Motorways in Turkey
The length of the public road network in Turkey is 426,906 km, of which 177,550 km are paved roads. The length of highways ( Otoyol ) is 3060 km.
Toll roads
In Turkey, motorway tolls are charged based on the distance travelled. The amount of the fee depends on the category of the vehicle. Also, trips on bridges across the Bosphorus are paid separately.
Vehicle categories
| putty. | vehicle | description |
|---|---|---|
| one | Vehicle with 2 axles and a distance between them of less than 3.20 m (motorcycles * , cars, pickups, minibuses) | |
| 2 | Vehicle with 2 axles and a distance between them of more than 3.20 m (jeeps, minibuses, trucks and buses) | |
| 3 | Vehicle with 3 axles (class 1 and 2 vehicles with trailers, trucks and buses) | |
| 6th | Motorcycles (when using the HGS system, motorcycles are classified as 6) |
Turkey toll road map
Highway prices in Turkey
Tariffs for 2020 (TRY):
| Highway | Vehicle category | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| one | 2 | 3 | 6th | |
| O-3 Edirne-Istanbul | 14.75 (1.40 euros) | 16.75 (1.60 euros) | 22.75 (2.20 euros) | 5.75 (0.60 euros) |
| O-4 Istanbul-Ankara | 30.00 (2.90 euros) | 34.50 (3.40 euros) | 36.50 (3.60 euros) | 12.00 (1.20 euros) |
| O-5 Gebze-Izmir | 38.35 (3.80 euros) | 61.35 (6.00 euros) | 72.90 (€ 7.10) | 26.85 (2.60 euros) |
| O-7 Kinali Izmit | 70.65 (6.90 euros) | 107.05 (10 euros) | 146.70 (€ 14) | 49.45 (4.80 euros) |
| O-21 Nide-Adana | 17.00 (1.70 euros) | 20.75 (2.00 euros) | 25.75 (2.50 euros) | 7.75 (0.80 euros) |
| O-31 Izmir-Aydin | 6.00 (0.60 euros) | 7.00 (0.70 euros) | 10.00 (1.00 euros) | 2.50 (0.20 euros) |
| O-32 – Izmir-Cheshme | 4.50 (0.40 euros) | 5.00 (0.50 euros) | 8.75 (0.90 euros) | 1.75 (0.20 euros) |
| O-33 Menemen-Shandarly | 24.20 (2.40 euros) | 38.75 (3.80 euros) | 46.00 (4.50 euros) | 6.05 (0.60 euros) |
| O-51 Adana-Mersin | 3.50 (0.30 euros) | 4.50 (0.40 euros) | 7.75 (0.80 euros) | 1.75 (0.20 euros) |
| O-52 Adana-Shanliurfa | 19.50 (1.90 euros) | 21.00 (€ 2.10) | 25.50 (2.50 euros) | 8.75 (0.90 euros) |
| O-53 Ceyhan-Iskenderun | 5.50 (0.50 euros) | 6.50 (0.60 euros) | 9.00 (0.90 euros) | 2.50 (0.20 euros) |
Land with special payment
Istanbul crosses the Bosphorus
Bridges across the Bosphorus – the Bosphorus Bridge (Boğaz Köprüsü) and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Fatih Bridge (Fatih Sultan Mehmet Köprüsü) – connect the European and Asian parts of Istanbul. Both bridges are vehicular. The length of the first bridge is 1560m, the second 1510m.
Bosphorus Bridge coordinates: Google Maps , Google Earth .
Fatih Sultan Mehmed Bridge coordinates: Google Maps , Google Earth .
The fee for both bridges is charged only in the direction from Europe to Asia. Please note that cash payments were excluded on the Bosphorus Bridge in 2006 and Sultan Mehmed Fatih in 2008. Tariffs for 2020:
| vehicle | description | Tariff (TRY) |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles (only when using the HGS system) | 4.25 (0.40 euros) | |
| Vehicle with 2 axles less than 3.20 m apart | 10.50 (1.00 euros) | |
| Vehicle with 2 axles and a distance between them of more than 3.20 m | 13.50 (1.30 euros) | |
| Car with 3 axles | 29.50 (2.90 euros) |
Bridge of Sultan Selim the Terrible
The bridge of Sultan Selim the Terrible (Yavuz Sultan Selim Köprüsü) is the third bridge across the Bosphorus. The hotel is located north of Istanbul. It has 4 lanes for cars in each direction (8 in total). There are also two railroad tracks. The length of the bridge is 2164 m. The height of the arch above the water is 64 m. It was opened to traffic on August 26, 2016.
