Driving Differences: North Macedonia vs Sweden
When comparing the driving regulations of North Macedonia and Sweden, notable contrasts emerge that can significantly impact road safety for travelers. From lane markings to speed limits and alcohol tolerance, both nations exhibit distinct approaches to navigating their roads. Understanding these variations is crucial for ensuring a secure and enjoyable driving experience abroad.
Lanes
| North macedonia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the left edge on divided roads. | Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing. |
| Markings: Double Solid White Line | No crossing in either direction. | Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions. |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads. |
| Overtaking: On Right | Not typically allowed in North Macedonia. | Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left. |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS' or with road signs. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and marked paths. | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
north macedonia:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
north macedonia:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
north macedonia:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
north macedonia:
Not typically allowed in North Macedonia.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Bus Lanes: Usage
north macedonia:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
north macedonia:
Labeled 'BUS' or with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
north macedonia:
Bicycle symbols and marked paths.
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
north macedonia:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
north macedonia:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| North macedonia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 120 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 90-100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | 80-90 km/h |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
north macedonia:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
north macedonia:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
north macedonia:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
north macedonia:
70 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
north macedonia:
120 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
north macedonia:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
north macedonia:
80 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
north macedonia:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
north macedonia:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
north macedonia:
Yes
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| North macedonia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1] | Amber | Yellow |
| Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians | Proceed with caution, give way to pedestrians and other vehicles. |
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Prepare to go | Not common in Sweden. |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when exiting. |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Prohibited in urban areas at night | Use is generally discouraged. |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | Fines may apply for misuse | Fines may apply for misuse. |
| Headlight Flash: Usage | To warn other drivers of your presence | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking. |
| Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage | Not to signal other messages | Not to be used to signal other messages. |
| Hand Signals: Permitted | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning. |
| Hand Signals: Common Usage | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected. |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Macedonian; standard symbols | Swedish; symbols are standard. |
| Traffic Signs: Priority | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed. |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangle-shaped with red border | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
north macedonia:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
north macedonia:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians
sweden:
Proceed with caution, give way to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
north macedonia:
Prepare to go
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
north macedonia:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
north macedonia:
Prohibited in urban areas at night
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
north macedonia:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
north macedonia:
To warn other drivers of your presence
sweden:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking.
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
north macedonia:
Not to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
north macedonia:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
north macedonia:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
north macedonia:
Macedonian; standard symbols
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
north macedonia:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
north macedonia:
Triangle-shaped with red border
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| North macedonia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Prohibited unless specified by a sign | Not generally allowed. |
| Left Turn: General | Permitted unless prohibited by signs | Permitted unless prohibited by signs. |
| Left Turn: At Intersections | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left. |
| U- Turns Allowed | Allowed when not prohibited by signs | Allowed except where prohibited by signs. |
| Special Turn Lanes | Yes, marked with arrows | Yes, marked with arrows. |
| Overtaking While Turning | Prohibited | Prohibited. |
Right Turn On Red
north macedonia:
Prohibited unless specified by a sign
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
north macedonia:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
north macedonia:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
north macedonia:
Allowed when not prohibited by signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
north macedonia:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
north macedonia:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| North macedonia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Requirement | Valid driver's license required | Valid driver's license required. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | International Driving Permit required | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual inspection required | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the windshield | Proof may be required to be shown. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
north macedonia:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
north macedonia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
north macedonia:
International Driving Permit required
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
north macedonia:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
north macedonia:
Annual inspection required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
north macedonia:
Displayed on the windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
north macedonia:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
north macedonia:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| North macedonia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Flashing Lights: Usage | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake. |
| Flashing Lights: Misuse | Discouraged, fines may apply | Discouraged, fines may apply. |
| Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic. |
| Lane Courtesy: Blocking | Discouraged and may be penalized | Discouraged and may be penalized. |
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Only in emergency situations | Only in emergency situations. |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Less frequent use compared to some countries | Rarely used except for emergencies. |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks. |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary | Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary. |
| Emergency Vehicles: Awareness | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights. |
Flashing Lights: Usage
north macedonia:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
north macedonia:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
north macedonia:
Common practice
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
north macedonia:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
north macedonia:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
north macedonia:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
north macedonia:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
north macedonia:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
north macedonia:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| North macedonia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.00% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00% | Zero tolerance; 0.00%. |
| Zero Tolerance: Drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs. |
| Zero Tolerance: Medications | Check if medication affects driving ability | Check if medication affects driving ability. |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Conducted at checkpoints | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Can be substantial | Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level. |
| Enforcement: Imprisonment | Possible for severe offenses | Possible for high levels or repeat offenses. |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
north macedonia:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
north macedonia:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
north macedonia:
0.00%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
north macedonia:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
north macedonia:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
north macedonia:
Conducted at checkpoints
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
north macedonia:
Can be substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
north macedonia:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
north macedonia:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| North macedonia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Priority: Entering | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. |
| Priority: Inside | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly. |
| Signaling: Entering | Signal if turning immediately upon entry | Signal left if you plan to take the first exit. |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal right when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit. |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight | Use for first exit or straight. |
| Lane Usage: Left | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe. |
Priority: Entering
north macedonia:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
north macedonia:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
north macedonia:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
north macedonia:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
north macedonia:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
north macedonia:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
sweden:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.
Emergency Services
| North macedonia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: Traffic Police | 192 | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Contact local service providers | Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren). |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: Traffic Police
north macedonia:
192
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
north macedonia:
Contact local service providers
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
north macedonia:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
north macedonia:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| North macedonia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; 30 to 300 EUR, points on license | Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed. |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | 50 EUR | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | 40 EUR | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | 250 EUR, points on license | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Yes, often required | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically within 15 days to pay | Typically within 30 days to pay. |
| Foreign Drivers: Fines | Same as residents; must be paid | Same as residents; must be paid. |
| Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment | Possible if fines are not paid | Possible if fines are not paid. |
Common Fines: Speeding
north macedonia:
Varies; 30 to 300 EUR, points on license
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
north macedonia:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
north macedonia:
50 EUR
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
north macedonia:
40 EUR
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
north macedonia:
250 EUR, points on license
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
north macedonia:
Yes, often required
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
north macedonia:
Varies; typically within 15 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
north macedonia:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
north macedonia:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.