Legal Requirements for Renting a Car at Sabiha Gökçen Airport: Renting a Car in Turkey
1. Age Limits and Driver’s License Requirements
Age limits and driver's license requirements are some of the most important factors when renting a car in Turkey.
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Age Limits: Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old to rent a car. However, for drivers between 21 and 25 years old, an additional young driver fee may be applied. Some companies may even refuse to rent a car to drivers under 25. Typically, drivers over 30 have more options available to them in terms of car types, and younger drivers may only have access to lower-class vehicles.
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Driver’s License: To rent a car in Turkey, you need a valid international driver’s license or a Turkish driver’s license. If you're a tourist visiting Turkey, an international driver’s permit will generally suffice. It may also be useful to have your driver's license translated into English or Turkish, as some rental companies may require a local translation.
2. Insurance and Liability
When renting a car, paying attention to the insurance options and legal requirements is crucial. In Turkey, car rental companies offer various insurance options to cover possible damages or accidents.
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Mandatory Insurance (Traffic Insurance): In Turkey, mandatory traffic insurance is required for all rented cars. This insurance only covers damage to other vehicles or third parties, making it the most basic form of insurance for renters.
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Comprehensive Insurance: If you want to be fully protected in case of damage to the car, it’s recommended to purchase comprehensive insurance. This insurance covers material damage, theft, and other accidents involving the rental vehicle. Most rental companies offer this type of insurance for an additional fee.
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Additional Insurance Options: Some companies may also offer you the option to provide your own insurance policy to cover risks that are not included in the rental company’s coverage. This option may offer better protection and lower premiums in case of an incident.
3. Car Pickup and Return Conditions
When renting a car at Sabiha Gökçen Airport, it’s important to be aware of the company’s policies regarding car pickup and return. These conditions may vary by company.
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Pickup Conditions: Depending on the rental company, you can pick up your car at the airport office, or in some cases, you may have the option to pick it up at a different location outside the airport. Make sure to have your ID and driver’s license ready during the pickup process.
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Fuel Policy: It’s essential to be aware of the fuel policy for the rental car. Most companies operate on a full-to-full policy, meaning you’ll pick up the car with a full tank and must return it with a full tank as well. However, some companies may have different fuel policies, so it’s best to confirm this with the rental company beforehand.
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Car Return Conditions: The return date and time stated in your rental agreement are crucial. If you return the car late, you may incur late fees. Also, the car will be thoroughly checked for any scratches or damage, so be sure to return it in the same condition it was rented.
4. Traffic Rules and Fines
In Turkey, it’s important to adhere to the traffic laws, especially in larger cities. Failing to do so may result in penalty points and fines.
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Speed Limits: Speed limits in Turkey vary depending on the area—city centers, rural areas, and highways have different maximum speed limits. Generally, 50 km/h is the limit in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on highways.
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Alcohol Limit: In Turkey, the legal alcohol limit for drivers is 0.50‰. However, some areas may implement a zero-tolerance policy for tourists, meaning driving with any alcohol in your system can result in severe penalties.
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Parking Rules: Pay attention to parking regulations in Turkey. Illegal parking may result in the towing of your vehicle and fines.
5. Additional Fees and Requirements
In addition to the basic rental price, there may be extra charges you should be aware of. These include:
- Young Driver Fee: An extra charge may apply to drivers under the age of 25.
- Additional Driver Fee: If you want to add another driver to the rental, an extra fee may apply.
- Airport Fee: Picking up the car at the airport may incur an additional fee.
