The country of Macedonia offers visitors some beautiful idyllic scenery and diverse cultural history. They drive on the right-hand side of the road in Macedonia, a valid driver’s license and an International Driving Permit are required in the country. Dipped headlights must be used at all times on all roads in Macedonia, the use of mobile phones while driving is illegal. Wearing a seatbelt is required by law. The major roads in Macedonia are in decent condition, the little streets and country roads are where the real adventures begin. These back roads are where visitors will share the road with horse carriages, pedestrians, livestock, and roadkill. The mountain roads can be narrow and are often unmarked with missing guardrails, they can be quite dangerous at night. Driver’s in the country often speed and ignore red lights and stop signs, when driving around Macedonia practice being a defensive driver.

All the roads in Macedonia are toll roads, when you enter you collect a ticket, and then give the ticket at the exit and pay the amount depending on the distance. There are winding coastal and mountain roads throughout the country, and many drivers will pass on blind turns and hills. The narrow and twisting road called Moraca Canyon in south Macedonia runs through rocky tunnels and viaducts, it’s a crowded drive during the summertime.

Road signs are good in Macedonia, easy to comprehend and speed limits are posted in km/h.

The road speed limits vary throughout Macedonia, always check the signs for maximum speeds. In urban areas, towns and cities are the speed limit is 50 km/h, Open roads are 80 km/h, and the motorways are 130 km/h.

Seatbelts are required for all passengers in a vehicle and you should carry your passport on you at all times. Be sure to carry a valid driver’s license, passport, registration information, a motor insurance certificate, and proof of insurance when driving.

The pan-European standard number 112 for all emergency calls is working everywhere in Bulgaria since September 2008. If, for some reason, you can not connect to 112, dial 166 for police, 150 for an ambulance, and 160 for the fire department.

The legal drink/drive limits in Macedonia are lower than in many other European countries, the blood alcohol content limit for drivers is 0.05%. There are heavy fines and the possibility of arrest, as there is a zero-tolerance for drunk driving.

To rent a car in Macedonia, you need to be at least 21 years of age and have held a valid driver’s license for at least two years. Some rental car companies also have restrictions for drivers over 76 years of age.

There are many international rental car companies available at the airport and in major cities in Macedonia. These companies include Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Sixt. You need a valid driver’s license as well as an international Driving Permit, and a major credit card for your deposit. Drivers must be 21 years old.
Gas Stations/Petrol Stations

Petrol stations are easy to find. Carry some cash in the local currency, since all stations do not accept credit cards.

Petrol stations are readily available around cities and villages. On the main highway, the petrol stops are clearly marked and often don’t offer a wide range of services like elsewhere in Europe, where you would have a resting place with a restaurant next to it.