In the Official Gazette of the Republic of North Macedonia No. 193/2025 dated September 18, 2025, the amendments and additions to the Law on Road Traffic Safety were published. The new legal provisions are introduced with the aim of eliminating certain habits among pedestrians and drivers of specific categories of vehicles, increasing safety, and reducing further violations, risks, and loss of human lives in traffic.
According to the amendments established in the adopted law, the driver of a bicycle, bicycle with auxiliary motor, moped, motorcycle, tricycle, light quadricycle, or quadricycle is prohibited from using electronic devices while operating the vehicle, such as headphones in both ears, a mobile phone, tablet, smart watch, or any other type of electronic device that could reduce their ability to react and safely operate the vehicle, except for specialized communication devices integrated into protective helmets. A fine in the amount of 50 euros in denar equivalent shall be imposed on a driver who acts contrary to the provisions of this law.
According to the adopted legal provisions, a pedestrian is obliged, when walking on the roadway under conditions prescribed by this law or when crossing the roadway and the bicycle path or bicycle lane, to walk and cross carefully, without using electronic devices such as headphones in both ears, a mobile phone, tablet, smart watch, or any other type of electronic device that would reduce their attention while crossing the roadway, bicycle path, or bicycle lane.
Furthermore, it is stipulated that the driver of an electric scooter is not allowed to use electronic devices while operating the vehicle, such as headphones in both ears, a mobile phone, tablet, smart watch, or any other type of electronic device that would reduce their stability, ability to react, and safe operation of the vehicle, except for specialized communication devices integrated into protective helmets.
With the adopted amendments and additions to the law, the amounts of fines for individuals as perpetrators of traffic safety violations are also regulated. Due to the increased number of traffic offenses with more serious consequences, it has been determined that the current fines are not adequate for this type of violation, and stricter penalties and fines are also envisaged for drivers of motor vehicles.