Traffic Rules and Important Tips When Renting a Car in Turkey

Traffic Rules to Keep in Mind When Renting a Car in Turkey

1. Speed Limits and Roads

   • Speed limits in Turkey vary depending on the type of road. In urban areas, the typical speed limit is 50 km/h, while on intercity roads, the limit can be 90 km/h. On highways, the speed limit is 120 km/h. However, speed limits may be lower in certain areas, so it's important to always pay attention to traffic signs.

2. Alcohol and Driving

   • Turkey has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving. The legal limit for blood alcohol content is 0.5‰. Driving under the influence can lead to significant fines and even the confiscation of your driving license. It's vital to avoid alcohol while driving, both for your safety and to comply with the law.

3. Seatbelts Are Mandatory

   • In Turkey, wearing a seatbelt is mandatory for both front and rear passengers. Failure to wear a seatbelt results in a hefty fine. When renting a car, make sure all seatbelts are functional and available in every seat.

4. Traffic Lights and Right of Way

   • Pay attention to traffic lights in Turkey. You must stop at a red light and wait until it turns green. When the light turns green, ensure that the road is clear before proceeding. Additionally, overtaking from the right is a common practice in Turkey, but on highways, be sure to respect vehicles with priority.

5. Parking Rules

   • Parking in restricted areas can result in significant fines. Blue-painted parking areas are paid, and you must pay for parking in these zones. Always check for parking restrictions, as fines for illegal parking are common and can be burdensome.

Important Driving Tips in Turkey

1. Traffic Congestion and Road Conditions

   • In major cities, especially in places like Istanbul and Ankara, traffic congestion can be frequent. During peak hours (morning and evening), avoid highly congested areas to ensure a smoother ride. You can use navigation apps to check traffic conditions in real-time.

2. Pay Attention to Traffic Signs

   • Traffic signs in Turkey are generally designed to be easy to understand, even for foreign drivers. However, it’s important to stay alert for local road signs that indicate speed limits, parking restrictions, construction zones, and other traffic-related information.

3. Be Aware of Roadworks

   • Roadworks are a common sight in Turkey, and they may cause lane changes, detours, or speed limit adjustments. If you encounter roadworks, follow the signs carefully and adjust your speed accordingly.

4. Extra Care for Night Driving

   • When driving at night, ensure that your headlights are working properly, as road signs and lanes might be harder to see. Use your headlights to enhance visibility and stay vigilant while driving at night to avoid accidents.

5. No Using Phones While Driving

   • Using a mobile phone while driving, unless it's a hands-free device, is prohibited in Turkey. There are fines for using your phone behind the wheel. To avoid fines and distractions, use hands-free systems or Bluetooth in your car for phone calls.

Other Tips to Keep in Mind When Renting a Car

1. Check the Insurance Coverage

   • When renting a car, make sure to verify the insurance coverage. In Turkey, most rental cars come with basic traffic insurance. However, if you want additional protection, such as theft or damage insurance, you may want to purchase extra coverage.

2. Fuel Policy

   • Most car rentals in Turkey follow a "full-full" fuel policy. This means you should pick up the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank as well. To avoid any misunderstandings, double-check the fuel level at the time of pickup.

3. Traffic Insurance and Damage Reporting

   • Before driving, make sure you understand the terms of your traffic insurance. If the car gets damaged or if you are involved in an accident, inform the rental company immediately and report the incident. Damage to the vehicle that isn't reported during your rental may lead to additional charges.