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Driving Differences: North Macedonia vs. Tonga

When exploring the driving landscapes of North Macedonia and Tonga, motorists will uncover intriguing contrasts in regulations and practices. From the right-side driving of North Macedonia to Tonga's left-side tradition, understanding these vital distinctions is essential for enhancing road safety abroad. Get ready to navigate unique traffic norms and speed limits as you journey through these diverse nations.

Lanes

Driving Side
north macedonia:
Right
tonga:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
north macedonia:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
tonga:
Often used to separate traffic directions.
Overtaking: On Right
north macedonia:
Not typically allowed in North Macedonia.
tonga:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
north macedonia:
Use rightmost lane.
tonga:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
north macedonia:
Yes
tonga:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
north macedonia:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
tonga:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
north macedonia:
Labeled 'BUS' or with road signs.
tonga:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
north macedonia:
Yes
tonga:
No
Cycle Lanes: Usage
north macedonia:
Exclusive for bicycles.
tonga:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Markings
north macedonia:
Bicycle symbols and marked paths.
tonga:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
north macedonia:
N/A
tonga:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
north macedonia:
N/A
tonga:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
north macedonia:
50 km/h
tonga:
40-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
north macedonia:
30 km/h
tonga:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
north macedonia:
80 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
north macedonia:
80 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
north macedonia:
70 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
north macedonia:
120 km/h
tonga:
No specific highways with designated higher speed limits
Highways: Buses And Vans
north macedonia:
100 km/h
tonga:
N/A
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
north macedonia:
80 km/h
tonga:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
north macedonia:
N/A
tonga:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
north macedonia:
Yes
tonga:
No widespread use
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
north macedonia:
Yes
tonga:
Common; paid directly to traffic officers

Signals

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

Turns

Right Turn On Red
north macedonia:
Prohibited unless specified by a sign
tonga:
Prohibited
U- Turns Allowed
north macedonia:
Allowed when not prohibited by signs
tonga:
Varies by location; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
north macedonia:
International Driving Permit required
tonga:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
north macedonia:
Annual inspection required
tonga:
Required; proof may be required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
north macedonia:
Displayed on the windshield
tonga:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
north macedonia:
Mandatory
tonga:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
north macedonia:
Mandatory
tonga:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
north macedonia:
Common practice
tonga:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
north macedonia:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
tonga:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
north macedonia:
0.05%
tonga:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
north macedonia:
0.00%
tonga:
0.04%
Limits: Underage Drivers
north macedonia:
0.00%
tonga:
Zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
north macedonia:
Conducted at checkpoints
tonga:
Common at specific times or checkpoints
Enforcement: Fines
north macedonia:
Can be substantial
tonga:
Varies; can be substantial

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
north macedonia:
Signal right when preparing to exit
tonga:
Signal left when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

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

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
north macedonia:
Varies; 30 to 300 EUR, points on license
tonga:
Varies; spot fines by discretion of traffic police
Common Fines: Seat Belts
north macedonia:
50 EUR
tonga:
Mandatory; fines for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
north macedonia:
40 EUR
tonga:
Fines for handheld phone use while driving
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
north macedonia:
250 EUR, points on license
tonga:
Fines apply
Payment: On The Spot
north macedonia:
Yes, often required
tonga:
Common; fines usually paid immediately
Payment: Deadline
north macedonia:
Varies; typically within 15 days to pay
tonga:
Immediate payment preferred