Turkey vs Iran 2026: 0.05% vs 0.00% Alcohol, 130 vs 120 km/h Motorways

In Turkey vs Iran the rule of the road is the same, right-hand traffic, but the alcohol line and the money are not. Turkey allows 0.05% where Iran allows none, 0.00%. Turkish motorways run at 130 km/h, and 140 km/h on build-operate-transfer toll motorways, against 120 km/h in Iran. Turkey’s 2026 penalty ladder is public and specific, from TRY 2,000 at 6 km/h over inside towns, while Iran’s penalties and visitor licence rules are not tabulated here.

Turkey’s 130 and 140 km/h, Iran’s flat 120 km/h

Turkey’s motorways are 130 km/h on state-run (KGM) roads and 140 km/h on build-operate-transfer ones, a figure in force since 2 June 2022, with 110 km/h on divided intercity roads and 90 km/h on two-way ones. Iran sets 85 km/h on rural roads and 120 km/h on motorways. Turkey lists a 6 km/h tolerance and EDS cameras on motorways; foreign drivers may be stopped at an exit and the fine collected.

Turkey’s 0.05% and Iran’s zero

Iran’s zero limit leaves no margin, while Turkey allows 0.05%. Turkey’s 2026 amendment (Law 7574, Official Gazette of 27 February 2026) set flat amounts of TRY 2,500 for a seatbelt and TRY 5,000 for a phone or a red light. Iranian amounts are not tabulated here. Both set the car licence age at 18.

Visitor permits: required in Turkey, unconfirmed for Iran

Turkey lists the international driving permit as required and gives a foreign licence 6 months from entry (KTY art. 88). UK guidance says a 1968 permit or a licence notarised in Turkish is needed and that the 1949 permit is no longer accepted, which matters to travellers whose country issues only the 1949 version, such as India or the US. Iran’s permit and visitor-period rules are not tabulated here; confirm them with the Iranian authorities before you hire or drive.

Speeding ticket in lira: Turkey’s nine-step ladder

Turkey’s 2026 ladder has nine steps. Fines start at TRY 2,000 for 6-10 km/h over inside built-up areas, and at 11 km/h over outside them. They reach TRY 12,000 at 26-35 km/h over, and inside built-up areas above 46 km/h add a licence confiscation of 30, 60 and 90 days, ending at TRY 30,000 for 66 km/h over or more. Iran’s speeding fines are not tabulated. The speeding fine calculator covers Turkey but not Iran.

Winter tyres: Turkey’s dated rule for trucks and buses, Iran’s mountain roads

Turkey makes winter tyres situational for private cars, marked M+S; the 1 December to 1 April period, extendable to 15 November to 15 April by the governor, binds intercity commercial passenger and goods vehicles. Studded tyres are prohibited. Iran lists winter tyres as situational in the mountainous regions from November to March and allows studs seasonally. Minimum tread is 1.6 mm in both.

Turkey’s HGS tolls, and a 110 that means two different things

Turkey has no cash at its toll booths: you need an HGS sticker or an OGS transponder, sold at PTT post offices, banks and online, and available to tourists at border crossings; Istanbul to Ankara is about TRY 350, and the three Bosphorus bridges take HGS/OGS only. The numbers cross over: 110 is the fire service in Turkey and the police and general line in Iran, while Turkey’s police are on 155.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 110 the same emergency number in Turkey and Iran?

No. In Turkey 110 is the fire service; in Iran it is the police and the general number.

Can I pay a Turkish motorway toll in cash?

No. Turkey takes only an HGS sticker or an OGS transponder.

Is the 1949 international driving permit accepted in Turkey?

UK guidance says it is no longer accepted; a 1968 permit or a licence notarised in Turkish is needed.

How fast can I drive on a Turkish toll motorway?

140 km/h on build-operate-transfer motorways; 130 km/h on state-run ones.

Do Turkish speeding fines start at 6 km/h over?

Inside built-up areas, yes: TRY 2,000 from 6 km/h over. Outside them fines start at 11 km/h over.