Driving in Jamaica vs. North Macedonia: Key Differences
When traveling from Jamaica to North Macedonia, understanding the nuances of road regulations is vital for a secure journey. Key distinctions include driving on the left in Jamaica versus the right in North Macedonia, as well as varying rules for overtaking and speed limits. Familiarizing yourself with these contrasts can significantly enhance your safety behind the wheel.
Lanes
| Jamaica | North macedonia | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the center of the road on two-way streets. | Marks the left edge on divided roads. |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Marks the centerline; passing permitted with caution. | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. |
| Overtaking: On Left | No | Yes |
| Overtaking: On Right | Yes, when safe and oncoming traffic is clear | Not typically allowed in North Macedonia. |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4] | Bridge crossings | Railroad crossings |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use leftmost lane. | Use rightmost lane. |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | Limited | Yes |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Primarily for buses in certain urban areas | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Marked with signs indicating bus lane | Labeled 'BUS' or with road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Limited | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Shared with the road, cyclists must keep to the left | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Occasional with bicycle symbols | Bicycle symbols and marked paths. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | Not applicable | N/A |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Fixed speed limits via signs or road markings | N/A |
Driving Side
jamaica:
Left
north macedonia:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
jamaica:
Marks the center of the road on two-way streets.
north macedonia:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
jamaica:
Marks the centerline; passing permitted with caution.
north macedonia:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
jamaica:
No
north macedonia:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
jamaica:
Yes, when safe and oncoming traffic is clear
north macedonia:
Not typically allowed in North Macedonia.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4]
jamaica:
Bridge crossings
north macedonia:
Railroad crossings
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
jamaica:
Use leftmost lane.
north macedonia:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
jamaica:
Limited
north macedonia:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
jamaica:
Primarily for buses in certain urban areas
north macedonia:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
jamaica:
Marked with signs indicating bus lane
north macedonia:
Labeled 'BUS' or with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
jamaica:
Limited
north macedonia:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
jamaica:
Shared with the road, cyclists must keep to the left
north macedonia:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
jamaica:
Occasional with bicycle symbols
north macedonia:
Bicycle symbols and marked paths.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
jamaica:
Not applicable
north macedonia:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
jamaica:
Fixed speed limits via signs or road markings
north macedonia:
N/A
Speeds Limits
| Jamaica | North macedonia | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 30-50 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | 120 km/h |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Fixed speed limits via signs | N/A |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Common for immediate traffic violations | Yes |
Urban Areas: Standard
jamaica:
30-50 km/h
north macedonia:
50 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
jamaica:
100 km/h
north macedonia:
120 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
jamaica:
Fixed speed limits via signs
north macedonia:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
jamaica:
Common for immediate traffic violations
north macedonia:
Yes
Signals
| Jamaica | North macedonia | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber | Proceed with caution; confirm no vehicles are crossing | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians |
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Jamaica | Prepare to go |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Typically allowed in situations to avert danger | Only in cases to avoid accidents |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Discouraged near hospitals and schools | Prohibited in urban areas at night |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | Rarely enforced | Fines may apply for misuse |
| Headlight Flash: Usage | To signal intentions, often a warning | To warn other drivers of your presence |
| Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage | Not widely restricted | Not to signal other messages |
| Hand Signals: Permitted | Yes, especially if indicator lights fail | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning |
| Hand Signals: Common Usage | More common in older or malfunctioning vehicles | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected |
| Traffic Signs: Language | English; symbols are standard | Macedonian; standard symbols |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Often triangular with red borders | Triangle-shaped with red border |
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
jamaica:
Proceed with caution; confirm no vehicles are crossing
north macedonia:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
jamaica:
Not used in Jamaica
north macedonia:
Prepare to go
Horn Usage: Allowed
jamaica:
