Italy vs Turkey 2026: 30% Off Fines in 5 Days, TRY 30,000 Top Fine

Italy cuts a low-band speeding fine by 30% when it is paid within 5 days under art. 202 CdS. Turkey’s 2026 ladder runs from TRY 2,000 to TRY 30,000 and can add licence confiscation. Italy requires an IDP or sworn Italian translation for non-EU licences, and driving without one carries a fine of EUR 408-1,634.

Speeding ticket: Italy’s discount against Turkey’s confiscation

Italy fines up to 10 km/h over at EUR 42-173, 10-40 km/h over at EUR 173-694, 40-60 km/h over at EUR 543-2,170 with a licence suspension of 1-3 months, and above 60 km/h over at EUR 845-3,382. The 30% discount for payment within 5 days applies only to the first two bands and not where a suspension applies. Turkey’s ladder, from Law 7574 published on 27 February 2026, replaced the older percentage system with nine steps; the licence is confiscated for 30 days from 46 km/h over inside towns, 60 days from 56 and 90 days from 66.

Speed tolerance: Italy against Turkey

Both countries set motorway, urban and rural limits, and Turkey allows higher speeds on divided roads and on build-operate-transfer motorways. Italy applies a small tolerance margin and runs extensive cameras. Turkey starts counting an overshoot at a lower threshold inside built-up areas than outside them, and EDS cameras watch its motorways.

Phone, seatbelt and red light: Italian points against Turkish flat amounts

Italy sets separate fines for a seatbelt, a handheld phone and a red light, and the seatbelt and red-light fines carry penalty points, while a phone fine can bring a licence suspension. Turkey uses flat amounts for these offences. The licensing age is 18 in Turkey, while Italy allows a younger driver to drive with supervision and sets full access at 18.

Driving permit for Italy and Turkey: both require one

Italy requires a permit, or an official Italian translation, for non-EU licences, issued under a convention Italy has joined, and fines EUR 408-1,634 for driving without one. Turkey requires a permit as well and gives a foreign licence 6 months from entry; UK FCDO guidance says the 1949 permit is no longer accepted, so you need a 1968 permit or a licence notarised in Turkish. Italy allows 12 months.

Winter tyres: M+S in Italy’s period, governor orders in Turkey

Italy expects M+S tyres from 15 November to 15 April, varying by region and road, and fines EUR 87-345 outside built-up areas and from EUR 42 inside, plus an order not to continue. Turkey’s period, 1 December to 1 April, can be extended to 15 November to 15 April by the governor and binds intercity commercial vehicles; private cars stay situational. Italy’s compulsory kit is a triangle and a reflective vest, and Turkey a triangle, extinguisher, first-aid kit and spare bulbs.

Italian tolls, Turkish HGS and emergency numbers

Italian autostrade charge by distance, and the toll example prices Milan to Venice at about EUR 25. Turkey takes no cash at its booths, so a hire car needs an HGS sticker or OGS transponder; the Osmangazi Bridge is about TRY 450 in the toll example. Italy’s general number is 112, with 113, 118 and 115 for police, ambulance and fire. Turkey’s 112 is also general, with 155 for police and 110 for fire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Italian speeding fines get the 30% discount?

Only the two lowest bands, up to 40 km/h over, when paid within 5 days (art. 202 CdS).

When does a Turkish speeding ticket include licence confiscation?

From 46 km/h over inside towns: 30 days, then 60 days from 56 km/h over and 90 days from 66.

Do I need to pay Turkish tolls in cash?

No. Cash is abolished at all booths; use an HGS sticker or an OGS transponder.

Paying a traffic fine

If you are fined while driving in either country, the amount and the payment window matter. Italy’s 30% reduction only applies to the two lowest speeding bands and is lost where a licence suspension applies, so check which band you fall into before paying. For a fuller picture of who pays and how fines reach a foreign driver, see who pays driving fines abroad.