🇹🇷 Drive Turkey with Confidence
Know the rules. Carry the right documents. Enjoy the road.
Do You Need an IDP in Turkey?
Recommended for All Visitors
Visitors can drive in Turkey on their home licence for up to six months, but an IDP is recommended — and effectively necessary if your licence is not in the Latin alphabet. Turkish authorities expect a licence they can read, and an IDP provides the certified translation. Rental companies often ask for one, and police may request it at checkpoints.
Police Checkpoints
Police checkpoints are common on Turkish intercity routes. Keep your licence, IDP, and passport within easy reach — checks are quick and routine when your paperwork is in order.
Driving Rules in Turkey
Drive on the Right
Turkey drives on the right side of the road with left-hand-drive vehicles. Overtake on the left, and take extra care at night on rural roads.
Strict Alcohol Limits
Turkey's legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% for private drivers and zero for commercial drivers. Police checkpoints are common on intercity routes, and penalties include large fines and licence confiscation.
Electronic Tolls (HGS)
Turkey's motorways and the major bridges use the electronic HGS system — there are no cash booths on these routes. Rental cars come with an HGS tag, and tolls are billed back by the rental company.
Speed Limits
Urban areas: 50 km/h. Open roads: 90 km/h. Dual carriageways: 110 km/h. Motorways (otoyollar): 120 km/h. Radar enforcement is common on intercity routes, and fines reach you later via the rental company.
Mandatory Equipment
Turkish rules require warning triangles and a first-aid kit in the car. Rental vehicles include the mandatory equipment — confirm it is present before driving off.
Renting a Car in Turkey
Turkey has rental desks at all major airports and resort towns. Here is what you need to know.
Required Documents
Most visitors need a valid IDP alongside their home licence and passport. A credit card in the driver's name is required for the security deposit. Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
Typical Costs
Rental prices are usually quoted in euros; compact cars typically start from around €20–40/day. Check how HGS toll charges are billed back. Book early for the July–August high season on the coast.
Top Rental Companies
Avis — wide airport coverage. Sixt — strong presence in major cities. Enterprise — competitive rates at airports and in town.
“We drove from Antalya along the Turquoise Coast to Kaş. The roads were far better than we expected, and having our IDP made the rental pickup completely hassle-free.”
Read our guide: IDP Scams: How to Spot a Fake International Driving Permit
Get Your IDP for Turkey — From $29
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Turkey IDP FAQ
Visitors can drive in Turkey on their home licence for up to six months, but an IDP is recommended, and effectively necessary if your licence is not in the Latin alphabet. Rental companies often ask for one, and police may request it at checkpoints.
Turkey's motorways and major bridges use the electronic HGS toll system, with no cash booths on these routes. Rental cars come with an HGS tag and tolls are billed back by the rental company.
Turkey does not operate European-style low-emission zones. Keep your licence, IDP, and passport handy instead, as police checkpoints are common on intercity routes.
Turkey drives on the right side of the road with left-hand-drive vehicles. Overtake on the left, and take extra care at night on rural roads.