware of animals, large and small. They tend to roam on the sides of the road, but it’s not unusual to get stuck behind a cow, goat, or sheep traffic jam. It is also normal for farm type vehicles (tractors, etc.) to share the roads with cars.
• All of the main motorways, highways and major roads are paved. If you visit any national parks, stay on guard for sudden changes from pavement to gravel and dirt roads.
• Upon accessing rural roads, the lack of street lighting becomes apparent if you’re driving at night.
• Do not drive in big cities like Skopje or even the town centers of smaller cities. Traffic can get chaotic and overwhelming if you’re not a confident driver. Pedestrians tend to cross rather freely in busy centers and are just another obstacle to watch out for.
• Mountain roads can be narrow and often do not include any guardrails if you’re really in the middle of nowhere. Be prepared to potentially have to make room for a car coming from the opposite direction.
• You can always dial 112 in the case of an emergency.

What Language Is on Traffic Signs in North Macedonia?

The official language of North Macedonia is Macedonian – nearly two-thirds of the country declare this as their primary language. The Albanian language comes in second.

Among the younger generation, it’s common to hear a lot of English, something that isn’t typical in all of the Balkan countries.

The Macedonian alphabet stems from the Cyrillic script, which means it’s not intuitive to English speakers. Unless you understand Cyrillic text, it’s tough to read any Macedonian words.

With that being said, North Macedonia conveniently posts many of their signs in two languages – Macedonian and English. So, getting around using physical directions or understanding traffic laws is often possible by reading the signs in English.

If language fails, many signs have an image or use numbers to get the point across.

Which Side of the Road Do They Drive on in North Macedonia?

Eager road trippers coming from the U.S. will be pleased to know that cars drive on the right side of the road. In fact, nearly all countries in Europe (and the world!) drive on the right side of the road, with the exception of a handful of states.

In Europe, you’ll only need to be prepared to drive on the left while visiting the U.K. which includes Great Britain and the island of Ireland.

What Documents Do You Need to Drive in North Macedonia?

Travellers who are visiting North Macedonia with their own car need the following to enter.

• Passport
• Driver’s License 
• Car Registration
• Car Insurance 
• A country sticker for people visiting from the UK, Switzerland, etc. (you know who you are)

People who plan on renting a car (car hire) in North Macedonia need to have the following.

• Passport
• Driver’s License
• Be over the age of 21
• Credit card for deposit
• Required additional insurance for North Macedonia (ie Green Card)

Car Insurance for North Macedonia

Mentioned in both scenarios, is the car insurance required in North Macedonia also known as a Green Card. If you are driving your own car, it’s likely that you already have a Green Card car insurance policy that is valid in North Macedonia. If you do not or you are driving a rental car, you are obligated to purchase a Green Card at the border.

The minimum duration is one month and costs around €30 (1850 MKD). A majority of car rental companies will include this cost in your total rental price but it’s best to ask and be sure. You can receive a fine in North Macedonia if you’re caught traveling without proper car insurance.

Do You Need An International Drivers License or Permit in North Macedonia?

The requirements of an international driver’s license or permit are a gray area, not only for driving in North Macedonia but anywhere in Europe. First, it seems to only apply if you are a citizen of the United States.

It is not a coincidence that you can only obtain the international driver’s permit in America and not while you’re already abroad. We’ve never been asked for it when renting a car under an EU passport.

Second, many people confuse the international driver’s permit (IDP) as a license to drive anywhere in the world willy-nilly. This is false. The IDP serves one sole purpose – to translate your local driver’s license into one or multiple other languages.

Lastly, the international driver’s permit is often only asked for by rental car companies. As far as local law enforcement goes, they’re always happy to accept your original driver’s license if you need to show it.

If you are definitely planning on renting a car in North Macedonia, it’s a good idea to obtain the IDP than to later arrive without it. It may seem like a waste but it’s better to be safe than sorry, if you’re an American.

Can Americans Drive in North Macedonia?

Of course! Americans are welcome to rent a car and drive in North Macedonia with little to no hurdles. In addition to the documents required to drive in the country, people visiting from the U.S. must come prepared with the following.

• A valid passport that does not expire within the next three months of your planned stay in North Macedonia.
• At least one empty page in your passport for a stamp.
• No tourist visa is required for visits to North Macedonia that are not longer than 90 days.
• Proof of medical insurance that is applicable during travel to North Macedonia. Travel insurance options like VisitorsCoverage offer affordable packages.

How Do You Pump Gas in North Macedonia?

Gas stations are abundant in North Macedonia so running out of fuel should never be an issue. Fueling up is fairly straightforward, but there are a couple of things you’ll want to be mindful of.

• Have MKD currency on hand. Do not stop at a small gas station if you know you cannot pay with cash. Large franchise gas stations like Lukoil will accept credit cards, but you shouldn’t always rely on this.
• An attendant may or may not pump your gas for you. It varies depending on the station and the time of day. If an attendant in uniform does come to pump your gas, you can allow them to do so as it’s part of their job and not a tourist scam.
• Diesel is called diesel, and gasoline (or petrol for British visitors) is usually called “super” at gas stations in North Macedonia.

Is Winter Driving in North Macedonia Difficult?

