Is it Safe to Drive in Turkey? Everything You Need to Know

Turkey is a stunning country with diverse landscapes and vibrant cities that are best explored by road. Renting a car and embarking on a Turkish road trip allows you to travel at your own pace, get off the beaten path, and immerse yourself in authentic local experiences.

However, many travelers are hesitant about driving in Turkey due to concerns over road safety. Traffic accidents are common, and Turkish driving culture can seem chaotic to visitors. So is it safe to drive in Turkey?

While driving in Turkey does carry risks, with some preparation and caution, it can be done safely. Here’s what you need to know about road safety, driving laws, road conditions and hazards to drive defensively and make the most of your Turkish road trip.

Road Safety in Turkey

According to the World Health Organization, Turkey had 12.3 road fatalities per 100,000 people in 2020. This is lower than North America’s rate of 12.4, but higher than Europe’s rate of 9.3.

In total there were over 983,808 traffic accidents in Turkey in 2020. 4866 people were killed and 226,266 were injured. This equates to over 2,600 deaths and 123,000 injuries from traffic accidents each month.

So while the quality of roads is improving, driving in Turkey can still be hazardous compared to Europe and North America. Be alert, drive defensively and expect the unexpected.

Turkish Driving Culture

One reason driving in Turkey can feel chaotic is the local driving culture. Some behaviors to be aware of include:

Aggressive driving: Tailgating, honking, weaving dangerously between lanes.
Ignoring traffic laws Running red lights, not yielding right of way, improper overtaking.
Unpredictable pedestrians: Jaywalking is common in cities.
Slow vehicles: Farmers with carts and tractors use rural roads.
Public transport stops: Dolmuş share taxis stop suddenly to pick up passengers.

While this can be stressful for visitors, remember Turkish drivers are not being hostile, just impatient. Drive cautiously, don’t retaliate and keep your cool.

Driving Laws in Turkey

To avoid run-ins with the law, familiarize yourself with Turkish driving regulations:

Drive on the right side of the road. Overtake on the left.
Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
Using a phone while driving is prohibited, unless hands-free.
The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Don’t drink and drive.
Speed limits are 120 km/h on highways, 90 km/h on main roads and 50 km/h in urban areas.
Headlights must be on at all times outside cities and towns.

Fines for violations like speeding start around ₺700-800 ($40-$45). Penalties get steep for more serious offenses.

Road Conditions in Turkey

Road quality in Turkey varies. Well-traveled highways and toll roads are usually excellent, while rural backroads can be rough. Hazards include:

Potholes and cracks from weather damage and lack of maintenance.
Slippery surfaces when wet or icy. Mountain roads prone to snow.
Washboard effects on steep inclines from heat-damaged asphalt.
Unpaved construction detours around roadworks.
Livestock, pedestrians and slow vehicles on country roads.
Debris from rockfalls and landslides on mountain passes.
Aquaplaning risk during heavy rain, especially at highway speeds.

Adjust your speed according to conditions. Allow extra time for delayed journeys.

Driving Challenges in Cities

Congestion and confusing street layouts make driving in Istanbul, Ankara and other large cities stressful. Avoid city centers when possible. If navigating urban areas:

Use a navigation app and have a backup in case you get stuck.
Check directions carefully to avoid getting lost in winding streets.
Drive cautiously – intersections can get gridlocked.
Watch for pedestrians emerging suddenly between parked cars.
Secure your rental vehicle – break-ins are common.

Tips for a Safe Turkish Road Trip

Research your route thoroughly using offline maps. GPS coverage can be sparse in rural areas.
Book accommodation in advance so you don’t drive after dark. Driving at night is hazardous.
Stock up on food, water and an emergency kit so you’re prepared for breakdowns.
Get insurance with accident coverage and emergency assistance.
Adjust to local driving culture – be patient yet assertive. Shoulder check constantly.
Maintain high alertness levels. Stop for breaks every few hours to stay sharp.
Drive a well-maintained vehicle with good tires. Consider a 4×4 for rugged terrain.
Have your rental car’s papers and your International Driving Permit handy.

Is Driving in Turkey Worth It?

While driving in Turkey requires vigilance, the rewards are plentiful. You’ll gain unrivaled freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path sites and immerse yourself in authentic local experiences at your own pace. With sensible precautions, you can manage the risks and have an unforgettable Turkish road trip.

So get your navigator ready, stock up on snacks, and hit the open Turkish road for the experience of a lifetime! Just take it slow and be prepared for the unexpected.

Is Driving in Turkey Easy?

Lots of readers tell us they are nervous about driving in a foreign country and ask whether it’s safe to drive in Turkey. According to the World Health Organisation Turkey has 12.3 fatal accidents per 100,000 inhabitants per year, which is slightly less than North America’s 12.4, but more than Europe’s 9.3.

The risks and dangers in Turkey are likely to be different to those in your home country, meaning it is safe to drive in Turkey as long as you pay attention, drive carefully and expect the unexpected, especially in cities and off-the-beaten-track rural roads.

Are you planning a road trip in Turkey? Get the best Turkish road trip destinations with places to see and things to do en route + maps and nearby attractions so you don’t miss a thing!

Driving in Turkey’s Cities

For some inexplicable reason, the standard of driving in the cities of Turkey deteriorates, especially in Istanbul and Antalya. If possible, consider avoiding driving in Istanbul – spend time in the city at the start or end of your visit, and collect your hire car from the airport, or find a hotel which is out of the centre.

Many big cities have multi-lane highways running throughout the city, but the other roads tend to be a maze of narrow, one-way streets which are difficult to navigate. We got stuck on the old part of Trabzon, with our sat nav taking us ever deeper into the winding maze, until we had to find a polis to help us escape!

If you do drive into a city, check your route on your sat nav or mapping app carefully – we found that having two different apps running was helpful, so if we got stuck we could quickly confer and find the best way forward.

Renting a Car in Turkey as a Foreigner (what you must know)

FAQ

Can tourists drive in Turkey?

Visitors to Turkey are allowed to drive using a foreign license for up to six months, no international license required. While the road signs in Turkey follow the general pattern used in Europe, the way these signs are used or respected can vary.

Is Turkey a safe place to drive?

Take care when travelling by road, particularly at night. Approach checkpoints slowly and follow the instructions of security personnel. Roads between major cities are generally in excellent condition, but can be poor in remote, rural areas. Accidents are common and mainly due to poor or reckless driving.

How difficult is it to drive in Turkey?

Driving in Turkey is very easy, especially compared driving in Mexico or even Morocco. The roads are good, the signage is clear, parking is straightforward, and navigation is simple. As an added bonus, driving in Turkey is a relatively cost-effective way to see the country.

Is road trip in Turkey a good idea?

Yes, it’s possible and I’m sure it would be a lot of fun. I’ve driven in Istanbul, and the Aegean region of Turkey, not for a road trip but just as transportation and like every other country, a lot of roads are just highways and Turkey’s highway infrastructure is actually pretty good.