Table of Contents
Driving in Turkey
Driving in Turkey in your own car is a great way to explore the country. Because then you can go wherever you want and experience things that are different from regular touristic places. However, like all other countries, Turkey has its own sets of traffic rules and guidelines. Before you decide to rent a car and drive, you must know about these regulations and make sure to follow them.
When most travelers decide to visit Turkey, they begin looking for information about driving in Turkey. The goal is to be able to wander anywhere freely and save time without having to rely on public transportation. Renting a vehicle is without a doubt the most excellent way to see a place since your schedule won’t be reliant on public transit.
However, as soon as we began researching driving in Turkey, we realized that there isn’t much clear information accessible on the internet, so we collected everything a visitor needs to know about driving in Turkey.
Although many individuals recommend using public transportation, renting a vehicle and driving in Turkey is one of the most important choices on a tourist’s vacation. Driving in Turkey is simple, smooth, and saves you the bother of boarding a bus or squeezing into the sea of people in the Istanbul subway.
It is driven on the right side of the road in Turkey. Turkey’s roads are in poor condition, and traffic is chaotic. Unexpected roundabouts, twists, and tight alleyways require exceptional abilities and make driving in Turkey stressful. However, given all of the flexibility it provides, it is well worth considering.
The Turkish Highway Code
The most important and basic rules about driving in Turkey that you should know about are as follows:
- Driving is permitted if you are above 18 years of age, but to rent a car, you have to be a minimum of 21 years old,
- Turkey follows right-hand side driving. So, if you are not used to it, maybe you should give it a miss,
- The highway codes of Turkey are similar to that of France and other European countries. But the road signs follow the international protocol. Hence, it should be easy to follow for everyone,
- Drunk driving is punishable, and the fine can be hefty,
- Mobile phones are a complete no-no, too, unless you are using a hands-free vehicle,
- Remember to follow the speed limits wherever applicable.
You can find more on the Turkish Highway Code here.
While driving on highways, it is better to take the B route against the A route wherever possible. Because the A road is usually congested whereas the B routes are mostly empty, you can enjoy your drive more.
There can be instances, especially around the smaller internal roads, where signs like stop or drive slowly can be in Turkish. Be mindful of the signs. But if you don’t understand what the signs say, do not worry. Just be very careful and drive slowly. Some other things to remember while driving in Turkey are:
- People don’t usually honk unless extremely necessary.
- Children under 12 are not permitted in the front car seats.
- There can be tolls on some motorways.
If you follow the above-mentioned rules and guidelines while driving in Turkey, it should be a fun and enjoyable experience. And, in case you face any problem, the authorities are always there to assist you. If you can, there is no better way to explore this beautiful country than to drive around by yourself.
License to Drive in Turkey
You must be at least 18 years old and hold an English-language driver’s license to drive in Turkey. International driving licenses are also acceptable, although they are not needed if you drive in the country for three months or less since any English-language driving license would suffice. However, if you are under the age of 25, you will have to pay a higher premium for your insurance.
Renting a Car in Turkey
It is not tough to rent a vehicle in Turkey. Because of the many visitors that visit the nation, many car services and automobiles may be booked online. To rent a vehicle in Turkey, you must be at least 21 years of age and have a credit card that is issued in your name. To rent a car in Turkey, you must submit a copy of your proof of identification, primarily your passport, as well as a copy of your driver’s license. When renting a vehicle in Turkey, consider that nearly all businesses need a credit card, but you may alternatively pay cash.
Related Articles:
