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Driving Differences: North Macedonia vs. Vietnam

When navigating the roads of North Macedonia and Vietnam, understanding the distinctions in their driving regulations is essential for a safe journey. Key differences include speed limits, lane usage, and traffic signaling, which can significantly affect drivers. Familiarizing yourself with these variations ensures a secure and enjoyable experience behind the wheel in either country.

Lanes

Overtaking: On Right
north macedonia:
Not typically allowed in North Macedonia.
vietnam:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Bus Lanes: Markings
north macedonia:
Labeled 'BUS' or with road signs.
vietnam:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
north macedonia:
Bicycle symbols and marked paths.
vietnam:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
north macedonia:
50 km/h
vietnam:
40-60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
north macedonia:
30 km/h
vietnam:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
north macedonia:
80 km/h
vietnam:
60-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
north macedonia:
80 km/h
vietnam:
50-70 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
north macedonia:
70 km/h
vietnam:
40-60 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
north macedonia:
120 km/h
vietnam:
100-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
north macedonia:
100 km/h
vietnam:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
north macedonia:
80 km/h
vietnam:
80-100 km/h
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
north macedonia:
Yes
vietnam:
Common

Signals

Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
north macedonia:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians
vietnam:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
north macedonia:
Prepare to go
vietnam:
Not used in Vietnam
Horn Usage: Allowed
north macedonia:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
vietnam:
Commonly used in urban areas
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
north macedonia:
Prohibited in urban areas at night
vietnam:
Limited restriction
Horn Usage: Penalties
north macedonia:
Fines may apply for misuse
vietnam:
Fines in some areas for excessive use
Headlight Flash: Usage
north macedonia:
To warn other drivers of your presence
vietnam:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
north macedonia:
Not to signal other messages
vietnam:
Discouraged for signaling other messages
Traffic Signs: Language
north macedonia:
Macedonian; standard symbols
vietnam:
Vietnamese; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
north macedonia:
Triangle-shaped with red border
vietnam:
Triangle-shaped with a red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
north macedonia:
Prohibited unless specified by a sign
vietnam:
Prohibited unless granted by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
north macedonia:
Allowed when not prohibited by signs
vietnam:
Prohibited in central urban areas; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
north macedonia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
vietnam:
An International Driving Permit is recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
north macedonia:
International Driving Permit required
vietnam:
An International Driving Permit is recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
north macedonia:
Annual inspection required
vietnam:
Mandatory annual vehicle inspection
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
north macedonia:
Mandatory
vietnam:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
north macedonia:
Mandatory
vietnam:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Usage
north macedonia:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
vietnam:
Common in heavy traffic to signal freedom of movement
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
north macedonia:
Common practice
vietnam:
Expected in congested traffic
Use Of Horn: Limited
north macedonia:
Only in emergency situations
vietnam:
Common but limited by law in cities
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
north macedonia:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
vietnam:
Frequent use compared to Western countries
Pedestrians Priority
north macedonia:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
vietnam:
Pedestrians have right of way at designated crossings
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
north macedonia:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
vietnam:
Pull over and stop, if possible

Alcohol

Limits: Professional Drivers
north macedonia:
0.00%
vietnam:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
north macedonia:
0.00%
vietnam:
0.02%; strict enforcement
Enforcement: Random Checks
north macedonia:
Conducted at checkpoints
vietnam:
Common
Enforcement: Fines
north macedonia:
Can be substantial
vietnam:
Varies; can be substantial

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
north macedonia:
112
vietnam:
113
Contact: Traffic Police
north macedonia:
192
vietnam:
113
Contact: Roadside Assistance
north macedonia:
Contact local service providers
vietnam:
Check with insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
north macedonia:
Mandatory
vietnam:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
north macedonia:
Mandatory
vietnam:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
north macedonia:
Varies; 30 to 300 EUR, points on license
vietnam:
Varies; VNÐ 500,000 to VNÐ 4,000,000
Common Fines: Alcohol
north macedonia:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
vietnam:
Heavy fines and possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
north macedonia:
50 EUR
vietnam:
VNÐ 100,000 to VNÐ 200,000
Common Fines: Phone Use
north macedonia:
40 EUR
vietnam:
VNÐ 600,000 to VNÐ 1,000,000
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
north macedonia:
250 EUR, points on license
vietnam:
VNÐ 300,000 to VNÐ 500,000
Payment: On The Spot
north macedonia:
Yes, often required
vietnam:
Common for minor fines
Payment: Deadline
north macedonia:
Varies; typically within 15 days to pay
vietnam:
Typically around 10-15 days