North Macedonia Motorcycle Theory A cheat sheet

North Macedonia drives on the right; overtaking is on the left unless a slower vehicle is turning left and there is room to pass on the right.

Sign categories: triangular with red border = warning; circular with red border = prohibition/restriction; circular blue = mandatory instruction; rectangular blue = information/service; rectangular white/black = supplementary.

Default built-up area speed limit is 50 km/h; outside built-up areas 80 km/h (90 on roads reserved for motor vehicles); motorways 130 km/h. Limits shown on signs override defaults.

Stop sign (octagon, 'STOP') requires a full stop at the stop line and yield to all traffic on the priority road, even when it appears clear.

Give-way sign (inverted triangle) requires yielding without necessarily stopping; a stop is required if traffic on the priority road would be obstructed.

Warning signs are placed roughly 150-250 m before the hazard outside built-up areas and about 50 m before it inside built-up areas.

A red circular sign with a white horizontal bar means 'no entry'; a red circle with a number is a maximum-speed limit; a blue circle with a number is a minimum-speed limit.

At a level crossing without barriers, a red flashing light or a lowered half-barrier means absolute stop; a St Andrew's cross marks the crossing location.

A continuous (solid) white centre line may not be crossed; a broken white line may be crossed when it is safe and does not endanger or obstruct others.

Where a solid and a broken line run together, the rider obeys the line on their own side: solid on your side = no crossing.

A continuous yellow line along the kerb indicates a no-stopping/no-parking zone; a broken yellow line indicates a parking restriction.

Zebra crossing markings (broad white stripes) give pedestrians priority once they are on the crossing or clearly about to step onto it.

Traffic light sequence: red, red+amber, green, amber, red. A flashing amber means proceed with caution and give way to pedestrians already crossing.

A green arrow permits movement only in the direction shown, provided the way is clear; other directions remain prohibited.

Police officers' signals override traffic lights and road signs; a raised arm facing you means stop, and a beckoning arm means proceed.

Directional arrows painted on the lane bind the rider: once in a lane marked with an arrow, the rider must follow that direction.

At an unmarked intersection of equal roads, yield to traffic approaching from the right (the 'right-hand rule').

A priority-road sign (yellow diamond) or an explicit priority sign overrides the right-hand rule; give-way and stop signs subordinate the road they face.

Turning left across oncoming traffic: yield to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right.

Turning right or left at a junction: yield to pedestrians crossing the road you are entering and to cyclists in a parallel cycle lane.

Entering a roundabout: yield to vehicles already circulating; in North Macedonia circulating traffic has priority unless signs state otherwise.

Entering a road from a private driveway, petrol station, parking area or field track: yield to all traffic already on the road.

A vehicle turning left must cross the path of oncoming traffic only when it can do so without forcing others to brake or swerve.

Emergency vehicles with active blue lights and sirens have priority; other road users must clear the way, pulling to the right and stopping if necessary.

Minimum following distance in good conditions: at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle ahead; double to 4 seconds in rain, on gravel or at night.

Stopping distance grows with the square of speed: doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance, so 80 km/h needs about four times the distance of 40 km/h.

Ride at a speed from which you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear, especially on crests and blind bends.

Adjust speed for surface: painted markings, tram rails, metal drain covers and gravel reduce grip, particularly when wet.

On wet roads reduce speed by at least 20-30% and increase the gap; braking distances on wet asphalt can roughly double.

In strong crosswind, slow down and allow lateral space; large vehicles, bridges and tunnel exits create sudden gusts.

Position in the lane to be visible: keep out of other drivers' blind spots and avoid riding alongside a vehicle's door pillar.

Never ride in the blind spot of a heavy lorry; if you cannot see the driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you.

Scan 12-15 seconds ahead and keep a escape route; look at where you want to go, not at the hazard.

Cover the brakes and reduce speed when approaching junctions, pedestrian crossings, schools and parked cars where a door may open.

Assume a vehicle waiting at a side road may pull out; watch its front wheels for movement before committing.

In rain, the first 15-20 minutes are the most slippery because oil and dust float on the water film.

On gravel or loose surface, avoid sudden braking or steering; use gentle, progressive inputs and keep the bike upright.

Riding at night: use dipped beam when following or meeting traffic; main beam only when no one is affected.

Watch for 'SMIDSY' situations: make eye contact, use a weaving position within your lane and consider a headlight modulator or bright clothing.

