TurkeyTurkey
Traffic rules
Turkey
1. Turkey
Turkey spans southeastern Europe and western Asia, with the Bosporus and Dardanelles separating its European region of Thrace from Anatolia. Traffic drives on the right. Driving conditions vary greatly across the country, from dense traffic and major bridges and tunnels around Istanbul to long divided highways across the Anatolian plateau, Mediterranean and Aegean coastal roads, and steep mountain routes in the north and east. Turkish is the official language and is normally used for written information on road signs; it uses the Latin alphabet, while most regulatory and warning signs rely on internationally recognisable symbols.
Turkey has no nationwide motorway vignette. Instead, tolls are charged on particular motorways, bridges and tunnels, with the HGS electronic toll system playing a central role, including for foreign-registered vehicles. Speed limits are also distinctive: ordinary cars are generally limited to 90 km/h on two-way interurban roads and 110 km/h on divided roads, while motorway limits can be 130 or 140 km/h depending on the motorway operator. Winter conditions vary considerably by region; the national winter-tyre obligation primarily targets commercial passenger and goods vehicles, with additional requirements possible locally.
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What is the alcohol limit for driving in Turkey?
For drivers of private passenger cars, the legal blood-alcohol limit is 0.50‰. Drivers of other vehicle types are generally subject to a lower limit of 0.20‰. Impairment and other legal circumstances can also lead to penalties; the safest approach is not to drink alcohol before driving.
What speed limits apply to passenger cars in Turkey?
Built-up areas: For an ordinary passenger car, the general maximum in a built-up area is 50 km/h, unless another limit is indicated.
Outside built-up areas: For an ordinary passenger car, the general maximum on an interurban two-way road is 90 km/h, unless signs indicate otherwise.
Divided roads: For an ordinary passenger car, the general maximum on a divided road is 110 km/h, unless another limit is posted.
Motorways: For ordinary passenger cars, the maximum is generally 130 km/h on motorways operated by KGM and up to 140 km/h on motorways operated under the build-operate-transfer model. Always follow the posted limit, because lower limits can apply on individual sections.
Are seat belts compulsory in Turkey?
Yes. Drivers and passengers must use seat belts and other required restraint systems in vehicles and seats to which the requirement applies.
🔗 mevzuat.gov.tr • Turkey, current Road Traffic Regulations, Article 150, belts and child restraints
Can you use a mobile phone while driving in Turkey?
Using a mobile or vehicle telephone or a similar communication device while the vehicle is moving is prohibited. Drivers should not handle or operate a phone while driving.
When must children use a child seat in Turkey?
Children shorter than 150 cm and weighing less than 36 kg normally need an appropriate child restraint. Children taller than 135 cm may use an ordinary seat belt in a rear seat under the specified exception. Check that the seat and restraint suit the child.
🔗 mevzuat.gov.tr • Turkey, current Road Traffic Regulations, Article 150, belts and child restraints
Do pedestrians have priority at crossings in Turkey?
Yes. At signed pedestrian and school crossings without traffic lights or an officer controlling traffic, drivers must slow down and stop to give priority to pedestrians who are crossing or about to cross.
