Is an international driving permit mandatory?
Legal framework:
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory. This country accepts the 1949 Geneva Convention (1-year validity) and the 1968 Vienna Convention (3-year validity).
Rules of conduct in Turkey
Speed limit in urban areas: 50 km/h.
Speed limit on two-lane roads outside urban areas: 90 km/h.
Speed limit on dual carriageways: 110 km/h.
Speed limit on motorways: 120 km/h as a general rule, with some new sections potentially signposted at 130 or 140 km/h.
Maximum blood alcohol content for passenger vehicles: 0.5 g/l of blood.
Zero tolerance (0.0 g/l) for professional drivers and those towing a trailer.
Mandatory equipment: two warning triangles and a fire extinguisher in the vehicle.
The motorway toll system (HGS) is based on an electronic sticker / badge: inquire before using toll motorways.
Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory; the use of a handheld phone is prohibited.
Tips from easy-idp.org
"In Turkey, driving is on the right side of the road.
In large cities like Istanbul, traffic is often heavy and the driving style can seem unpredictable: anticipate and keep long safety distances.
The horn is frequently used to signal one's presence (especially before overtaking), rather than to express aggression.
At roundabouts, priority is not always clearly respected: proceed with caution and do not rely solely on the theoretical rule.
National roads are generally in good condition, but beware of slow vehicles (tractors, machinery) sometimes poorly lit at night.
On long journeys, respect speed limits, plan breaks, and check your HGS toll solution before using motorways."