At a bend, brake before the curve, look through to the exit and accelerate gently once the bike is leaned and the line is clear.

Legal minimum tread depth for motorcycle tyres is 1 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread; check pressure cold and regularly.

Check tyre pressure, tread, chain tension and lubrication, brake function, lights and horn before every ride.

A helmet certified to ECE 22.05/22.06 is mandatory for rider and pillion; the strap must be fastened while riding.

Chain slack is typically 20-30 mm depending on model; a dry or over-tight chain can snap or damage the gearbox output seal.

Front brake provides most stopping power on a clean dry surface; use both brakes together and avoid locking the front wheel.

On a wet or gravel surface, apply more rear brake and use progressive, gentle front braking to avoid a front-wheel lock.

Carrying a pillion: increase tyre pressure per the manual, adjust preload and rear damping, and increase following distance.

Loads must be securely fastened and must not exceed the manufacturer's limits; a loose load changes handling and can cause a crash.

North Macedonian law sets the general blood-alcohol limit for riders at 0.5 g/L (0.5 per mille); professional and novice riders face stricter limits.

Refusing a breath or blood test is itself an offence and carries penalties similar to or heavier than riding over the limit.

Alcohol slows reaction time, narrows attention and increases confidence - a dangerous combination on two wheels.

Cannabis, cocaine and other drugs impair balance, reaction and judgement; driving under their influence is prohibited regardless of amount.

Many medicines (antihistamines, sedatives, some cough syrups and painkillers) cause drowsiness; read the label and ask a pharmacist before riding.

Fatigue signs: yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting within the lane and missing signs; the only remedy is to stop and rest, not to open the visor or drink coffee.

Ride only when fit: illness, fever, severe pain, recent anaesthesia or a cast on a limb all reduce control and are grounds to not ride.

Prescription medicines that carry a warning symbol require medical advice; riding while impaired by them can be treated as a traffic offence.

At a crash: stop, secure the scene (hazard lights, warning triangle, high-visibility vest), call 112 and give location, number of casualties and hazards.

Do not remove an injured rider's helmet unless it is necessary to maintain the airway or to give CPR; if removed, support the head and neck.

Check responsiveness, breathing and circulation; if not breathing normally, start chest compressions at 100-120 per minute and send for an AED.

Control severe bleeding with direct pressure and a clean dressing; do not remove an object embedded in a wound.

Keep the casualty warm and still; do not give food or drink, and monitor breathing until help arrives.

For a suspected spinal injury, keep the head aligned and still; move the casualty only if there is immediate danger such as fire or traffic.

In a crash involving injury, all involved riders must stop; failing to stop and render assistance is a serious offence.

Report a crash with injuries to the police immediately; exchange details (name, address, insurer, policy number, registration) with the other party.

Mandatory documents while riding: valid driving licence with the correct category (A1, A2 or A), registration certificate, proof of compulsory third-party insurance and, where required, a technical inspection certificate.

Compulsory motor third-party liability insurance (MTPL) covers damage and injury caused to others; it does not cover the rider's own bike or injuries.

Category A1 covers motorcycles up to 125 cc and 11 kW; A2 up to 35 kW; category A is unrestricted and requires the minimum age set by law.

Third-party insurance is required before the vehicle may be used on a public road; riding uninsured is an offence and can lead to vehicle impoundment.

A technical inspection (periodic roadworthiness test) must be valid; the certificate and insurance sticker must be carried or shown on demand.

Penalties for serious offences include fines, licence points, driving ban and, for repeat or extreme cases, vehicle confiscation.

After a crash, report it to your insurer within the period stated in the policy; late reporting can reduce or void the claim.

When selling a motorcycle, transfer registration and inform the insurer; the new owner must insure the vehicle before riding it.

Carry your licence and vehicle documents; police may request them at any check, and failure to produce them is a separate offence.

Riders and pillion passengers must wear a fastened ECE-approved helmet; the pillion must sit astride on a proper seat with footrests.

Children may be carried as pillion only if they can reach the footrests and hold on securely; check the law's minimum age.

Do not carry a pillion on a motorcycle not designed or registered for two people; the registration document states the seating capacity.

Use dipped headlights at all times; daytime running lights or a dipped beam increase conspicuity and are expected practice.

Lane splitting and riding between lanes of moving traffic are not permitted; ride within a single marked lane.