Sultan Selim the Terrible bridge coordinates: Google Maps , Google Earth .
| vehicle | description | Tariff (TRY) |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles (only when using the HGS system) | 15.35 (1.50 euros) | |
| Vehicle with 2 axles less than 3.20 m apart | 21.90 (€ 2.10) | |
| Vehicle with 2 axles and a distance between them of more than 3.20 m | 29.10 (2.80 euros) | |
| Car with 3 axles | 54.10 (5.30 euros) |
Osman Gazi Bridge
Osman Gazi Bridge (Osman Gazi Köprüsü) is a suspension bridge across the Gulf of Izmit in the eastern part of the Sea of Marmara. The hotel is located about 50 km southeast of Istanbul. It has 3 lanes for cars in each direction (6 in total). The length of the bridge is 2682 m. The height of the arch above the water is 64 m. It was opened to traffic on July 1, 2016.
Osman Gaza coordinates: Google Maps , Google Earth . Tariffs for 2020:
| vehicle | description | Tariff (TRY) |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles (only when using the HGS system) | 82.55 (€ 8.10) | |
| Vehicle with 2 axles less than 3.20 m apart | 117.90 (€ 12) | |
| Vehicle with 2 axles and a distance between them of more than 3.20 m | 188.65 (18 euros) | |
| Car with 3 axles | 224.00 (22 euros) |
Eurasia Tunnel
The Eurasia Tunnel (Avrasya Tüneli) is an underwater road tunnel in Istanbul that crosses the Bosphorus and connects the Asian and European parts of the city.
It has 2 lanes for cars in each direction at different levels. The maximum speed in the tunnel is 70 km/h. The length of the tunnel is 5.4 km. Maximum depth – 106 m. Opened for traffic on December 22, 2016.
Eurasia tunnel coordinates: Google Maps , Google Earth . Tariffs from February 1, 2020:
| vehicle | description | Tariff (TRY) |
|---|---|---|
| car | 36.40 (3.60 euros) | |
| minibus | 54.70 (5.40 euros) |
It is forbidden to drive through the tunnel on motorcycles and cars with trailers!
Payment Options
Tolls on most highways require an OGS proximity sensor or an HGS sticker.
At the same time, on some highways, it is still possible to pay the usual cash or card to the operator. But there are fewer such places. For example, there is no traditional toll on the O-3 Edirne-Istanbul motorway.
The KGS system for fare payment in Turkey was until 2013. It was replaced by the HGS system, which is cheaper to maintain and creates less congestion when passing through the payment gate.
It is planned that the HGS system will also replace the OGS system in the future.
Sticker (sticker) HGS
The HGS system, which translates as “Fast Payment System”, first appeared in September 2012 and completely replaced the KGS system by January 2013.
The system uses radio frequency identification technology, which allows the vehicle not to slow down when passing through the gates of payment points.
The HGS sticker is a small two-part sticker.
One part is attached to the windshield behind the rearview mirror. The second part should be kept for the lifetime of the HGS system.
Unlike the KGS system, when passing through the payment points, you no longer have to stop and swipe your card to the reader. The payment is automatically debited from the account.
The HGS sticker can be purchased from freeway exit/entrance offices, PTT, and Garanti or Isbank branches.
The minimum cost of a sticker is 35 TRY (€ 3), of which 5.00 TRY (€ 0) is the cost of the sticker itself and registration in the system, and 30 TRY (€ 3) is a loan for motorway tolls.
How do I know it will work?
When approaching a toll point, slow down to the recommended speed (30 km/h) and drive only in the lane marked with HGS. If you drive too fast or in a different lane, the scanner may not work and you may be fined. The scanner is on the left side of the street and looks like a camera.
- When the green light is on, it means that the scanner recognizes the sticker and the display shows the amount to be charged.
- If the light is red or amber, the scanner is not seeing the label. You still continue to ride, but you need to check the balance as soon as possible.
If you have driven on a toll road without an HGS sticker, you have 7 days to buy it and use it to pay off your debt. In this case, there will be no charges. After 7 days, the fine is 11 times the fare.
It is planned to control fare payment using photo and video recording systems. How this will work with vehicles registered in other countries is not yet entirely clear. In addition, this data can be transferred to border control points, but this is not yet available.
Automatic OGS (electronic toll collection) system
The radio transponder, also known as the tag, was received at the offices of payment stations, authorized large banks, mobile points of sale, as well as on the Internet after the signing of the agreement. The label was issued for a specific license plate and thus for a specific category of vehicles. It could not be transferred without notifying the supplier. The tags varied somewhat in size and shape depending on the supplier and could be replaced within a warranty period that varied from three to five years. Before using OGS, the tag score had to be calculated.