If you’re planning to visit during the winter, it’s important to keep the country’s geographical characteristics in mind. North Macedonia’s landscape is prominently mountainous. Many of its mountain peaks stand over 2,000 metres (6,600 feet) above sea level and the country as a whole has an average elevation of 741 metres (2,431 feet).

North Macedonia experiences snow regularly accompanied by cold temperatures. The snow also loves to stick around, and the highest mountain tops remain white-capped from November all the way through April.

Clearly, there are added challenges to driving in North Macedonia during the winter. With a combination of snow and ice conditions, it may limit where you’re able to drive and what you can see.

If you’re not an experienced road warrior, it’s best to choose a different time of year for your road trip, especially if you’re renting a car.

It is not impossible to drive in North Macedonia during the winter season, and if you’re confident, it can actually be quite a magical experience.

The country does maintain a majority of its roads, especially those headed towards popular ski resorts and connections to and throughout big cities and towns.

Travellers who are renting a car in North Macedonia during the winter should choose an AWD/4WD capable vehicle and make sure it comes with snow tires or even chains.

Best Time to Visit North Macedonia

The most favourable months for a pleasant road trip are June or September. The peak of summer can prove to be crowded, but overall, North Macedonia remains under the radar even during those months.

If you want to ensure that all attractions, restaurants, and hotels are open, road tripping in July or August allows you to see the country in full energy.

As the weather warms up, June is early enough in the summer to enjoy the outdoors without much chance of rain. September is ideal for those who want to minimize the number of other camper vans they run into and still hit all the beautiful hiking trails or even lakes.

Do You Pay Tolls While Driving in North Macedonia?

The major motorways and highways in North Macedonia are toll roads, meaning they are paid. These include the E-75, E-871, E-65, and E-852. If you’re planning to take the quickest way to get from north to south or east to west, you’ll come across a tolled motorway.

Similar to driving in Italy, the amount you pay is based on the length of distance you drive. Upon entering the motorway, you will grab a ticket which you’ll submit at the toll booth at your exit, thus determining your fee.

At the toll gate, you can pay with either cash, coin, or a credit card. There are specific lanes at the toll booths designated for people with toll passes, which are mostly carried by locals who frequent the same motorways.

Tolls are rather inexpensive in North Macedonia. For example, if you travel from Skopje to Gradsko on the E-75 the entire time, you’ll pay 180 MKD (€3) for the one-hour journey. Naturally, there are always routes you can take to avoid toll roads by staying off the efficient motorway.

If you want to plan ahead for the cost of tolls, use an online toll calculator.

North Macedonia Road Trip Route

Suggested Itinerary: North Macedonia Road Trip

• Starting Point: Skopje
  • Sights to See Near Skopje
    • Matka Canyon
    • Nova Breznitsa Observation Deck
• The Drive From Skopje to Mavrovo National Park: 97 km (60 miles). 1 hour and 40 minutes drive time.
  • Sights to See Near Mavrovo National Park
    • Saint Jovan Bigorski Monastery
    • Galichnik Village
    • Old Mavrovo Church
    • Hiking Trails & Duf Waterfall

⛺️ Read More: Visiting Mavrovo National Park

• The Drive From Mavrovo National Park to Ohrid: 114 km (71 miles). 2 hour drive time.
  • Sights to See Near Ohrid
    • Church of Saint John the Theologian
    • Samuel’s Fortress
    • Museum „The Bay of Bones“
    • Trpejca Beachfront and Beach Ljubaništa
    • Saint Naum Monastery

👍 Read More: Best Things to Do in Ohrid

• The Drive From Ohrid to Pelister National Park: 79 km (49 miles). 2 hours and 30 minutes drive time.
  • Sights to See Near Pelister National Park
    • Baba Mountain
    • Golemo Ezero
• The Drive From Pelister National Park to Bitola: 28 km (17 miles). 1 hour and 30 minutes drive time.
  • Sights to See Near Bitola
    • Clock Tower
    • Ancient Macedonian City Heraclea Lyncestis
• The Drive From Bitola to Kruševo: 53 km (33 miles). 1 hour drive time.
  • Sights to See Near Kruševo
    • Mechkin Kamen Monument & Paragliding Takeoff
    • Makedonium – Ilinden Monument
• The Drive From Kruševo to Prilep: 33 km (20 miles). 30 minute drive time.
  • Sights to See Near Prilep
    • Marko’s Towers
    • Tobacco Museum
• The Drive From Prilep to Stobi: 55 km (34 miles). 1 hour drive time.
  • Sights to See in Ancient Macedonian City Stobi
    • Ancient Macedonian City Stobi
• The Drive From Stobi to Kratovo: 109 km (68 miles). 1 hour and 30 minutes drive time.
  • Sights to See Near Kratovo
    • The Stone Dolls
    • Kokino Megalithic Observatory
• The Drive From Kratovo Back to Skopje: 76 km (47 miles). 1 hour drive time.
• Ending Point: Skopje International Airport

🛬 Read More: Which Airport to Fly Into in North Macedonia

More North Macedonia Travel Posts

• 16 Things to Do in Ohrid
• Visiting Mavrovo National Park
• Choosing Which North Macedonia Airport to Fly Into

North Macedonia Travel Resources

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator

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