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Driving in Turkey as a tourist
Updated 28 September 2026 · 5 min read
Yes, tourists can drive in Turkey with a valid foreign driving licence. An International Driving Permit is recommended, especially if your licence is not in the Latin alphabet. Turkey drives on the right, fines rose sharply in 2026, and motorway tolls are cashless.
Can you drive with your licence?
- Tourists can drive with a valid national licence for the length of their stay.
- International Driving Permit (IDP): carry one together with your licence if possible. It is strongly recommended when your licence is not in Latin script, and rental companies or police may ask for it.
- Car rental: companies set their own minimum age and experience rules, often 21 or older with at least 1 to 2 years of driving. Check before you book.
- Moving to Turkey? Residents must exchange their licence. See converting a foreign licence.
Key rules
- Drive on the right and overtake on the left.
- Alcohol limit: 0.50 promil (0.5 g/l) for private cars and 0.20 for commercial drivers. The first offence costs 25,000 TL and a 6-month licence suspension.
- Seat belts are compulsory in all seats.
- No hand-held phone while driving. The fine starts at 5,000 TL.
- Roundabouts: without lights or signs, vehicles already on the roundabout have priority.
- Red light: the fine starts at 5,000 TL and rises with repeat offences.
All the amounts are in our guide to traffic fines in Turkey.
Speed limits (cars)
| Road | Limit |
|---|---|
| Towns and cities | 50 km/h |
| Two-way roads outside towns | 90 km/h |
| Divided roads (dual carriageways) | 110 km/h |
| Motorways (otoyol) | 120 km/h |
Signs always take priority over these general limits. Since 2026 speeding fines are based on how many km/h you exceed the limit by: in towns fines start at 6 km/h over the limit.
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Motorway tolls (HGS)
Turkish motorways and the big bridges use the electronic HGS toll system. There are no cash booths. Rental cars usually have an HGS sticker and the rental company charges you the tolls later. Ask about this when you pick up the car. Driving through without a valid HGS balance leads to penalties.
Equipment in the car
Cars must carry a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a warning triangle. Rental cars should already have them. Check before you drive off.
Accidents and emergencies
- Call 112 for all emergencies: ambulance, fire and police.
- If nobody is hurt, move the cars out of traffic if it is safe, and fill in an accident report form (kaza tespit tutanağı) with the other driver. Rental companies usually want to be called straight away.
- Put out your warning triangle and wear a high-visibility vest if you have one.
FAQ
Can I drive in Turkey with a foreign licence as a tourist?
Yes. Tourists can drive with a valid foreign licence during their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended, especially for licences not in the Latin alphabet.
What is the alcohol limit in Turkey?
0.50 promil for private car drivers and 0.20 for commercial drivers. The first offence is fined 25,000 TL with a 6-month licence suspension.
What are the speed limits in Turkey?
For cars: 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on two-way roads outside towns, 110 km/h on divided roads and 120 km/h on motorways, unless signs show otherwise.
How do I pay motorway tolls in Turkey?
Tolls are electronic (HGS). Rental cars usually have an HGS sticker and the rental company charges you afterwards.
Sources: Can tourists drive in Turkey? (EzDex) · 2026 traffic fines (Türkiye Gazetesi, Turkish). Fees and rules can change; confirm with official sources or your driving school.