The OGS system provided for the tag to be mounted on the inside of the car’s windshield, primarily behind the rear-view mirror. However, on some brands of cars, the tag had to be attached to the inner base of the windshield. At the toll plaza, the vehicle had to drive to the toll station in a dedicated OGS-only lane. The OGS lanes have always been the leftmost traffic lanes and are marked some distance in front of the toll. However, there were also additional OGS booths on the right side of the toll plazas reserved for heavy vehicles. The OGS sign was marked at the top of the booth. A flashing green light at the top signaled its ease of use. The battery tag communicated with the reader, built into the toll collection equipment at the toll booth when the vehicle passes. The vehicle did not need to stop. However, a speed limit of 30 km/h (19 mph) was recommended in front of the booth to avoid accidents.
Vehicles are divided into five categories based on wheelbase and number of axles. If the number of axles on a vehicle is less than the maximum number of axles – because some of the truck’s axles are raised or the tractor is running without a trailer – the integrated automated vehicle classification system changes the category of the vehicle read to the actual one at the time of passage, allowing the fare to be reduced. The bridge toll is fixed per vehicle category and is only charged once eastbound on the two bridges in Istanbul. The toll is set according to the distance between entry and exit of the motorway for each vehicle category. For this reason, in the OGS lane, you must signal when entering the motorway.
The tag can sound in two different modes: one beep indicates a successful build. Four consecutive beeps meant that there was not enough credit in the tag’s account. If the tag did not sound during the next three or four passes, it is most likely that the tag either failed or was not used correctly. In this case, the tag had to be checked by the Highway Administration, since unpaid travel more than ten times was strictly prohibited.
To ensure smooth travel, there are no gates at the toll booths on the OGS lanes (except for those on the O-5 Autobahn). If the fare calculation process is not successful, the lamp under the electronic message display at the exit of the OGS booth will briefly turn yellow, and the display will show the message CEZALI GEÇİŞ, KAÇIŞ (Violation, escape) with the addition of the vehicle category and the amount of the fine. In addition, the driver is alerted by a loud electronic horn at the booth, and the vehicle is also photographed for proof.
In the case of an inappropriate vehicle category, the tag will be charged against the actual category. However, the driver warns the horn of the booth, and the vehicle is photographed. For each infringement, an additional fine of double the maximum fee will be charged towards the tag. A vehicle is blacklisted if this type of violation occurs more than ten times. Vehicles blacklisted or vehicles without a label or with the label of another vehicle are charged with a fine of up to eleven times the fare.
Vehicle owners or drivers can request information about their violation online or at the call center. Payment of the fine within 15 days after receiving the notification of the violation provides a 25% discount in accordance with Turkish law
Parking in Turkey
There are no temporary parking spaces in Turkey. Inspectors monitor the streets and collect parking fees. Most cities have garages and public parking lots.
In the central areas of large cities such as Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara, there are not enough parking spaces.
The fine for parking in the wrong place is 108 liras (11 euros).
Violation of the parking rules in areas for vehicles with disabilities – 216 TRY (€ 21).
Road map of Turkey
Basic rules of the road in Turkey
Speed limit
Standard speed limits in Turkey (unless otherwise indicated on signs). Cars:
- in the village – 50 km / h
- outside the village – 90 km / h
- on the way – 110 km / h
- on the highway – 120 km / h
Vehicles with trailers:
- in the village – 50 km / h
- outside the village – 80 km / h
- on the way – 85 km / h
- on the highway – 90 km / h
motorcycles:
- in the village – 50 km / h
- outside the village – 80 km / h
- on the way – 90 km / h
- on the highway – 100 km / h
It is forbidden to drive on motorways at a speed of no more than 40 km/h in accordance with their technical characteristics.
The maximum speed for passenger cars on the roads of European countries is valid.
Alcohol
The maximum allowable blood alcohol level is 0.5‰ .
If the blood alcohol level exceeds the legal limit, the fine for the initial arrest is 1002 TRY (98 euros).
In case of repeated detention, the fine increases to 1256 lire (123 euros).
Subsequent arrests will result in a fine of 2018 lira (197 euros).
The fine for driving while intoxicated is 4514 lire.
In case of refusal to take a test for poisoning – a fine of 2869 TRY (281 euros).
If the blood alcohol level exceeds 1.0‰, the case will go to court.
For drivers towing a trailer, the maximum permitted blood alcohol level is 0.0‰.