When stopped by police, pull over safely, switch off the engine, remove your helmet only if asked and present documents calmly.

Keep a small first-aid kit and a warning triangle on the bike; both are useful and may be required by the vehicle's equipment rules.

Before changing lane or turning, check mirrors, signal in good time, look over the shoulder and confirm the manoeuvre is safe.

Do not follow a large vehicle so closely that you cannot see its mirrors or the road ahead; overtake only when you can see the whole lane is clear.

At traffic lights, stop behind the stop line and never filter to the front across a solid line or into a pedestrian crossing.

When overtaking parked cars, leave at least one metre of clearance; a door opening suddenly is a common motorcycle crash cause.

At a T-junction where you join a road, you yield to all traffic on that road, whether it comes from left or right.

Use the horn only to warn of danger, not to express impatience; a horn is not a substitute for safe positioning.

Ride with a visible position in the lane - slightly toward the centre of your lane - to be seen earlier by oncoming and joining traffic.

At night, keep the visor clean and use an anti-fog treatment; reduced visibility means lower speed and a larger following gap.

Pre-ride check (POWDER): Petrol, Oil, Water/coolant, Damage, Electrics, Rubber (tyres).

Tyre pressures should be checked cold; a 10% drop in pressure can noticeably affect handling and braking.

Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time; replace it at the interval in the manual and never top up with the wrong grade.

Check the chain for wear, correct slack and lubrication; a worn or dry chain can fail and lock the rear wheel.

Test both brakes at low speed after any maintenance; a spongy lever indicates air in the hydraulic system.

Check the lights, indicators, brake light and horn before every ride; a failed brake light is a common cause of rear-end collisions.

Inspect the tyres for cuts, embedded objects and sidewall cracks; replace any tyre with visible damage regardless of tread depth.

Keep the visor and mirrors clean; a smeared visor at night scatters light and reduces hazard detection.

A rider with a blood-alcohol concentration above the legal limit commits an offence even if no crash occurs; police may test on suspicion.

Breath-test results are converted to blood-alcohol concentration; a confirmatory blood test may be requested.

Mixing alcohol with even small amounts of cannabis or sedatives multiplies impairment; the combined effect is greater than either alone.

A hangover can leave you impaired the next morning; alcohol may still be in the blood and reaction times remain reduced.

Some over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines carry a driving warning; check the leaflet before riding.

If you feel unwell or drowsy, do not ride; arrange alternative transport or rest until fit.

Riders convicted of an alcohol offence face fines, licence points or a ban, and higher insurance premiums.

Fatigue on long rides: plan breaks at least every two hours, avoid riding during normal sleep hours and stop at the first signs of drowsiness.

Sequence: protect the scene, assess the casualty, alert emergency services (112), then give first aid within your training.

Warning triangle placement: about 50 m behind the scene on ordinary roads and further on fast roads, if it is safe to do so.

Do not move an injured motorcyclist unless there is fire, traffic or another immediate threat; support the head and neck.

If the casualty is unresponsive but breathing, place them in the recovery position unless a spinal injury is suspected.

If breathing stops, begin CPR: 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths, or continuous compressions if untrained.

Treat shock by keeping the casualty warm, lying them down and reassuring them; do not give food or drink.

Record what you saw and did, and give the information to the emergency services on arrival.

In North Macedonia the emergency number is 112; police is 192 and ambulance is 194.

Carry the driving licence, registration certificate and insurance evidence; the police may ask for them at any time.

The registration certificate names the owner and the vehicle's technical data, including power and seat capacity.

Compulsory third-party insurance covers injury and property damage to third parties; own-damage cover is optional.

An uninsured vehicle may not be used on the road; penalties include fines and possible confiscation.

A valid technical inspection is required at the interval set by law; an expired test is an offence.

Penalty points accumulate; a set number within a period leads to a driving ban and retesting.

Report any crash involving injury to the police and your insurer within the time limits in the policy.

When riding abroad, carry a Green Card or equivalent proof of cover if required by the destination country.

Triangle with red border: warning of a hazard ahead (bend, junction, crossing, slippery road).

Circle with red border: prohibition or restriction (speed limit, no overtaking, no entry for certain vehicles).

Blue circle: mandatory instruction (turn direction, minimum speed, cycle path).

Blue rectangle: information or service sign (parking, hospital, petrol station, one-way street).

