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Driving in Austria vs. North Macedonia: Key Differences

When exploring the roads of Austria and North Macedonia, understanding the variations in traffic regulations and practices is crucial for a safe journey. Key distinctions include speed limits, lane markings, and penalties that can impact your travel experience. This comparison will guide you in navigating these unique driving environments effectively.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
austria:
Used primarily near tram lines or in temporary roadworks.
north macedonia:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
austria:
Marks temporary lane changes or works in progress.
north macedonia:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
austria:
Allowed only in certain situations such as when the vehicle ahead is signaling a left turn.
north macedonia:
Not typically allowed in North Macedonia.
Bus Lanes: Usage
austria:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and sometimes bicycles.
north macedonia:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
austria:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
north macedonia:
Labeled 'BUS' or with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
austria:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
north macedonia:
Bicycle symbols and marked paths.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
austria:
N/A
north macedonia:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
austria:
Yes
north macedonia:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
austria:
Electronic signs display current limits.
north macedonia:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
austria:
100 km/h
north macedonia:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
austria:
80-100 km/h
north macedonia:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
austria:
70-80 km/h
north macedonia:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
austria:
130 km/h
north macedonia:
120 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
austria:
80-100 km/h
north macedonia:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
austria:
Yes
north macedonia:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
austria:
Electronic signs display current limits
north macedonia:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
austria:
Common; fines may also be mailed.
north macedonia:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
austria:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
north macedonia:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
austria:
Indicates upcoming green light; prepare to move.
north macedonia:
Prepare to go
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
austria:
Signal when entering and exiting
north macedonia:
Signal when exiting
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
austria:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
north macedonia:
Prohibited in urban areas at night
Headlight Flash: Usage
austria:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
north macedonia:
To warn other drivers of your presence
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
austria:
Not to be used to signal other messages
north macedonia:
Not to signal other messages
Traffic Signs: Language
austria:
German; symbols are standard
north macedonia:
Macedonian; standard symbols
Traffic Signs: Warning
austria:
Triangular with red border
north macedonia:
Triangle-shaped with red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
austria:
Not allowed unless indicated by a sign or traffic light
north macedonia:
Prohibited unless specified by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
austria:
Prohibited in urban areas unless a sign permits it
north macedonia:
Allowed when not prohibited by signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
austria:
Accepted; International Driving Permit not needed
north macedonia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
austria:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
north macedonia:
International Driving Permit required
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
austria:
Yes, proof may be required
north macedonia:
Annual inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
austria:
Displayed on license plate
north macedonia:
Displayed on the windshield

Road Etiquette

Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
austria:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
north macedonia:
Common practice

Alcohol

Limits: Professional Drivers
austria:
0.01%
north macedonia:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
austria:
0.01%
north macedonia:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
austria:
Common
north macedonia:
Conducted at checkpoints
Enforcement: Fines
austria:
Substantial; varies by offense
north macedonia:
Can be substantial

Emergency Services

Contact: Traffic Police
austria:
133
north macedonia:
192
Contact: Roadside Assistance
austria:
120 (ÖAMTC) or 123 (ARBÖ)
north macedonia:
Contact local service providers

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
austria:
Varies; €30 to €2,180, points on license
north macedonia:
Varies; 30 to 300 EUR, points on license
Common Fines: Seat Belts
austria:
Fines apply
north macedonia:
50 EUR
Common Fines: Phone Use
austria:
Fines apply, points on license
north macedonia:
40 EUR
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
austria:
Fines apply, points on license
north macedonia:
250 EUR, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
austria:
Common
north macedonia:
Yes, often required
Payment: Deadline
austria:
Varies; typically 14 days to pay
north macedonia:
Varies; typically within 15 days to pay