What do Turkish police check in a rental car?
Usually your driving licence, identity, and the car's papers. Keep your licence and identity on you, and make sure the vehicle registration and compulsory insurance documents are in the car. Mandatory equipment such as a warning triangle, fire extinguisher and first-aid kit may also be checked.
Ask the rental company to show you where everything is at pickup, not when you are stopped at the roadside.
Which documents should be with you?
- Your driving licence. Check our IDP guide if your licence is not Turkish, since requirements depend on the licence.
- Your passport or identity card, or a copy as advised by your rental company.
- The rental agreement or booking confirmation, in paper or on your phone.
- The vehicle registration and insurance papers, normally kept in the car. Confirm at pickup that they are there.
If any of these is missing, ask the rental company before you leave the car park. Do not drive away assuming it will be fine.
What equipment must the car carry?
Turkey requires a warning triangle, a fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit in the car. A high-visibility vest is often listed too. Check that each item is present and, for the extinguisher, in date.
| Item | What to check at pickup |
|---|---|
| Warning triangle | Present and intact |
| Fire extinguisher | Present and not expired |
| First-aid kit | Present and sealed |
| High-visibility vest | Present, kept in the cabin |
| Spare wheel and jack | Present, and you know where they are |
Our what to check before pickup guide covers the rest of the inspection. If an item is missing, ask for it to be added, and note the request on the paperwork.
What should you do if you are stopped?
Pull over safely, stay calm and stay in the car unless you are told otherwise. Turn off the engine, keep your hands visible and hand over documents when asked. If you are given a fine, ask for the written record and keep it. Then tell the rental company.
For accidents and breakdowns, follow our accident and breakdown guide.
What about alcohol and phones?
The safest rule is not to drink and drive, and not to hold your phone. Rules on alcohol are strict in Turkey, and a rental car does not change that. See our speed limits, fines and radar guide for other common penalties.
What should you photograph and keep from the rental?
Photograph the registration paper, the insurance document, the rental agreement, the inspection form and the equipment, then keep the photos on your phone as a backup. Do not rely on the copies alone if you are stopped, but they help if something goes missing.
Save the rental company's contact number and your booking reference in your phone, and note the plate number of the car.
Who pays fines?
Fines are usually linked to the vehicle and passed on to the renter, sometimes with an administration fee. Ask how your rental company handles this, and read the rental conditions. If you need help, the support page lists how to reach Auris.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents should I carry when driving a rental car in Turkey?
Your driving licence, identity or passport, the rental agreement, and the vehicle registration and insurance papers, which are normally kept in the car. Confirm at pickup that they are there.
What equipment must a car have in Turkey?
A warning triangle, a fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit are required, and a high-visibility vest is often listed too. Check they are present at pickup.
What should I do if the police stop me?
Pull over safely, stay calm, keep your hands visible and hand over documents when asked. If you are fined, ask for the written record and inform your rental company.
Who pays a traffic fine in a rental car?
Fines are usually linked to the vehicle and passed on to the renter, sometimes with an administration fee. Ask your rental company how it handles them.
Can I drive with only a photo of my passport?
Ask your rental company what it advises. Requirements can depend on the situation, so do not assume a photo is enough.
Ready to plan your trip? Check the fleet and the published rental conditions, then book online or confirm the details with Auris first.
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