Legal blood alcohol levels while driving in Europe.
dipped beam
Close headlights are only necessary during the day when visibility is poor (snow, heavy rain, fog) and when driving through tunnels.
If there is no light while driving through the tunnels, the fine is 108 TRY (€11), and if you drive in poor visibility, the fine is 235 TRY (€23).
In which European countries is the use of dipped beam during the day mandatory?
Transportation of children
Children under 3 years old can only be transported with child restraint systems. The airbag must be disabled when it is put on the front seat.
Children under 150 cm tall and weighing less than 36 kg cannot ride in the front seats. You may only ride in the rear seats of vehicles with restraint systems appropriate for your weight.
Children over 135 cm tall can use seat belts if they are not sitting in the front seat.
The fine is 108 TRY.
Requirements for the transportation of children in passenger vehicles on the roads of European countries.
Seat belts
The use of seat belts is mandatory for front and rear passengers.
The fine is 108 TRY.
Make a phone call
It is forbidden to use a telephone communication device that is not equipped with a technical device that allows hands-free conversations while driving.
The fine is 108 TRY.
Fines for phone calls while driving in Europe.
Fines
The fine can be paid in cash directly to the police officer who issued the receipt. In this case, the violator receives a discount of 25% of the amount of the fine.
If you refuse to pay the fine on the spot, you will be issued a payment receipt, which you must pay yourself within 30 days of receipt.
If the fine is not paid within 30 days, a monthly fee of 5% of the amount of the fine will be charged. The maximum amount of the fine cannot exceed double the amount. Table of penalties for traffic violations:
| violation | Penalties (TRY) |
|---|---|
| Exceeding the set speed from 10 to 30% | 235 (23 euros) |
| Exceeding the set speed from 30 to 50% | 488 (48 euros) |
| Exceeding the set speed by more than 50% | 1002 (€ 98) |
| Failure to comply with the requirements provided for by road signs or markings | 108 (11 euros) |
| Failing to keep a distance from the car in front | 108 (11 euros) |
| Driving vehicles with illegible license plates | 108 (11 euros) |
| Stop at a crosswalk | 108 (11 euros) |
| Driving a vehicle in the left lane (if there are two lanes in the same direction) with a free right | 235 (23 euros) |
| Non-compliance with the requirements for the exemption of a vehicle using the advantage of road traffic | 235 (23 euros) |
| Failure to comply with the requirements and orders of employees responsible for the organization and control of traffic | 235 (23 euros) |
| Run a red light | 235 (23 euros) |
| The driver in which he was involved left the scene of the accident. | 235 (23 euros) |
| Failure to comply with the requirement to clear space for pedestrians | 365 (36 €) |
| Failing to stop before the stop line | 744 (73 €) |
| Driving a vehicle by a driver who does not have the right to drive a vehicle of this category | 1002 (€ 98) |
| Driving a vehicle by a driver who does not have the right to drive documents | 2018 (197 euros) |
| Driving a vehicle without compulsory insurance | 7,555 (739 euros) |
In a patrol, the traffic police often uses two cars located at a distance of 300-500 meters from each other. In the first one, a radar will be installed to measure the speed, and the data will be transmitted by radio to the second car, which in turn will stop violators and issue fines to them.
Useful information
Gasoline
Unleaded petrol (95 and 97) and diesel are available in Turkey. Leaded gasoline (95) is available. There are gas stations in big cities.
Emergency numbers in Turkey
- European emergency number – 112
- Fire Department – 110
- Ambulance – 112
- Police – 155
- GAI – 154
- Information (phones) – 118
Required Equipment
Equipment you must have in your vehicle:
- Warning triangle – optional for motorcycles. Must have 2 characters.
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguishers – optional for motorcycles
Requirements for equipment that must be present in a car in different European countries.
Winter equipment
Winter tires
The use of winter tires in Turkey is optional.
However, winter tires are highly recommended when traveling in mountainous areas and in the east of the country.
Turkish legislation stipulates that cars must be technically prepared for winter weather conditions (the presence of a continuous layer of snow or ice on the road). In this case, you need winter tires.
The fine for not wearing winter tires when weather conditions require it is 319 TRY (31 euros). In case of repeated violation, the fine is 638 liras (62 euros).
spikes
The use of studded tires is prohibited .
Anti slip chains
Snow chains may be used as long as the use does not damage the road surface.
Requirements for the use of winter and studded tires in different European countries.
Recommended equipment and other rules
The use of anti-radar is prohibited . If such a device is found in a car, the fine will be 2018-2658 liras (197-260 euros). Devices are confiscated by court order.