Destinations / North Macedonia
Driving in North Macedonia as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. North Macedonia drives on the right with Cyrillic signage, so an IDP is advised to translate your licence for desks and police.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What North Macedonia expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 130 km/h motorways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in MKD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Lights | Headlights on at all times. |
|---|---|
| In the car | Reflective vest and triangle required. |
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit; zero for new drivers. |
| Tolls | Toll motorways between major cities. |
On the road in North Macedonia
At the pump
Unleaded petrol (Eurosuper 95/98), diesel and LPG are widely available. Most stations are attended (full-serve); cash in denars is safest as card acceptance is inconsistent at rural stations.
After a crash
Dial the single European number 112 (or police 192). For any injury or damage that cannot be settled amicably you must call the police and obtain a report; do not move the vehicles until police authorise it.
Sources: rac.co.uk · vintrica.com · fuel-prices.eu · travel.state.gov
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in North Macedonia?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. North Macedonia drives on the right with Cyrillic signage, so an IDP is advised to translate your licence for desks and police.
Which translation format is used for North Macedonia?
North Macedonia uses the 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in North Macedonia ask for a translation?
Skopje desks ask for an IDP with non-Latin-script licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for North Macedonia?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Europe
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.