Overview of traffic rules in Turkey

As you know, in addition to common traffic laws around the world, there are other laws in this field that are specific to each country. Therefore, while knowing the general rules in this field is essential for every driver, if you are planning to travel to one of the popular tourist destinations like Turkey, knowing the specific traffic rules in this country is very important.

Turkey is one of the countries that in recent years, by applying a series of new and strict laws related to driving conditions, made many reforms in its traffic system and driving manners of the people of this country. These reforms, which improved driving conditions and reduced violations, are in accordance with European standards, which include conducting numerous checkpoints by the police to deal with drunk drivers, ensuring having documents such as a driving license or valid insurance policies, preventing inappropriate driving, and things like that.

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Conditions of Streets and Roads in Türkiye

As mentioned earlier, in line with the reforms made in the traffic laws of Turkey, many streets, highways and roads of this country have been completely repaired and reformed; so, this has led to greater safety and ease in driving. It should be noted that this does not mean that there is no traffic and congestion in the streets of this country, but with the widening of the streets and the construction of numerous highways, significant changes have occurred in this regard.

At the same time, it is not unusual to encounter traffic on a single-lane street, especially during rush hours, and it is better to drive cautiously due to the congestion of such ways. Also, in the roads and suburban routes of Turkey, like in any other country, the traffic of heavy or rural vehicles is normal and requires more care and attention; in Turkey, driving is on the right side of the roads and streets.

Traveling by Car to Türkiye

If you want to use a private car to go to Turkey, first, you should register your car in your country. For this, you must also have documents with you proving the ownership of the car with legal approvals, without any commercial intention (such as car trading, etc.); under these conditions, your wife and children will also be able to drive in Turkey.

Fuel Used by Cars in Türkiye

Fortunately, Turkey has many fuel stations for different types of fuel which are: Gasoline (about 24 TL per liter), Diesel (about 23 TL per liter), and Autogas/Gas (LPG/LNG - about 11 TL per liter); also, due to the proximity of these stations, you will never have a problem finding fuel in the cities. The important thing about car fuel in Turkey is the cost-effectiveness using diesel cars and in most gas stations in rural areas, diesel fuel is tax-free and cheaper (because used by agricultural vehicles).

Note: The difference in fuel prices in different cities of Turkey, even in different districts of the city, is completely normal and it is due to the difference in costs of living in these areas.

Conditions and Features of Driving in Türkiye

Driving in Turkey, like most countries in Europe, is done on the right side of the road, and accordingly, overtaking on the right side of other cars is considered a violation. Also, to change your lane and go to the side of the road, you must use flashing lights and be careful when driving at night out of town and rural areas, to avoid have an accident with other vehicles or cattle that may cross the road. Compliance with the speed limit at intersections, right of way for pedestrians, paying attention to signs and other rules are very necessary.

The Speed Limit on Turkish Roads and Streets

The speed limit on most roads in Turkey is 90 km/h, 120 km/h on freeways, and 110 km/h on two-lane highways. This limit is considered between 30 and 50 kilometers per hour in cities and some rural roads. In order to be cautious, you can always keep a 10% difference in the speed limit and pay full attention to the posted signs when driving near schools.

The Main Traffic Rules in Türkiye

The most obvious law in this regard in all countries is to respect the right of way when reaching the pedestrian crossing; also, using the seat belt is mandatory for all occupants of the cars, and children whose height is less than 135 cm and their weight is less than 36 kg must sit in a child seat with a safety belt (they are not allowed to seat in front). Considering that the traffic signs in Turkey are the same as in other European countries, parking lots are marked with the international symbol "P" or "Otopark (in Turkish)".

Driving Licenses in Türkiye

Considering the value and validity of the Turkish driver's license inside and outside of this country, knowing the ways of obtaining it and the procedures of car registration in Turkey is considered a very serious matter. Therefore, since the Turkish driving license is valid in 84 countries, it is better to know the documents and its process to get it; the types of driving license in this country, and how use the driving license of your own country in Turkey, are as follow:

1.      Using Another Country's Driving License: According to Turkey's bilateral agreement with 84 countries regarding the validity of their driver's licenses in the countries of the agreement, provided that the issued driving license has a photo, a person can use it in Turkey only for 6 months (using the driving license without a photo, is illegal). The duration of using such drivers’ license entirely depends on the country from which you receive it. People whose driving license does not have a photo can use it as an "International Driving Permit" (the list of countries whose licenses are valid is included in the Turkish traffic website).

2.      International Driving Permit (IDP): According to the two agreed global conventions and the bilateral cooperation document between its members, there are two types of international driving permits in the world, the convention in question in Turkey is the "1949 IDP Convention" (you can see the list of these members by searching on Google). Note that, although the IDP is a recognized contract around the world, it has nothing in common with the "International Driving Permit" and is only used to prove the existence of your driver's license in your country as well as a legal permit to drive in another country. Also, note that although the IDP document is valid for 12 months, it will only be possible to use it in Turkey for 6 months from the date of entry.

