Car Hire in Turkey: What to Know Before You Drive

Before you leave the rental car park

Turkey has modern motorways, busy city streets, long-distance divided highways, mountain roads and rural routes. A few checks before departure can make the journey considerably easier.

• Confirm the fuel type: check whether the vehicle uses petrol, diesel, electricity or another fuel.
• Find the controls: locate the lights, indicators, wipers, hazard lights, demister and parking brake.
• Check existing damage: make sure visible damage is recorded and consider taking your own photographs.
• Ask how HGS tolls are handled: many Turkish motorways and bridges use electronic toll charging.
• Check the tyres: ask about winter equipment if travelling to colder or high-altitude regions.
• Check the fuel policy: confirm the required fuel or battery level at return.
• Save roadside-assistance details: keep the rental provider's assistance number accessible.

Watch carefully for changing speed limits

• Limits can reduce substantially when entering towns and villages.
• Lower limits can apply around junctions, tunnels, roadworks and other hazards.
• Speed enforcement includes fixed and mobile systems.
• Do not assume the motorway maximum applies to every section.
• Reduce speed further where weather, traffic or visibility makes the posted maximum inappropriate.

Many Turkish toll roads use the HGS system

HGS is Turkey's electronic Fast-Pass toll system. It is used on many motorways and tolled bridges.

• HGS tolls are collected electronically rather than requiring payment at a conventional staffed booth on every journey.
• The vehicle's HGS account or registration is used to associate the journey with the toll charge.
• Turkish rental cars will commonly already have arrangements for electronic toll charging.
• The rental provider may charge tolls to your payment card after the journey.
• An administration or service fee may also apply under the rental terms.
• Ask how HGS charges are handled before leaving the rental desk.

Foreign-plated vehicles must also account for Turkish tolls

Drivers bringing their own foreign-registered vehicle into Turkey should not assume that toll roads can be used without registering or paying.

• Foreign-plated vehicles using toll roads and bridges are subject to the HGS system.
• The HGS account must contain sufficient credit to cover the toll.
• KGM provides facilities for checking and paying unpaid passages.
• Unpaid tolls and associated penalties can cause problems when a foreign-plated vehicle attempts to leave Turkey.
• With a locally rented Turkish vehicle, follow the rental company's toll arrangements instead of opening your own HGS account unless specifically instructed.

Several major bridges and motorways charge tolls

Turkey's tolled road network includes major motorway routes and important bridge crossings.

• Istanbul's Bosphorus crossings include tolled bridges.
• The Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge forms part of the Northern Marmara motorway network.
• The Osmangazi Bridge crosses the Gulf of İzmit.
• The 1915 Çanakkale Bridge forms part of the Malkara–Çanakkale motorway.
• Charges vary by road, bridge and vehicle class.
• Check current KGM tariffs rather than relying on an old toll price.

Allow extra time when driving in Istanbul

Istanbul has dense urban traffic and several major crossings between the European and Asian sides of the city.

• Congestion can be heavy during peak periods.
• Choose the correct Bosphorus crossing before entering busy approach roads.
• Some bridge and motorway routes are tolled.
• Allow extra time for journeys to Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
• Avoid last-second lane changes when approaching motorway junctions or bridge entrances.

Follow signs and lane markings at roundabouts

• Slow down before entering.
• Give way where signs and markings require it.
• Choose the appropriate lane before entering a multi-lane roundabout.
• Signal appropriately when changing lane or leaving.
• Watch carefully for motorcycles and pedestrians.

Give pedestrians priority at marked crossings

Turkish traffic rules require drivers to slow and give priority to pedestrians at designated pedestrian and school crossings where there is no traffic officer or traffic signal controlling the crossing.

• Approach marked crossings at a controlled speed.
• Be prepared to stop for pedestrians already crossing or about to cross.
• Take particular care around schools and busy urban areas.
• Do not overtake another vehicle stopped for a pedestrian.

Stop for a school vehicle displaying its DUR sign

Turkish school transport vehicles can display a DUR or STOP warning while children are getting on or off.

• Other drivers must respect the displayed stop instruction.
• Watch carefully for children entering the roadway.
• Reduce speed around schools even when no school vehicle is present.

Winter-tyre rules depend on the vehicle

Turkey's national fixed-date winter-tyre requirement primarily applies to vehicles carrying passengers or goods on intercity roads.

