Guide to Driving in Turkey

Turkey Speed Limits

	KPH	MPH
Motorways	120	75
Open Roads	90	56
Built Up Areas	50	31

Emergency Phone Numbers

Police	155
Fire	110
Ambulance	112

Useful Phrases

Danger	Tehlike
Diesel	Dizel
Exit	Çıkış
Filling Station	Dolum istasyonu
Petrol	Benzin
Prohibited	Yasak
Right of way	Geçiş hakkı
Roadworks	Yol çalışması
Slow	yavaş

Fuel

Credit cards accepted at most filling stations in Turkey. Fuel stations are not as numerous as what they are in the UK, so it is advised that you top-up your fuel at every opportunity.

Getting around Turkey with your own transport will give you the chance to see all of Turkey’s ancient ruins as many are hard to visit without it. Although it is a great way to get around, driving in Turkey requires you to drive defensively. With high speeds, low caution and overtaking taking place at the narrowest opportunity, it is important that you create space around your vehicle which will allow for the antics of other drivers.

It is best to avoid driving into the major cities, especially Istanbul and Ankara where driving is at its most chaotic. There is so much to see and do in Turkey; car hire is definitely the best way to experience it all.

Find out more about skiing in Turkey, or read our Turkey travel guide, you may also like to view information about destinations in Turkey.

Essential Driving Information

The minimum driving age is 17yrs.
Your vehicle needs to carry two warning triangles in case of an accident.
Children under the age of 12 years must not sit in the front seat.
Seat belts are compulsory in front seats and rear seats.
It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile when driving.
There are road tolls charged between the following locations; Edirne and Istanbul, Istanbul and Izmit, Izmit and Gebze, Tsarsus and Pozanti, Ankara and Gerede.
The blood alcohol limit is no more than 0.05%. For drivers of cars with caravans or trailers, a zero tolerance policy operates.
Traffic drives on the right hand side.
You are advised to use dipped headlights when visibility is and after sunset in built up areas.
Child under 12 must not travel in the front seat.
You must not use the horn in towns between 2200 until sunrise.
In the event of an accident the police must be called and a report obtained.

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