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What does the stop sign (DUR) mean in Turkey?

Last updated: 28 October 2026 · Sign code: TT-2 · Priority signs: stop, give way, priority road

In short: The Turkish stop sign means you must stop completely at the stop line, even if the road looks empty, and give way to traffic on the main road before you go. It is a red octagon with the word DUR (stop) in white.

What should you do when you see this sign?

• Bring the car to a complete stop at the stop line; rolling slowly through does not count as stopping.
• If there is no line, stop at the first point where you can see the junction.
• Give way to vehicles and pedestrians on the main road, then move off when it is safe.
• If a traffic officer is directing traffic, follow the officer: their signals come before signs.

Where and why is it used?

Stop signs are usually placed where a minor road joins a main road and visibility is poor. The word DUR painted on the road with a thick stop line has the same meaning, so you must stop even if the sign is hidden by trees or a parked vehicle. Turkish signs often show only Turkish words, so it helps to know that DUR means STOP.

Special shapes Tell you who has right of way at a junction. Their shapes are unique so you can recognise them even when covered in snow: STOP is an octagon and GIVE WAY an upside-down triangle.

Which sign is it confused with?

How is it asked in the Turkish driving exam?

The 4 questions below come from testcim's free question pool, in English. Tap an option to see the correct answer and the explanation.

Question 2

The STOP sign at the junction is hidden behind tree branches. The driver of vehicle no. 1 in the animation pulled out onto the main road without stopping, despite the markings on the road. Which statement is correct?

AAs the sign could not be seen, it is not a violationBThey only needed to stop if there was traffic on the main roadCBecause of the STOP word and stop line on the road, they should have stopped fully at the lineDIt is acceptable as long as they sounded the horn

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C) Because of the STOP word and stop line on the road, they should have stopped fully at the line

The word DUR (STOP) painted on the road and the solid transverse stop line are road markings carrying the same duty as a STOP sign. Even if the sign cannot be seen, the driver must stop fully at the stop line and check the main road before going. An empty main road does not remove the duty to stop.

Question 3

At the junction shown, an officer is directing traffic. What should the driver of vehicle no. 1, on the minor road with a STOP sign, do?

AStop fully because of the sign, then give way to vehicle no. 2BFollow the officer's signal and pass through the junctionCNot enter the junction at all, since the officer and the sign conflictDWait, sounding the horn, until vehicle no. 2 has passed

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B) Follow the officer's signal and pass through the junction

An officer's signals take precedence over traffic lights, signs and road markings (Traffic Law Art. 47). With arms stretched out sideways, the roads in line with the arms are open and those facing the officer's chest and back are closed (Traffic Regulation Art. 25). No. 1, coming in line with the arms, goes; no. 2, approaching the officer's chest, stops.

Priority signs: stop, give way, priority road: other signs

• Give way (TT-1)
• Priority road (B-38)
• End of priority road (B-39)

To see every sign with pictures on one page, go to the Turkish road signs guide. For the other traffic topics, try the traffic questions.

This is a simplified drawing for learning; the official sign's dimensions and details may differ.

Sources (Turkish): Highway Traffic Law No. 2918 · Highway Traffic Regulation · KGM road signs handbook, vertical signs

Türkçe: Dur işareti