Traffic Rules and Pedestrian Safety in Turkey

As an international student planning to study in Turkey, below is the most essential information on Traffic Rules and Pedestrian Safety to help you in your daily life. In recent years, Turkey has made significant legal changes to improve pedestrian safety. Knowing these rules is crucial for both your safety and the safety of those around you.

The Basic Rule of Pedestrian Safety: Pedestrians Have Priority

The most significant traffic change in Turkey is the pedestrian priority rule.

• Absolute Priority: When approaching a crosswalk that is marked with lines but does not have a traffic officer or traffic light, all drivers must stop and give the right-of-way to pedestrians who are crossing or about to cross.
• Legal Basis: This rule has been made a legal requirement by Article 74 of the Highway Traffic Law No. 2918.

For example, when you are waiting at a crosswalk, you can step onto the road to cross. Drivers are expected to yield and stop for you. However, the safest approach is to always ensure a vehicle is stopping before you step onto the road.

Basic Rules and Responsibilities for Pedestrians

As an international student planning to study in Turkey, below is the most essential information on Traffic Rules and Pedestrian Safety to help you in your daily life. In recent years, Turkey has made significant legal changes to improve pedestrian safety. Knowing these rules is crucial for both your safety and the safety of those around you.

The Basic Rule of Pedestrian Safety: Pedestrians Have Priority

The most significant traffic change in Turkey is the pedestrian priority rule.

• Absolute Priority: When approaching a crosswalk that is marked with lines but does not have a traffic officer or traffic light, all drivers must stop and give the right-of-way to pedestrians who are crossing or about to cross.
• Legal Basis: This rule has been made a legal requirement by Article 74 of the Highway Traffic Law No. 2918.
• In Practice: When you are waiting at a crosswalk, you can step onto the road to cross. Drivers are expected to yield and stop for you. However, the safest approach is to always ensure a vehicle is stopping before you step onto the road.

Basic Rules and Responsibilities for Pedestrians

Even though you have priority in traffic, as a pedestrian, there are also rules you must follow:

Situation	Rule and Obligation
Walking Area	Outside of the roadway (car road), it is mandatory to use pedestrian paths (sidewalks) and shoulders (roadsides where there are no sidewalks).
Crossing the Street	When crossing the street, you must use pedestrian and school crossings or intersection entrances/exits. It is forbidden to cross outside these areas (for example, from the middle of a main road).
Signalized Crossings	At locations with pedestrian signals, you must obey the pedestrian lights. Entering the road on a red light is dangerous and risks a fine.
Traffic Flow	Even on pedestrian paths, it is forbidden to act in a way that endangers or obstructs traffic.

Important Traffic Rules for Those Planning to Drive

If you are considering driving in Turkey, you should pay special attention to these basic rules:

Speed Limits

Speed limits vary in residential areas, intercity roads, and motorways. In general:

• Within Residential Areas: Generally 50 km/h.
• Intercity Roads: 90 km/h.
• Motorways: Generally 130 or 140 km/h.

Driving Violations

The most common violations that lead to high fines are:

1. Driving Under the Influence (DUI): It is strictly forbidden and has very severe penalties (ranging from fines and license suspension to imprisonment).
2. Seat Belts: It is mandatory for the driver and passengers to wear them.
3. Mobile Phones: Talking or texting on a mobile phone while driving (including when stopped in traffic) is prohibited.
4. Running a Red Light: Running a red light carries a high fine and poses a major risk to life.

Penalties

Those who violate traffic rules are subject to an Administrative Fine. If you pay within 15 days of receiving the fine notification, you can usually benefit from a 25% discount.

It is important to research topics such as the validity period of your international or foreign driver’s license for use in Turkey and the requirement to convert it to a Turkish license after that period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the traffic rules in Turkey?

Traffic rules in Turkey are regulated by the Highway Traffic Law No. 2918. The basic rules are to obey speed limits, wear a seat belt, not use a mobile phone while driving, not drive under the influence, and respect pedestrian priority.

What are the traffic rules for pedestrians?

Pedestrians must use sidewalks and pedestrian paths and should prefer pedestrian and school crossings when crossing the street. It is mandatory to obey pedestrian signals at signalized crossings. At designated crossings, they have priority over vehicles (HTL Article 74).

What are 10 traffic rules?

1. Wear a seat belt.
2. Obey speed limits.
3. Do not drive under the influence.
4. Stop at red lights.
5. Maintain a safe following distance.
6. Yield to pedestrians.
7. Use turn signals when turning.
8. Do not use a phone while driving.
9. Avoid improper overtaking.
10. Obey traffic signs.

What should we do to ensure safety in traffic?

To ensure safety in traffic, we should always practice defensive driving techniques and avoid driving when tired or sleepy. Strictly following the rules, especially slowing down at pedestrian and school crossings, and being respectful to other drivers is essential.