Yellow diamond: priority road; a yellow diamond with a black bar across it means end of priority road.

Inverted triangle: give way; octagon: stop.

Red circle with a white bar: no entry; red circle with a white bar and a number: no entry for the vehicle class shown.

Supplementary plates below a sign add conditions such as distance, time or vehicle category.

Solid white line: do not cross or straddle; broken white line: may cross when safe.

Double solid white lines: no crossing in either direction.

Yellow zig-zag or solid yellow line near a bus stop or school: no stopping.

Stop line: a solid white transverse line at a stop sign or traffic light; stop before it.

Pedestrian crossing: broad white stripes; pedestrians on the crossing have priority.

Traffic lights: red = stop; red+amber = prepare but do not move; green = proceed if clear; amber = stop unless unsafe to do so.

Flashing amber at a crossing: proceed with caution and give way to pedestrians.

Police signals override lights and markings; follow the officer's direction even if it conflicts with a signal.

Unmarked equal junction: yield to traffic from the right.

Priority road: traffic on it has right of way; joining traffic must give way.

Turning left: yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right.

Roundabout: yield to circulating traffic unless signs say otherwise.

Entering from a private area: yield to all traffic on the road.

Emergency vehicles with blue lights and sirens: clear the way and stop if needed.

At a junction, do not enter if your exit is blocked; keep the junction clear.

Pedestrians on a crossing you are turning into have priority.

Built-up area: 50 km/h default; outside: 80 km/h; motorway: 130 km/h, unless signed otherwise.

Following distance: at least 2 seconds in dry conditions, 4 seconds in wet or at night.

Stopping distance grows with the square of speed.

Ride so you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear.

Reduce speed by 20-30% on wet roads and increase the gap.

Painted markings, tram rails and metal covers are slippery when wet.

Strong crosswind: slow down and allow lateral space.

Never ride in a lorry's blind spot.

Helmet must be ECE-approved and fastened; rider and pillion both wear one.

Gloves, boots, abrasion-resistant jacket and trousers reduce injury severity.

Eye protection or a visor is required; a scratched visor impairs night vision.

Loads must be secure and within the manufacturer's limits.

A pillion must sit astride on a proper seat with footrests.

Increase tyre pressure and preload when carrying a pillion or load.

Check the chain and brakes after any load change.

Bright or reflective clothing increases conspicuity.

General blood-alcohol limit for riders: 0.5 g/L; stricter for professional and novice riders.

Refusing a breath or blood test is an offence.

Alcohol and drugs impair reaction, balance and judgement.

Many medicines cause drowsiness; read the label and ask a pharmacist.

Fatigue signs: yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting; stop and rest.

Do not ride when ill, in pain or after anaesthesia.

A hangover can still leave you over the limit.

Mixing substances multiplies impairment.

Emergency number in North Macedonia: 112; police 192; ambulance 194.

Secure the scene: hazard lights, warning triangle, high-visibility vest.

Do not remove a helmet unless the airway is at risk.

Check responsiveness, breathing and circulation; start CPR if not breathing.

Control bleeding with direct pressure.

Keep the casualty warm and still; no food or drink.

Suspected spinal injury: keep the head aligned and still.

Report the crash to police and insurer.

Carry licence, registration and insurance evidence.

Category A1: up to 125 cc and 11 kW; A2: up to 35 kW; A: unrestricted.

Compulsory third-party insurance covers damage to others, not your own bike.

Riding uninsured is an offence; the vehicle may be impounded.

Technical inspection must be valid.

Penalty points accumulate and can lead to a ban.

Report crashes to your insurer within the policy's time limit.

On sale, transfer registration and inform the insurer.

Scan 12-15 seconds ahead and keep an escape route.

Cover the brakes near junctions and parked cars.

Assume a waiting vehicle may pull out; watch its front wheels.

First rain is the most slippery; reduce speed.

On gravel, use gentle inputs and keep the bike upright.

At night, use dipped beam when following or meeting traffic.

Make eye contact and use a visible lane position.

Brake before the bend, look through to the exit.

Pre-ride check: petrol, oil, water, damage, electrics, rubber.

Check tyre pressure cold; inspect tread and sidewalls.

Chain slack typically 20-30 mm; keep it lubricated.

Test both brakes at low speed after maintenance.

Check lights, indicators, brake light and horn.

Replace brake fluid at the manual's interval.

