Japan vs Turkey 2026: 0.03% vs 0.05%, 100 vs 130 km/h

Japan drives on the left and sets its blood alcohol limit at 0.03%, while Turkey drives on the right with a 0.05% limit. Japan’s expressways run at 100 km/h, with 120 km/h on designated sections, and Turkey’s motorways allow 130 km/h. Japan requires a 1949 Geneva Convention permit. Turkey’s tolls, including the Osmangazi Bridge, are paid cashless through HGS or OGS.

1949 permit for Japan, 1968 permit for Turkey

Japan lists a permit as required and accepts the 1949 Geneva Convention type only; a visitor may drive for up to 12 months. Turkey lists it as required, with a foreign licence valid for 6 months from entry (KTY art. 88), and UK FCDO guidance says a 1968 permit or a licence notarised in Turkish is needed. A single permit will not serve both trips if it is the wrong convention, so check which one your home country issues.

A lower alcohol limit, and fines in yen and lira

Japan’s 0.03% is below Turkey’s 0.05%. A phone costs JPY 18,000 plus 3 points in Japan and TRY 5,000 in Turkey; a red light JPY 9,000 plus 2 points against TRY 5,000; a seatbelt a warning and 1 point on a first offence in Japan against TRY 2,500. Both license drivers from 18.

Japan’s ordinary roads and expressways against Turkey’s motorways

Japan posts 60 km/h on ordinary roads, with 30 km/h where there is no centre line or where signed, 100 on expressways and 120 on designated sections. Turkey posts 50 in town, 90 on rural roads (110 on divided roads) and 130 on motorways, with 140 on build-operate-transfer routes since 2 June 2022. Turkey’s tolerance is 6 km/h inside built-up areas and 11 outside; Japan’s is about 10.

Japan’s yen bands and Turkey’s 2026 lira ladder

Japan charges JPY 9,000 at 1-15 km/h over, JPY 12,000 at 16-20, JPY 15,000 at 21-25 and JPY 18,000 at 26-30; the 31-35 and over-35 bands (JPY 25,000 and JPY 35,000 or more) apply on expressways only, and the criminal threshold is 30 over on ordinary roads and 40 on expressways. Turkey’s ladder, from the amendment published on 27 February 2026, begins at TRY 2,000 and ends at TRY 30,000 with a 90-day confiscation.

Winter tyres, studs and the equipment lists

Japan leaves anti-skid measures to each prefecture, allows winter tyres or chains when roads are snow-covered or frozen, and restricts studs to designated areas. Turkey treats winter tyres as situational for cars, with a 1 December to 1 April window for intercity commercial vehicles, and prohibits studs. Japan’s compulsory kit is a warning triangle; Turkey’s is an extinguisher, first-aid kit, spare bulbs and triangle.

HGS, Osmangazi and Japanese emergency lines

Turkey takes no cash at its toll booths: an HGS sticker or OGS transponder is needed, with the Osmangazi Bridge listed near TRY 450 and Istanbul’s three Bosphorus bridges HGS or OGS only. In Japan police answer on 110 and ambulance and fire on 119; Turkey uses 112, with 155 for police and 110 for fire.

Paying Turkish tolls without cash

Turkish toll roads take no cash, so drivers need an HGS sticker or an OGS transponder before entering a toll section. Japan’s expressway tolls are a separate system and are not covered by these transponders. Travellers planning a long motorway route in Turkey should check toll coverage and costs before setting out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which permit does Japan accept compared with Turkey?

Japan accepts only the 1949 Geneva Convention permit; Turkey wants a 1968 permit or a licence notarised in Turkish.

Is the Japanese alcohol limit lower than the Turkish one?

Yes, 0.03% against 0.05%.

Can I pay the Osmangazi Bridge toll in cash?

No. HGS or OGS only.