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Driving in Bhutan vs. North Macedonia: Key Differences

Driving in Bhutan and North Macedonia presents unique challenges and regulations. While Bhutan follows the left side of the road, North Macedonia adheres to the right. Speed limits, lane usage, and traffic signals also differ significantly, making it essential for travelers to understand these variations to ensure a safe driving experience abroad.

Lanes

Driving Side
bhutan:
Left
north macedonia:
Right
Overtaking: On Left
bhutan:
No
north macedonia:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
bhutan:
Yes
north macedonia:
Not typically allowed in North Macedonia.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
bhutan:
Use leftmost lane.
north macedonia:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
bhutan:
No
north macedonia:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
bhutan:
N/A
north macedonia:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
bhutan:
N/A
north macedonia:
Labeled 'BUS' or with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
bhutan:
No
north macedonia:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
bhutan:
N/A
north macedonia:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
bhutan:
N/A
north macedonia:
Bicycle symbols and marked paths.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
bhutan:
N/A
north macedonia:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bhutan:
N/A
north macedonia:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
bhutan:
30-50 km/h
north macedonia:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
bhutan:
20-30 km/h
north macedonia:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
bhutan:
40-60 km/h
north macedonia:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
bhutan:
40-60 km/h
north macedonia:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
bhutan:
40-60 km/h
north macedonia:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
bhutan:
Up to 80 km/h
north macedonia:
120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
bhutan:
Up to 80 km/h
north macedonia:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
bhutan:
Up to 60 km/h
north macedonia:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bhutan:
N/A
north macedonia:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
bhutan:
No
north macedonia:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
bhutan:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
north macedonia:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
bhutan:
Not used in Bhutan
north macedonia:
Prepare to go
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
bhutan:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
north macedonia:
Prohibited in urban areas at night
Headlight Flash: Usage
bhutan:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
north macedonia:
To warn other drivers of your presence
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
bhutan:
Not to be used to signal other messages
north macedonia:
Not to signal other messages
Traffic Signs: Language
bhutan:
English; symbols are standard
north macedonia:
Macedonian; standard symbols
Traffic Signs: Warning
bhutan:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
north macedonia:
Triangle-shaped with red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
bhutan:
Not allowed
north macedonia:
Prohibited unless specified by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
bhutan:
Restricted; check for signs
north macedonia:
Allowed when not prohibited by signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
bhutan:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
north macedonia:
International Driving Permit required
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
bhutan:
Annual vehicle inspection required
north macedonia:
Annual inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
bhutan:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
north macedonia:
Displayed on the windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bhutan:
Recommended, not mandatory
north macedonia:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bhutan:
Recommended, not mandatory
north macedonia:
Mandatory

Road Etiquette

Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
bhutan:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
north macedonia:
Common practice
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
bhutan:
Frequent use in rural areas, reduced in urban settings
north macedonia:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
bhutan:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
north macedonia:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
bhutan:
0.08%
north macedonia:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
bhutan:
0.04%
north macedonia:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
bhutan:
Common, especially during events
north macedonia:
Conducted at checkpoints
Enforcement: Fines
bhutan:
Substantial and imprisonment possible
north macedonia:
Can be substantial

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
bhutan:
113
north macedonia:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
bhutan:
113
north macedonia:
192
Contact: Roadside Assistance
bhutan:
Check with local providers or vehicle insurance
north macedonia:
Contact local service providers
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bhutan:
Recommended, not mandatory
north macedonia:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bhutan:
Recommended, not mandatory
north macedonia:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
bhutan:
Varies; often involves fines and points on license
north macedonia:
Varies; 30 to 300 EUR, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
bhutan:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
north macedonia:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
bhutan:
Fines enforced
north macedonia:
50 EUR
Common Fines: Phone Use
bhutan:
Fines enforced
north macedonia:
40 EUR
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
bhutan:
Fines and points on license
north macedonia:
250 EUR, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
bhutan:
Yes
north macedonia:
Yes, often required
Payment: Deadline
bhutan:
Varies; typically immediate payment required
north macedonia:
Varies; typically within 15 days to pay