Replace damaged tyres regardless of tread depth.

Keep visor and mirrors clean.

Pillion must sit astride on a proper seat with footrests.

Increase tyre pressure and preload per the manual.

Increase following distance and brake earlier.

Tell the pillion to lean with the rider, not against the lean.

Mount and dismount only when the bike is stable and the engine is off if possible.

Check the law's minimum age for a pillion passenger.

Do not carry a pillion on a bike not registered for two.

Adjust mirrors after the pillion mounts.

Use dipped beam when following or meeting traffic.

Main beam only when no one is affected.

Reduce speed so you can stop within the lit distance.

Keep the visor clean; smears scatter light.

Increase following distance to at least 4 seconds.

Watch for unlit pedestrians, cyclists and animals.

Use reflective clothing and reflective strips on the bike.

Take more frequent breaks; fatigue is worse at night.

Reduce speed by 20-30% and double the following gap.

The first 15-20 minutes of rain are the most slippery.

Avoid painted markings, tram rails and metal covers.

Use gentle braking, more rear brake on slippery surfaces.

Keep the visor clear with an anti-fog treatment.

Use dipped headlights and increase conspicuity.

Watch for standing water and aquaplaning; ease off the throttle.

Allow extra distance for others' mistakes.

Motorway limit is 130 km/h unless signed otherwise.

Keep right except when overtaking.

Do not stop on the hard shoulder unless in an emergency.

Increase following distance at high speed; 2 seconds is a minimum.

Watch for wind gusts at bridges and tunnel exits.

Use mirrors and a shoulder check before changing lane.

Take breaks every two hours on long rides.

In a breakdown, move to the hard shoulder, switch on hazard lights and stand behind the barrier.

Police may stop you at any time and request documents.

Fines and penalty points apply for speeding, alcohol, no insurance and expired inspection.

Serious or repeat offences can lead to a driving ban and retesting.

Riding without a licence or the correct category is an offence.

Riding without insurance can lead to vehicle impoundment.

Failing to stop after a crash is a serious offence.

Refusing a breath test is an offence.

Keep documents current and carry them.

Watch for vehicles emerging from side roads; their front wheels show intent.

Check for cyclists and pedestrians before turning.

Do not enter a junction if your exit is blocked.

At a roundabout, yield to circulating traffic.

Watch for vehicles overtaking you as you turn left.

Use mirrors and a shoulder check before turning.

Signal in good time and cancel after the manoeuvre.

Assume other road users have not seen you.

Built-up 50 km/h; outside 80 km/h; motorway 130 km/h.

Following gap: 2 seconds dry, 4 seconds wet or night.

Blood-alcohol limit: 0.5 g/L general.

Tyre tread minimum: 1 mm.

Emergency number: 112.

Warning signs: about 50 m in built-up areas, 150-250 m outside.

Category A1: 125 cc/11 kW; A2: 35 kW.

Helmet must be ECE-approved and fastened.

Do not ride when ill, feverish or in severe pain.

Some medicines carry a driving warning; check the leaflet.

After anaesthesia, follow the doctor's advice before riding.

A cast or brace on a limb reduces control; do not ride.

Fatigue: stop and rest; coffee is not a substitute for sleep.

Hangover can still leave you impaired.

Report any condition affecting riding to the licensing authority if required.

Regular eye tests are advisable for riders.

Wet leaves, mud and gravel reduce grip; slow down.

Painted markings and tram rails are slippery when wet.

Metal drain covers can be slippery, especially in the wet.

Standing water can cause aquaplaning; ease off the throttle.

Strong crosswind affects stability; slow down.

Tunnel exits create sudden gusts.

Watch for potholes and debris, especially at night.

Loose chippings reduce grip; keep speed low.

Use indicators in good time and cancel after the manoeuvre.

Use the horn only to warn of danger.

Use dipped headlights at all times.

Bright or reflective clothing increases conspicuity.

Position in the lane to be seen, not hidden.

Make eye contact with other drivers where possible.

Avoid riding in blind spots.

A weaving position within your lane can attract attention.

Stop at the scene of any crash involving injury or damage.

Render assistance within your training.

Call 112 and report location, casualties and hazards.

Exchange details with the other party.

Report to the police if there is injury.

Report to your insurer within the policy's time limit.

Do not leave the scene until it is safe and details are exchanged.

Failing to stop and assist is a serious offence.