Driving in Turkey
Complete guide for tourists and expats. Learn the road rules, speed limits, and essential information before you drive in Turkey.
Can You Drive in Turkey?
Accepted Licenses From
Validity Period: IDP valid for 1 year. EU licenses valid for stays under 6 months.
Important Note
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required alongside your national license for most foreign visitors. EU license holders can drive without an IDP for short stays. Turkish police commonly check documents at roadside stops.
What to Carry in Your Car
Mandatory Items
- Two warning triangles
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Reflective vest
- Spare bulb set
- Vehicle registration document
- Insurance certificate
Recommended Items
- HGS sticker for toll roads
- Spare tire and jack
- Tow rope
Speed Limits
Urban Areas
km/h
Rural Roads
km/h
Highways/Motorways
km/h
Toll Roads
Payment Methods
Average Cost
TRY 10–TRY 200+ depending on distance and route (Istanbul bridges: ~TRY 30–TRY 60)
The HGS (Hızlı Geçiş Sistemi) electronic sticker is the only toll payment method since OGS was retired in 2022. No cash payment at toll booths. Foreign vehicles must register at a PTT (post office) branch and load credit onto an HGS account.
Parking
Line Colors
Parking Tips
- In Istanbul, use ISPARK operated parking lots — they are safe and relatively affordable
- Avoid parking on sidewalks even if locals do — tourists are more likely to be fined
- Valet parking is common and affordable at restaurants and hotels
Average Cost: TRY 30–80 per hour in city centers; cheaper in smaller cities
Common Mistakes Tourists Make
- 1Entering a toll road without an HGS sticker — there are no cash toll booths; fines are 10x the toll amount
- 2Not carrying two warning triangles — Turkey requires two, not one like most European countries
- 3Driving at night in rural areas without caution — poorly lit roads, pedestrians, and animals on the roadway are common
- 4Driving at night on poorly lit rural roads
- 5Not watching for stray animals on roads
Traffic Fines
Speeding
TRY 1,177–TRY 5,865+ depending on speed over limit and zone
No Seatbelt
TRY 1,564
Phone Use
TRY 2,346
Red Light
TRY 1,564
Illegal Parking
TRY 782–TRY 1,564
Ready to Drive in Turkey?
Take a quick quiz to test your knowledge of the road rules.
Emergency Contacts
Police
155
Ambulance
112
Fire
110
Roadside Assistance
Turkish Touring and Automobile Club (TTOK): +90 212 282 8140
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
Want to Master Turkey Driving Rules?
Practice with our driving test questions and learn all the rules before you drive.