Typically allowed in situations to avert danger
north macedonia:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
jamaica:
Discouraged near hospitals and schools
north macedonia:
Prohibited in urban areas at night
Horn Usage: Penalties
jamaica:
Rarely enforced
north macedonia:
Fines may apply for misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
jamaica:
To signal intentions, often a warning
north macedonia:
To warn other drivers of your presence
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
jamaica:
Not widely restricted
north macedonia:
Not to signal other messages
Hand Signals: Permitted
jamaica:
Yes, especially if indicator lights fail
north macedonia:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
Hand Signals: Common Usage
jamaica:
More common in older or malfunctioning vehicles
north macedonia:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
Traffic Signs: Language
jamaica:
English; symbols are standard
north macedonia:
Macedonian; standard symbols
Traffic Signs: Warning
jamaica:
Often triangular with red borders
north macedonia:
Triangle-shaped with red border
Turns
| Jamaica | North macedonia | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Prohibited | Prohibited unless specified by a sign |
| Left Turn: General | Permitted unless signs indicate otherwise | Permitted unless prohibited by signs |
| Left Turn: At Intersections | Yield to oncoming traffic | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left |
| U- Turns Allowed | Allowed unless signs prohibit it | Allowed when not prohibited by signs |
Right Turn On Red
jamaica:
Prohibited
north macedonia:
Prohibited unless specified by a sign
Left Turn: General
jamaica:
Permitted unless signs indicate otherwise
north macedonia:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
Left Turn: At Intersections
jamaica:
Yield to oncoming traffic
north macedonia:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
U- Turns Allowed
jamaica:
Allowed unless signs prohibit it
north macedonia:
Allowed when not prohibited by signs
Documentation
| Jamaica | North macedonia | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted with International Driving Permit | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted with International Driving Permit | International Driving Permit required |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual inspection required; proof via certificate | Annual inspection required |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Not consistently used | Displayed on the windshield |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended | Mandatory |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Mandatory |
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
jamaica:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
north macedonia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
jamaica:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
north macedonia:
International Driving Permit required
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
jamaica:
Annual inspection required; proof via certificate
north macedonia:
Annual inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
jamaica:
Not consistently used
north macedonia:
Displayed on the windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
jamaica:
Recommended
north macedonia:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
jamaica:
Recommended
north macedonia:
Mandatory
Road Etiquette
| Jamaica | North macedonia | |
|---|---|---|
| Flashing Lights: Usage | To signal intentions or warnings | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake |
| Flashing Lights: Misuse | Informally regulated | Discouraged, fines may apply |
| Lane Courtesy: Blocking | Discouraged | Discouraged and may be penalized |
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Encouraged only to avert danger | Only in emergency situations |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Moderate use; more common than in some countries | Less frequent use compared to some countries |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crossings | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over and stop if safe | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary |
| Emergency Vehicles: Awareness | Sirens and flashing lights | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights |
Flashing Lights: Usage
jamaica:
To signal intentions or warnings
north macedonia:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
Flashing Lights: Misuse
jamaica:
Informally regulated
north macedonia:
Discouraged, fines may apply
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
jamaica:
Discouraged
north macedonia:
Discouraged and may be penalized
Use Of Horn: Limited
jamaica:
Encouraged only to avert danger
north macedonia:
Only in emergency situations
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
jamaica:
Moderate use; more common than in some countries
north macedonia:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Pedestrians Priority
jamaica:
Pedestrians have right of way at crossings
north macedonia:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
jamaica:
Pull over and stop if safe
north macedonia:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
jamaica:
Sirens and flashing lights
north macedonia:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
Alcohol
| Jamaica | North macedonia | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.08% | 0.05% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.03% | 0.00% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | Zero tolerance; underage drinking and driving prohibited | 0.00% |
| Zero Tolerance: Drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under drug influence | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs |
