Driving in Turkey

When driving in Turkey, remember that you need to drive on the right side of the road, which is something you will need to get adjusted to quickly if you are coming from a country that drives on the left.

Speed Limits in Turkey

Speed limits vary depending on where you are driving in Turkey. The speed is measured in kilometers per hour (kph), which might be a bit confusing for someone who's not used to the metric system. Speed limits in Turkey are:

Urban areas: 50 kmph (31 mph)
Open roads: 90 kmph (55 mph)
Motorways or Expressways: 120 kmph (74 mph)

Roads

Although most of the roads in Turkey are toll free, only the use of 12.5 requires the use of toll.

Driving age

The minimum age requirement for driving in Turkey is 18 years.

Drinking and Driving

The amount of legally allowed alcohol in the blood is 0.0 mg/ml. Yes, absolutely no alcohol! Turkey is one of the countries with an absolute ban on the use of alcohol while driving.

Mobile Phones

Only 'hands free' mobile telephones can be used whilst driving.

Documentation

Remember to carry important documentation with you at all times. Documents you should have with you:

Inter-American Driving Permit (IADP) - May be obtained by US residents from AAA offices, and used instead of an International Driving Permit. An IADP should be accompanied by your valid home country driver's license.
Driver's license - The information in your driving licence must be written in a Latin alphapet or accompanied by a translation by a reliable source or an international driving licence. If your license does not incorporate a photograph, ensure you carry your passport to validate the license.

Right of way

Safety Belts

Turkey requires the use of either seatbelts or a safety seat for everyone in the car, both at the front and back.

Driving with Children

Children under 12 years of age are prohibited from travelling in the front seat, and must be seated at the rear with a seatbelt tightly fastened or in a safety seat (depending on the child's age). The law in Turkey requires children car seats for all children under the age of 12. The safety seat should be a rear-facing seat, a forward-facing seat or a booster seat based on the exact age and weight of the child.

The Police

The police have the authority to collect fines and press charges on the spot. If you decide to pay the fine on the spot, make sure you get a receipt from the official.

Additional Required Equipment

All cars in Turkey must be equipped with the following equipment:

Warning triangle
A First-aid kit

Parking

In many parts of Turkey, parking is available just about everywhere, all you'll need to do is to make sure you aren't causing an obstruction. In the cities you'll find parking lots and garages with machines or more likely parking attendants. In the commercial parts of the main cities you'll find parking meters and ticket machines. Areas where parking isn't allowed are clearly marked with signs and yellow or red lines on the road or kerb.