• The national mandatory period is now 15 November to 15 April for the relevant commercial vehicles.
• Ordinary private passenger cars are not generally covered by that nationwide fixed-date requirement.
• The Turkish Ministry of Transport nevertheless recommends winter tyres for private cars in winter conditions.
• Snow, ice and very low temperatures occur in many inland and high-altitude regions.
• If renting during winter, ask whether the vehicle has suitable tyres for the planned route.

Winter conditions can be severe away from the coast

• Eastern and central Turkey can experience prolonged snow and ice.
• Mountain roads and high passes can become difficult or close temporarily.
• Carry suitable winter equipment where conditions require it.
• Follow police and highway-authority instructions during severe weather.
• Check the current road situation before beginning a long winter journey.

Drink-driving limits

For drivers of ordinary private cars, the statutory alcohol limit is 0.50 promille.

• Lower limits apply to drivers of vehicles other than private passenger cars.
• Police use roadside testing equipment.
• Driving ability can be impaired below the legal threshold.
• More serious consequences can follow where a driver is unable to control a vehicle safely because of alcohol.
• The simplest approach with a rental vehicle is zero alcohol before driving.

Check the fuel type before filling

• Petrol stations are widespread on major routes.
• Petrol may be labelled benzin.
• Diesel is commonly labelled motorin or diesel.
• Do not assume a rental car is petrol-powered because diesel cars are also common.
• Check the fuel flap or rental documentation before filling.
• Keep the final fuel receipt if your rental provider requests it.

Parking arrangements vary between cities

Parking in major Turkish cities can be difficult, particularly in historic centres and densely populated districts.

• Follow local signs and road markings.
• Do not park where the vehicle obstructs traffic or pedestrian access.
• Paid municipal or private car parks can be easier than searching for street parking.
• Hotel parking can be particularly useful in Istanbul and other major cities.
• Check whether a parking facility closes overnight before leaving the vehicle.

Turkey is a large country

Road distances between regions can be substantial, so allow realistic travel times when planning an itinerary.

• Do not judge driving times from straight-line distance alone.
• Add time for fuel, food and rest breaks.
• Avoid driving when tired.
• Keep sufficient fuel on long rural journeys.
• Consider dividing very long journeys over more than one day.

Foreign visitors can use a foreign driving licence

Turkey allows foreign visitors to drive using a driving licence issued outside Turkey for a limited period.

• Foreign visitors can use a foreign driving licence in Turkey for up to six months.
• The licence must be valid for the category of vehicle being driven.
• Carry the original physical driving licence.
• Carry your passport or other required identification.
• Rental companies can impose their own documentation, minimum-age and minimum licence-holding requirements.

Driving in Turkey with an Irish licence

An Irish visitor can use a valid Irish driving licence in Turkey within the period permitted for foreign visitors.

• Carry the original Irish driving licence.
• Carry your passport.
• Check the rental company's documentation requirements before travelling.
• If the rental company requests an International Driving Permit, arrange it before leaving Ireland.

Check the rental terms before leaving Turkey

International journeys with a Turkish rental car can be restricted even where a land or ferry connection is available.

• Do not assume that cross-border travel is automatically allowed.
• Confirm every country on the itinerary with the rental provider.
• Check whether written permission is required.
• Confirm that insurance remains valid outside Turkey.
• Check whether additional insurance or documentation is needed.
• Confirm that roadside assistance remains valid.

Before returning the hire car

• Confirm the exact branch or airport return location.
• Refuel or recharge according to the rental agreement.
• Keep the final fuel receipt if required.
• Allow additional time around Istanbul, Antalya, İzmir and other busy cities.
• Check how outstanding HGS tolls will be charged.
• Remove personal belongings and check the glovebox, door pockets and luggage area.
• Consider photographing the vehicle, mileage and fuel or battery level at return.
• Keep the rental paperwork until the deposit or card pre-authorisation has been released.

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Official and reliable driving information for Turkey

Speed limits, toll charges, winter equipment requirements and other road rules can change. The links below were checked when this page was reviewed.

• General Directorate of Highways: official speed limits
• General Directorate of Highways: HGS Fast-Pass system
• General Directorate of Highways: foreign-plated vehicles and tolls
• General Directorate of Highways: motorway and bridge toll rates
• Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure: current winter-tyre rules
• Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs: foreign driving licences
• Turkish Traffic Directorate: drink-driving limits
• Turkish Traffic Directorate: mobile-phone safety
• Turkish Traffic Directorate: child restraints
• Turkey 112 Emergency Call Centre

Last reviewed: 28 September 2026.