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Driving in Mexico vs. North Macedonia: Key Differences

Exploring the driving landscape in Mexico and North Macedonia reveals intriguing contrasts. Key distinctions include speed limits, lane usage, and emergency regulations, each impacting road safety uniquely. By understanding these variations, travelers can navigate their journeys with greater confidence and awareness, ensuring a safer experience on the roads of both countries.

Lanes

Overtaking: On Right
mexico:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
north macedonia:
Not typically allowed in North Macedonia.
Bus Lanes: Usage
mexico:
Reserved for buses; sometimes allows other forms of public transportation.
north macedonia:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
mexico:
Labeled 'BUS' or specific to the city regulations.
north macedonia:
Labeled 'BUS' or with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
mexico:
Mainly in urban areas for bicycles.
north macedonia:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
mexico:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
north macedonia:
Bicycle symbols and marked paths.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
mexico:
N/A
north macedonia:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
mexico:
N/A
north macedonia:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
mexico:
40-60 km/h
north macedonia:
50 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
mexico:
70-80 km/h
north macedonia:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
mexico:
100-120 km/h
north macedonia:
120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
mexico:
80-100 km/h
north macedonia:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
mexico:
80-100 km/h
north macedonia:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
mexico:
N/A
north macedonia:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
mexico:
Yes, particularly in high traffic areas
north macedonia:
Yes

Signals

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

Turns

Right Turn On Red
mexico:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
north macedonia:
Prohibited unless specified by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
mexico:
Generally permitted unless prohibited by signs, or where visibility is limited
north macedonia:
Allowed when not prohibited by signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
mexico:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
north macedonia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
mexico:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
north macedonia:
International Driving Permit required
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
mexico:
Varies by state; proof may be required
north macedonia:
Annual inspection required
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
mexico:
Not mandatory
north macedonia:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
mexico:
Not mandatory
north macedonia:
Mandatory

Road Etiquette

Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
mexico:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
north macedonia:
Common practice
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
mexico:
Moderate use compared to some countries
north macedonia:
Less frequent use compared to some countries

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
mexico:
0.08%
north macedonia:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
mexico:
0.04%
north macedonia:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
mexico:
Common in urban areas, especially during holidays
north macedonia:
Conducted at checkpoints

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
mexico:
911
north macedonia:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
mexico:
066 or 911
north macedonia:
192
Contact: Roadside Assistance
mexico:
Check with your insurance provider or 'Angeles Verdes'
north macedonia:
Contact local service providers
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
mexico:
Not mandatory, but recommended
north macedonia:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
mexico:
Not mandatory, but recommended
north macedonia:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
mexico:
Varies; $40 to $200, points on license
north macedonia:
Varies; 30 to 300 EUR, points on license
Common Fines: Seat Belts
mexico:
Varies, up to $50, points in some states
north macedonia:
50 EUR
Common Fines: Phone Use
mexico:
Varies; can lead to significant fines
north macedonia:
40 EUR
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
mexico:
Varies; can be substantial, points on license
north macedonia:
250 EUR, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
mexico:
Common; may be paid to officers directly, although formal procedure is preferred
north macedonia:
Yes, often required
Payment: Deadline
mexico:
Varies; system improvements for online payments
north macedonia:
Varies; typically within 15 days to pay