Tips for Driving in Turkey for the First Time if You’re a Foreigner
If you’re planning your vacation in Turkey and considering renting a car in Dalaman or any other tourist region, it’s completely normal to have questions about what it’s like to drive in this country as a foreigner. Although Turkey has many similarities with other European countries in terms of road regulations, it also has certain specificities that are important to know before hitting the road.
Here, we share three key tips for a safe, comfortable, and hassle-free driving experience in Türkiye.
Drive On The Right And Obey Speed Limits
In Turkey, driving is on the right, as in most continental European countries. If you’re coming from the UK, this will be a significant difference, so take some time to adjust, especially during your first few hours behind the wheel.
The standard speed limits in Turkey are as follows:
50 km/h in urban areas
90 km/h on interurban roads
120 km/h on motorways
These limits are clearly marked, but it’s important to be vigilant, as signs may be sparse in some rural areas. Speed cameras are common, especially on motorways and in areas near airports such as Dalaman.
Also, be aware that mobile radars and police checkpoints can be frequent during the summer, when tourism increases significantly.
Check Your Documents Before Driving
To drive legally in Turkey as a foreign tourist, you must meet the following requirements:
A valid driving license: If you are a citizen of the United Kingdom or the European Union, your national license is sufficient for short stays (up to 6 months).
A passport or ID card is available: Police may request it during routine checks.
Rental agreement and car insurance: Make sure you have a copy of the rental agreement and verify that the vehicle has mandatory insurance.
Many rental agencies in Dalaman offer English-speaking service and 24/7 assistance, giving you peace of mind if anything unexpected arises during your trip.
Pay attention to local signs and local driving habits.
Although most signs in Turkey are in international format, some include Turkish text. For example, “Dur” means “Stop” and “Yavaş” means “Slow down.” In some urban and rural areas, local drivers may be more impatient than you’re used to, especially at intersections and roundabouts. Stay calm, yield when necessary, and avoid sudden maneuvers. Also, be aware that pedestrians don’t always respect marked crossings and stray animals may appear on rural roads, so drive with caution, especially at night.