3.      How to Convert another Country's Driving License in Turkey: If your stay lasts more than 6 months, you need to convert and validate your drivers’ license in Turkey. This issue is not only related to tourists, but it is also true for those foreign nationals who are staying in Turkey even temporarily, and it has a simple process. Therefore, it is enough to go to one of the driving offices and do it without having to take any medical or driving tests. It should be noted that the driving license in Turkey has no expiration date and the necessary documents to obtain it are as follows:

·       Original and colored copy of the back and front of the driving license.

·       Turkish translation with the seal of the Turkish Consulate.

·       Presenting the file filed by the traffic department on the day of the meeting.

·       Four certified 6x4 photo (biometric), preferably taken by a Turkish photographer.

·       Your residence permit.

·       Valid health certificate (with a one-year credit, you can get it from public or private hospitals).

·       Certificate of education (certificate of completion of elementary school is a minimum requirement).

·       Blood type certificate (you can get it from the hospital).

·       Receipt of paid expenses.

Documents and Equipment that You Must Have in the Car

It is recommended that after preparing and complying with all the following things, you should take care of obtaining car insurance in Turkey in order to drive more safely; also, it should be noted that there is no annual roadworthiness/technical inspection in Turkey.

·       Original passport and valid driver's license.

·       Car ownership document or approved rental slip.

·       Having the car insurance policy (usually, Green Card is also necessary).

·       Having the headlight converters (which are usually used for cars that are designed to drive on the left side).

·       First aid box, fire extinguisher and chain (in winter).

·       Two ropes with a toolbox and a jack for changing tires.

·       Two European-style portable triangles and warning lamps (when there is a problem, they should put them at least 50 meters in front and behind the car).

·       International plate number for cars that come to Turkey from abroad (which indicates the country that issued that license plate).

Common Driving Violations in Türkiye

1.      Not using a seat belt.

2.      Drifting and dangerous driving.

3.      Driving drunk (when there is more than 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood will be accompanied by a penalty of banning the use of the license for 6 months).

4.      Driving while talking on a cell phone.

5.      Not paying attention to speed cameras.

6.      Driving a car without insurance (having third-party insurance is mandatory).

7.      The incompleteness of necessary documents in the car such as: driving license, car documents, passport, etc.

8.      Ignoring the legal age for driving, which is the minimum age for obtaining a license is 17 (in the case of rental cars, depending on the companies and the type of car, it may be set between 21 and 23 years old).

9.      Not paying attention to safety rules for children (children under 12 years old are not allowed to sit in the front seat and must sit in the back on a special child seat that has safety straps).

10.  Not paying small amount fines and their accumulation (to prevent this, you can pay these fines to the officers themselves as they issue the fine).

Authorized Places for Car Parking in Türkiye

Parking spaces are available in different urban areas as well as many beaches in Turkey, which include the following:

1.      Regular Parking on the Street: When you are in small towns, it is not necessary to get a parking permit. But this issue is associated with parking space restrictions in most big cities, and this is often possible by paying the parking fee to the related officer.

2.      Off-Street Car Parking Areas: As in most cities and villages, there are public and private car parking lots in Turkey. Some of these places, such as the dedicated parking spaces of stores or fast foods, belong to a specific place and are only used by the customers of these centers (for a maximum of two hours); public areas are also available for a fee.

3.      Special Parking Areas on the Streets: such centers, which are usually covered, are available to the public by paying a fee to a parking meter, device, or special payment booths; the main restrictions in these places are related to the duration of the parking, which are informed by the "Time Limit" sign for parking. These places are monitored by the police and if the time limit expires, a fine will be affixed to the car window (these fine sheets can be paid at the police offices). Not moving the car will lead to transferring it to the police parking lot.

4.      Parking Space for Disabled People: The presence of a blue mark on the ground or signs indicates the parking lot is for disabled people in Turkey.

Turkish Traffic Police

Turkish traffic police, who have a very noticeable presence in the city, constantly and randomly stop cars to check things like: documents, insurance policies and other related documents. In such cases, if the police stop your car for safety and serious reasons and, for example, because of broken lights find it dangerous to drive, usually the car will be taken to the vehicle maintenance and repair center for repair. These centers, which are run by police departments, have official approval and clear the car after repairing and paying the fees.

Other Necessary Information

·       The emergency contact number in all EU member states is 112, and by dialing it in Turkey, you can also contact the police, fire department, and ambulance centers.

·       The exclusive phone number of the traffic police is 154 (Turkish Touring and Automobile Club or 212-282 8140.

·       Regarding rental cars, in case of a technical defection, they should contact the phone number listed on the label installed on the car windshield as soon as possible.

·       The necessity of the presence of the second driver on long drivings.

·       If you need to call the emergency services or the police, be sure to ask them for an official accident report for the insurance company.

·       Before the arrival of the police or emergency services, be sure to take pictures of the scene and write the name, address, and phone number of the other party as well as the witnesses of the accident.

·       If after the accident, the route is safe, do not move the car; otherwise, be sure to move it safely to a side.