Which Countries' Driving Licenses Are Valid in Turkey?

Turkey, with its rich historical and cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and well-developed road network, experiences a high volume of both tourist and commercial traffic. For foreign visitors and Turkish citizens living abroad, driving in Turkey with a foreign driver's license is subject to specific regulations. In this article, you can find information on which countries’ licenses are valid, the permitted usage period, and the most up-to-date rules. If your driver’s license meets the legal requirements, you can hit the road with confidence by choosing our professional car rental options that add comfort to your journey.

Turkish Citizens Driving with Foreign Licenses

• Turkish citizens can drive in Turkey with a foreign driver's license for up to 2 years from their date of entry.
• Those staying in Turkey for more than 6 months must carry a notarized or consular-certified Turkish translation of their driver's license.
• After 2 years, it is mandatory to convert the foreign license into a Turkish driver's license.

Driving Conditions for Foreign Nationals in Turkey

• Foreign visitors can drive in Turkey with their home country’s driver's license for up to 6 months from their date of entry.
• After 6 months, those who continue to stay in Turkey must obtain a Turkish driver’s license.
• Drivers whose licenses are issued in a non-Latin alphabet (e.g., Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese) must carry a notarized Turkish translation of their license.

Foreign Driver’s Licenses Valid in Turkey

1. European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) Licenses
The following countries' licenses are valid in Turkey for up to 6 months:

• EU Countries: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Greece, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Poland, Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia.
• EEA Countries: Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein.
• 6 months, individuals wishing to continue driving in Turkey must convert their license to a Turkish one.

2. United States and Canada
• U.S. and Canadian driver’s licenses are valid for 6 months in Turkey.
• Beyond 6 months, a Turkish driver's license is required.
• Some rental car companies may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to a national license.

3. Other Countries
Drivers from the following countries can use their licenses in Turkey for up to 6 months:

• Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Russia, Ukraine, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, Mexico.
• Gulf Countries: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman.
• Asian Countries: China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand.
• Non-Latin alphabet license holders must carry a notarized Turkish translation.

International Driving Permit (IDP)
• The IDP is valid for 1 year and must be renewed annually.
• It is recommended for tourists and those who do not have permanent residency in Turkey.

Documents Required for Driving in Turkey
✔ A valid driver’s license ✔ Passport or national identity card ✔ Vehicle insurance policy ✔ Vehicle registration certificate

Basic Traffic Rules and Speed Limits

1. Traffic Flow Direction: In Turkey, traffic moves on the right-hand side of the road.
2. Speed Limits
• Passenger Cars:
Urban areas: 50 km/h
Intercity roads: 90 km/h
Divided highways: 110 km/h
Motorways: 120-140 km/h (depending on the road)

• Minibuses:
Urban areas: 50 km/h
Intercity roads: 80 km/h
Divided highways: 90 km/h
Motorways: 100 km/h

• Light Trucks/Vans:
Urban areas: 50 km/h
Intercity roads: 80 km/h
Divided highways: 85 km/h
Motorways: 95 km/h

3. Drunk Driving Regulations:
• For private vehicle drivers: The legal blood alcohol limit in Turkey is 0.50‰ (0.05%). Exceeding this limit results in a fine and temporary suspension of the driver’s license.
• For commercial and public transport drivers: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.20‰ (0.02%). Exceeding this limit leads to fines and license suspension along with other penalties.
• Penalties for exceeding legal limits: On the first offense, a fine is imposed, and the driver’s license is suspended for 6 months. Repeated offenses result in increased fines, longer suspension periods, and in cases of high alcohol levels, imprisonment may also be imposed.

To ensure road safety and prevent accidents, it is crucial for drivers to fully comply with legal regulations.
Before traveling, it is recommended to check with the General Directorate of Security, the General Directorate of Highways, or the relevant consulates for the most up-to-date information.