International Road Transport Operations in Turkey
Operational Activities
Cabotage
UK operators may carry loads to, from or through the country. Loads carried between third countries can only be carried under a
bi-lateral agreement. Cabotage is not permitted.
Dangerous Goods
Turkey is NOT party to ADR. It is essential that fully completed ADR documentation is prepared for the movement of
dangerous goods.
For vehicles carrying dangerous goods and intending to cross Istanbul Bogazici and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges, prior approval is required for the transport of dangerous goods across the bridge as follows:
- if DG carrying vehicles satisfy the criteria, approval may be provided at the ADR check points located at either side of the bridge
however....
- vehicles carrying ADR classes 1 and 2 shall not be permitted to cross the bridge, with the exception of vehicles carrying gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide and argon
- vehicles transporting dangerous goods which are not permitted to cross the bridge must cross the Bosphorus by ferry
- vehicles loaded with low risk classified dangerous goods which are authorised by the competent authority (the General Directorate of Highways) to cross the bridge at night shall pay a higher toll rate
- vehicles of up to 3 axles must pay 10 times the standard toll rate and vehicles of 4 axles or more must pay 5 times the standard toll rate
Abnormal Loads
Providing there is no alternative to transport by road, special authorisations for vehicles exceeding the maximum permitted weights and
dimensions (see below) may be issued by the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, General Directorate of Highways, 06100 YOcetepe -
Ankara. Tel: +90 (312) 415 7000
Taxation
A maximum of 550 litres of fuel contained in the 'running' tanks of a goods vehicle may be imported free of customs duties.
Customs
TIR Carnets are accepted. ATA Carnets are accepted for certain temporary imports. Certificates of origin are required for all goods.
CMR notes are recognised.
Movement Restrictions
There are driving restrictions concerning transiting the country only. Turkish authorities are likely to specify routes for crossing the
country which must be adhered to. Stopover points which are outside settlement areas are designated.
Although roads are normally open throughout the year, there is a possibility of road closures due to heavy snow especially between December and March. Turkey must be crossed in 4 days between April and September and in 5 days between October and March. Any delays must be reported to the police in order to avoid fines.
Bridge Restrictions
Driving restrictions apply to heavy goods vehicles from 07:00 to 10:00 and from 16:00 to 22:00 every day on the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
(FSM), which connects Europe and Asia. Vehicles transporting dangerous goods are allowed to cross the bridge from 02:00 to 06:00. Only cars
and vans are allowed to cross the Bosphorus Bridge. Heavy goods vehicles are forbidden and have to use the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge.
Road, Bridge and Tunnel Tolls
There are motorway tolls in Turkey. The current toll information for all vehicles can be found here
Road Tolls Turkey
Vehicle Requirements
Documentation
Green Card required, plus original vehicle registration docs. A GB plate must be fitted to rear of vehicle/trailer.
| Maximum Weights & Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height | 4 metres |
| Width | 2.55 metres (Fridges 2.6 metres) |
| Length |
Artic 16.5 metres
Road Train 18.75 metres (Truck + 1 Trailer) Road Train 22 metres (Truck + 2 Trailers) |
| Weight |
Artic 40 tonnes (40 foot ISO containers - 44 tonnes)
Road Train 40 tonnes There are also various maximum permitted weights on vehicles, trailers and road trains which are applicable according to the number of axles. |
Safety Equipment
It is compulsory to carry the following items of equipment and/or observe specific rules:-
- First Aid Kit
- Warning Triangles x 2
- Spare Bulbs (advisable)
- Dipped Headlights are compulsory at all times
- Seat Belts must be worn
- Fire Extinguisher
Snow chains are compulsory.
Driver Requirements
Legal Documents
Full passport required and a visa is required, which must be obtained from the Turkish Consulate in London. International driving licence
or normal UK Licence. Drivers must be vaccinated against Smallpox, Cholera and Typhus. Letter from employer giving driver permission to
drive vehicle - Attestation letter and form. AETR Hours rules apply.
Speed Limits
| Vehicles Concerned | Built-Up Areas (kms) | All Purpose Roads (kms) | Expressways / Dual Carraigeways (kms) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rigid Trucks | 50 | 50 | 80 | 90 |
| Artics & Road Trains | 40 | 40 | 70 | 80 |
| Vehicles carrying Dangerous Goods | 30 | 30 | 50 | 60 |
Country Contact Info
British Embassy
Sehit Ersan Caddesi 46/A, Cankaya, Turkey. Tel: +90 312 455 3344 Website: www.ukinturkey.fco.gov.uk
Transport Organisation
Uluslararsi Nakliyeciler Dernegi (UND), Nispetiye Cad, Seher Yildizi, Sok. No: 10 Etiler 80630 / Istanbul, Turkey.
Tel: +90 (212) 359 26 00 Website: www.und.org.tr
