Travelling around Turkey by car is an opportunity to see the country in all its glory. Find out what rules you need to follow and what you need to know to avoid being fined

Issuing a policy Green card for traveling abroad by car

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When travelling in Turkey by car, it is important to be prepared for the peculiarities of local roads and know the rules of the road. Turkey is a country with a rich history, picturesque landscapes and many attractions, so a car is a great way to explore it. But before you get behind the wheel, get acquainted with the key aspects of traffic rules, fines and features of toll roads.

Basic traffic rules (SDA) in Turkey

The first thing to remember is that Turkey has right-hand traffic, as in most European countries. The speed limits vary depending on the type of road: in settlements you can drive at a speed of up to 50 km/h, outside settlements - up to 90 km/h, and on motorways - up to 120 km/h.

Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers. Children under 12 years of age, if their height is less than 150 cm, must be transported in the back seat, and children less than 135 cm in height must be transported in child seats. The use of mobile phones without a headset or hands-free system while driving is prohibited. The permissible level of alcohol in the blood is 0.05%, and for professional drivers and drivers of commercial vehicles - 0.0%.

As for road signs, they comply with international standards. The only thing is that instead of the usual "STOP" sign, you can see the same "DUR" sign on the roads.

- The "No Parking" sign has a normal appearance, but the same sign on a white background means that parking is allowed, but limited in time;

- When entering a settlement, not only the name but also the number of inhabitants is indicated; 

- It is not customary to indicate the angle of inclination on signs warning of ascents and descents.

- The "D" sign indicates a bus stop. You cannot park here.

Penalties for traffic violations

Turkish authorities strictly monitor compliance with traffic rules. Fines for violations can be quite significant:

🚗 Speeding: for exceeding 10-30 km/h - 1,507 TL, 30-50 km/h - 3,136 TL, more than 50 km/h - 6,440 TL.

🚗 Not wearing a seat belt will cost 691 TL.

🚗 Using a phone without hands-free - 1,507 TL.

🚗 Running a red light - 951 TL.

🚗 Improper parking can cost from 150 to 500 TL depending on the location of the violation.

🚗 Driving under the influence of alcohol: the first case - 6,440 TL and deprivation of rights for 6 months, the second case - 8,075 TL and deprivation of rights for 2 years, the third case and more - 12,978 TL and deprivation of rights for 5 years.

You can pay a fine in Turkey online, but you must have a local TIN (issued with a residence permit). You can pay the fine online on the website of the tax office.

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What documents does a driver need?

- driving licence;

- vehicle registration certificate

- international passport;

- insurance policy.

International car insurance (Green Card) at favourable prices can be purchased on the Visit Ukraine website. Its benefits can be found here.

Toll roads and payment system

Many major motorways in Turkey are tolled, especially routes between major cities and popular tourist destinations. The HGS (Hızlı Geçiş Sistemi) and OGS (Otomatik Geçiş Sistemi) systems are used to pay for the toll.

HGS is an electronic tolling system that requires a special sticker on the windscreen of a car. OGS is an automatic payment system using a special device in the car. HGS can be purchased at a post office (PTT) or at some petrol stations, while OGS can be purchased at banks or at toll stations.

Tolls are automatically deducted when you pass through toll booths on toll roads. It is important to keep track of the balance on your HGS or OGS account to avoid fines for unpaid tolls.

To cross the checkpoint, you do not need to stop completely or get out of the car, just slow down to the recommended speed and drive through the appropriate gate. If you have an HGS sticker, you need to drive through the gate marked HGS at the entrance and exit, and the one with a transponder - at OGS. Otherwise, the payment will not be cancelled and you will have a debt.

The cost of toll roads in Turkey depends on the class of vehicle and the distance travelled:

Class 1 - two-axle vehicles, the distance between the axles is less than 3.2 metres (passenger cars).

2 - two-axle cars, the distance between the axles is 3.2 metres or more (crossovers, minivans).

3 - 3 axles (buses).

4 - 4-5 axles (trucks).

5 - more than 6 axles (trucks).

6 - motorcycles.

Tariffs on each route are different. You can calculate the exact fare on the website of the Main Road Administration.

Remember to check the technical condition of the car, the availability of the necessary documents, a first aid kit and emergency stop signs before travelling. Plan your route using navigation systems and maps to avoid surprises and tolls. 

We remind you! Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, a large number of Ukrainians have been travelling to Turkey by their own cars. Read more about the most important rules for staying in Turkey with your own car here.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Are you planning a trip to Europe by car? A Green Card from Visit Ukraine is your reliable protection on European roads. Fast processing, affordable prices and complete peace of mind while travelling. Apply for a Green Card and enjoy a safe trip abroad!

Do you have additional questions? Contact the Visit Ukraine hotline (Telegram | WhatsApp).

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

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