| Zero Tolerance: Medications | Check for impairment warnings | Check if medication affects driving ability |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Occasionally conducted | Conducted at checkpoints |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies with severity and past offenses | Can be substantial |
| Enforcement: Imprisonment | Possible for severe breaches | Possible for severe offenses |
| Test Refusal | Can result in fines and license suspension | Can result in license suspension |
Limits: General Drivers
jamaica:
0.08%
north macedonia:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
jamaica:
0.03%
north macedonia:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
jamaica:
Zero tolerance; underage drinking and driving prohibited
north macedonia:
0.00%
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
jamaica:
Zero tolerance for driving under drug influence
north macedonia:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
Zero Tolerance: Medications
jamaica:
Check for impairment warnings
north macedonia:
Check if medication affects driving ability
Enforcement: Random Checks
jamaica:
Occasionally conducted
north macedonia:
Conducted at checkpoints
Enforcement: Fines
jamaica:
Varies with severity and past offenses
north macedonia:
Can be substantial
Enforcement: Imprisonment
jamaica:
Possible for severe breaches
north macedonia:
Possible for severe offenses
Test Refusal
jamaica:
Can result in fines and license suspension
north macedonia:
Can result in license suspension
Roundabouts
| Jamaica | North macedonia | |
|---|---|---|
| Priority: Entering | Yield to the right; vehicles in the roundabout have priority | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout |
| Priority: Inside | Keep to the left; do not change lanes abruptly | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly |
| Signaling: Entering | Signal if taking an immediate exit | Signal if turning immediately upon entry |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal left when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for immediate or second exit | Use for first exit or straight |
| Lane Usage: Left | Use for other exits | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe |
Priority: Entering
jamaica:
Yield to the right; vehicles in the roundabout have priority
north macedonia:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
Priority: Inside
jamaica:
Keep to the left; do not change lanes abruptly
north macedonia:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
Signaling: Entering
jamaica:
Signal if taking an immediate exit
north macedonia:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
jamaica:
Signal left when preparing to exit
north macedonia:
Signal right when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Right
jamaica:
Use for immediate or second exit
north macedonia:
Use for first exit or straight
Lane Usage: Left
jamaica:
Use for other exits
north macedonia:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
Emergency Services
| Jamaica | North macedonia | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 119 or 110 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 119 | 192 |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Depends on provider; often through insurance | Contact local service providers |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended | Mandatory |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Mandatory |
Contact: General Emergency
jamaica:
119 or 110
north macedonia:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
jamaica:
119
north macedonia:
192
Contact: Roadside Assistance
jamaica:
Depends on provider; often through insurance
north macedonia:
Contact local service providers
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
jamaica:
Recommended
north macedonia:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
jamaica:
Recommended
north macedonia:
Mandatory
Penalties And Fines
| Jamaica | North macedonia | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; penalties increase with speed over limit | Varies; 30 to 300 EUR, points on license |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Severe penalties; includes fines and possible imprisonment | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Mandatory; fines apply for non-compliance | 50 EUR |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Prohibited without hands-free; fines apply | 40 EUR |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Subject to fines and points | 250 EUR, points on license |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible for minor fines | Yes, often required |
| Payment: Deadline | Enforced strictly; usually within 30 days | Varies; typically within 15 days to pay |
| Foreign Drivers: Fines | Must be paid promptly to avoid complications | Same as residents; must be paid |
| Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment | Possible for unresolved fines | Possible if fines are not paid |
Common Fines: Speeding
jamaica:
Varies; penalties increase with speed over limit
north macedonia:
Varies; 30 to 300 EUR, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
jamaica:
Severe penalties; includes fines and possible imprisonment
north macedonia:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
jamaica:
Mandatory; fines apply for non-compliance
north macedonia:
50 EUR
Common Fines: Phone Use
jamaica:
Prohibited without hands-free; fines apply
north macedonia:
40 EUR
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
jamaica:
Subject to fines and points
north macedonia:
250 EUR, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
jamaica:
Possible for minor fines
north macedonia:
Yes, often required
Payment: Deadline
jamaica:
Enforced strictly; usually within 30 days
north macedonia:
Varies; typically within 15 days to pay
Foreign Drivers: Fines
jamaica:
Must be paid promptly to avoid complications
north macedonia:
Same as residents; must be paid
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
jamaica:
Possible for unresolved fines
north macedonia:
Possible if fines are not paid