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Driving Differences: North Macedonia vs Poland

When traversing the roads of North Macedonia and Poland, drivers will encounter notable variations in regulations and practices. Key distinctions include speed limits, lane usage, and signaling protocols. Understanding these contrasts is essential for ensuring a secure and enjoyable driving experience in these diverse nations.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
north macedonia:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
poland:
Used for temporary markings, such as during road works.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
north macedonia:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
poland:
Temporary markings; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
north macedonia:
Not typically allowed in North Macedonia.
poland:
Allowed when the vehicle ahead is turning left or on one-way roads.
Bus Lanes: Usage
north macedonia:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
poland:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and bicycles where specified.
Bus Lanes: Markings
north macedonia:
Labeled 'BUS' or with road signs.
poland:
Labeled 'BUS' on the road.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
north macedonia:
Bicycle symbols and marked paths.
poland:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
north macedonia:
No
poland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
north macedonia:
N/A
poland:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Residential Zones
north macedonia:
30 km/h
poland:
20 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
north macedonia:
80 km/h
poland:
90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
north macedonia:
120 km/h
poland:
140 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
north macedonia:
No
poland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
north macedonia:
N/A
poland:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
north macedonia:
Yes
poland:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation.

Signals

Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
north macedonia:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians
poland:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
north macedonia:
Prepare to go
poland:
Signals a change to green is imminent.
Use Of Indicators: Mandatory
north macedonia:
Yes, for all turns and lane changes
poland:
Yes, for all turns and lane changes.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
north macedonia:
Signal when exiting
poland:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Allowed
north macedonia:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
poland:
Only in cases to avoid accidents.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
north macedonia:
Prohibited in urban areas at night
poland:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply.
Horn Usage: Penalties
north macedonia:
Fines may apply for misuse
poland:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
north macedonia:
To warn other drivers of your presence
poland:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking.
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
north macedonia:
Not to signal other messages
poland:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
north macedonia:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
poland:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
north macedonia:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
poland:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
north macedonia:
Macedonian; standard symbols
poland:
Polish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
north macedonia:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
poland:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
north macedonia:
Triangle-shaped with red border
poland:
Triangular with red border.

Turns

Right Turn On Red
north macedonia:
Prohibited unless specified by a sign
poland:
Allowed only if a green arrow is present.
Left Turn: General
north macedonia:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
poland:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
north macedonia:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
poland:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
north macedonia:
Allowed when not prohibited by signs
poland:
Varies by location; check for signs.
Special Turn Lanes
north macedonia:
Yes, marked with arrows
poland:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
north macedonia:
Prohibited
poland:
Prohibited.

Documentation

Driver's License: Requirement
north macedonia:
Valid driver's license required
poland:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
north macedonia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
poland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
north macedonia:
International Driving Permit required
poland:
Accepted with International Driving Permit.
Insurance
north macedonia:
Liability insurance mandatory
poland:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
north macedonia:
Annual inspection required
poland:
Mandatory every year.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
north macedonia:
Displayed on the windshield
poland:
Displayed on windshield.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
north macedonia:
Mandatory
poland:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
north macedonia:
Mandatory
poland:
Mandatory.

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Usage
north macedonia:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
poland:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
north macedonia:
Discouraged, fines may apply
poland:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
north macedonia:
Common practice
poland:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
north macedonia:
Discouraged and may be penalized
poland:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
north macedonia:
Only in emergency situations
poland:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
north macedonia:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
poland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries.
Pedestrians Priority
north macedonia:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
poland:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
north macedonia:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
poland:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
north macedonia:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
poland:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
north macedonia:
0.05%
poland:
0.02%
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
north macedonia:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
poland:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
north macedonia:
Check if medication affects driving ability
poland:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
north macedonia:
Conducted at checkpoints
poland:
Common; checkpoints used frequently.
Enforcement: Fines
north macedonia:
Can be substantial
poland:
Varies; can be substantial.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
north macedonia:
Possible for severe offenses
poland:
Possible for severe offenses.
Test Refusal
north macedonia:
Can result in license suspension
poland:
Can result in license suspension.

Roundabouts

Priority: Entering
north macedonia:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
poland:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
north macedonia:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
poland:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
north macedonia:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
poland:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry.
Signaling: Exiting
north macedonia:
Signal right when preparing to exit
poland:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
north macedonia:
Use for first exit or straight
poland:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
north macedonia:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
poland:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.

Emergency Services

Contact: Traffic Police
north macedonia:
192
poland:
997
Contact: Roadside Assistance
north macedonia:
Contact local service providers
poland:
981 or through your insurance provider.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
north macedonia:
Mandatory
poland:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
north macedonia:
Mandatory
poland:
Mandatory.

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
north macedonia:
Varies; 30 to 300 EUR, points on license
poland:
Varies; can be substantial, often increased for foreign vehicles.
Common Fines: Alcohol
north macedonia:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
poland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
north macedonia:
50 EUR
poland:
Mandatory, fines apply.
Common Fines: Phone Use
north macedonia:
40 EUR
poland:
Fines apply for use without hands-free device.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
north macedonia:
250 EUR, points on license
poland:
Fines and license points apply.
Payment: On The Spot
north macedonia:
Yes, often required
poland:
Rare; usually paid online or by mail.
Payment: Deadline
north macedonia:
Varies; typically within 15 days to pay
poland:
Varies; typically 7-14 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
north macedonia:
Same as residents; must be paid
poland:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
north macedonia:
Possible if fines are not paid
poland:
Possible if fines are not paid.