No exit without payment — foreign drivers must settle traffic fines at North Macedonia's border

Foreign drivers who incur traffic fines while traveling through North Macedonia can no longer leave the country until those fines are paid — but they can now check and settle them instantly at the border using a QR code or the new online portal safecountry.mvr.gov.mk.

How the system works at the border

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has rolled the "Safe City" system into border checks at Tabanovce to prevent long queues caused by unpaid violations recorded by automated cameras. Number plates are read automatically before passport control and drivers receive a leaflet with a QR code that links to the payment portal.

To see whether a vehicle has outstanding fines, travellers enter the licence plate number and passport details on the portal. Payment is accepted only online by card; authorities say a 50% discount applies for quick payment.

The system covers offences registered as far back as February 1 of this year, which surprised some motorists who found retroactive penalties applied when they reached the border.

Cameras are installed along Corridor 10 (from Tabanovce to Bogorodica) and in and around Skopje, Kumanovo, Tetovo and parts of the road to Ohrid. Speeding fines start at €20 and can reach €300 (with a built-in tolerance for small excesses). Not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone while driving are fined €40. Running a red light is €250, while illegal parking carries fines of €30–€50.

Authorities advise drivers with foreign plates to check their registration on the Ministry's official portal before reaching the border to avoid unnecessary delays at checkpoints.

Photo: press material from the event