Updated 2026-11-11 · By the Rentovaro team
Short answer: Turkey drives on the right. Typical speed limits for cars are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on rural roads, 110 km/h on divided highways and 120 km/h on motorways; always follow posted signs. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers, headlights are required in tunnels, tolls are paid via HGS, and the emergency number is 112.
Key road rules
- Drive on the right, overtake on the left.
- Seatbelts are compulsory front and back; children under 135 cm need a child seat.
- Hand-held phone use is prohibited.
- The legal blood-alcohol limit is low (0.5‰ for private drivers); the safest choice is not to drink at all.
- Carry your passport, licence and the rental documents at all times.
Speed cameras and fines
Turkey uses fixed cameras, average-speed sections and mobile police checks. Fines are sent to the rental company, which passes them on to the driver. Paying within 15 days usually gives a 25% discount.
Tolls
Motorways (otoyol), Bosphorus bridges, the Eurasia Tunnel and the Osmangazi Bridge are tolled. Rental cars use the HGS tag; just use the HGS lanes.
Fuel and charging
Petrol stations are frequent on main roads and many are open 24/7. Fast chargers for electric cars are growing quickly along motorways and in big cities.
Parking
Look for "Otopark" signs. In cities, use paid car parks; on-street parking attendants may collect fees. Never park on yellow-marked kerbs.
Police and gendarmerie checks
Checkpoints are common and routine. Slow down, keep documents ready and be polite. Outside cities, checks are carried out by the Jandarma.
Best road trips in Turkey
- Lycian coast: Dalaman → Fethiye → Kaş → Antalya (about 300 km of coastal road).
- Aegean classics: İzmir → Ephesus → Pamukkale → Bodrum.
- Anatolian heartland: Istanbul → Ankara → Cappadocia → Konya.
- Black Sea highlands: Trabzon → Uzungöl → Ayder.
Emergency numbers
- 112: ambulance, police and fire (single emergency number)
- Our 24/7 roadside assistance number is on your rental contract and key tag.
Related: Renting a car in Turkey: complete guide · Cheapest car rental in Turkey · FAQ