I’ve just driven 5000 kilometers in the South West and Central Türkiye and I figured I could share some important tips from the experience.
#1 most important – Roundabouts!
Although it can vary, the most common form of 4-way intersection in Türkiye is a hybrid roundabout. Typically on the busier road the traffic flows normally, ignoring the roundabout, which is more like a small circle in the middle of an intersection. To turn left, you turn into the roundabout and then wait for a gap in the through-traffic.
Basically it is a roundabout where you give away to traffic entering from your right, which is the opposite of how it works in other countries like UK and Australia. It can be hard to get used to!
With larger roundabouts there can be traffic lights controlling this. It often means the through-traffic gets a green light, but if you are turning there is immediately a red light as you start the turn.
Not only is this an odd way of doing things, but when there are more than 1-2 cars waiting to turn, there can be traffic jams quickly forming. Especially if a truck is turning. That was responsible for most of the jams we encountered.
#2 most important – Speed Limits
TLDR; copy the local drivers.
It can be hard to determine the speed limit. The nation has default limits for different road types, but knowing what road type you are on is hard. On the biggest highways we saw limits of 110, 120, 130 and 140 kph.
Here’s where it gets weird… Highways regularly have pedestrian crossings in the middle of nowhere, which are clearly never used (and anyone that does use it will wait for there to be no cars coming). So you will see a 50kph sign. Or a 30kph sign. These get ignored by everyone, and there is no sign to tell you when the normal speed limit resumes. The same applies to intersections, which are usually signed as 70kph. You need to remember what the prior speed limit was, and ignore these signs.
Speed cameras are everywhere. The overhead ones appear to be not switched on, as I never saw anyone slow down for one. Even drivers who were very definitely speeding. But they also have the traffic police with roadside cameras, and I presume they do actually fine people.
You’ll also see many hundreds of signs with cameras on them – they seem to be a ploy to slow you down and not related to any actual cameras.
Police checks are quite common. We saw maybe a dozen and were compelled to pull over twice. Both times we said we were tourists and they instantly waved us through. If it is anything like the other security checks in the region, it is all show and no bite.
Anarchy is lower but present. It is common to see road rules and parking rules being broken. But generally not in a dangerous or bad way. Double parking and similar are part of their way of life, but rarely to they cause an impediment. Traffic police seem to be very nice, and not the sort that will enjoy giving tickets.
Road quality is better than the equivalent roads in Australia. The major highways are pristine.
However, in old towns and cities there can be very narrow lanes, combined with illegal parking, which can be frustrating. Expect to have to reverse out of situations a few times. Also, markets and events can take over streets sometimes.
Petrol stations. If your car is petrol, then you want benzine. Petrol stations are full service, but the service varies and often they just fill your tank for you. Sometimes you pay the person who filled your car, but sometimes you need to take a docket from them into the store, pay for it, and return it to him with your receipt.
Prices vary but very, very little. Less than 1 percent, and not worth shopping around.
Animals crossing. We encountered a few turtles, several herds of goats and numerous cats and dogs.