Winter tyres on a rental car in Turkey: are they required? The 15 November rule, snowy roads and the winter tyre extra

Short answer: In Turkey, winter tyres are mandatory every year from 15 November to 15 April for vehicles carrying passengers and goods on intercity roads. There is no nationwide legal requirement for private cars, although governorships can take separate decisions within their provinces. Our rental cars are in the passenger car category, where winter tyres are not mandatory; we offer them as an extra service for your safety.

Who does the winter tyre rule apply to?

The rule is based on a communiqué from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and covers vehicles carrying passengers and goods on intercity roads: commercial vehicles such as buses, minibuses, lorries, vans, tractor units and tankers. The Ministry also recommends winter tyres for private cars, but it does not make them compulsory nationwide.

What does the 15 November – 15 April period mean?

An amendment published in the Official Gazette on 4 October 2025 moved the mandatory period from 1 December – 1 April to 15 November – 15 April, extending it to five months. You may still find articles quoting the old dates; this is the current period. Governorships decide how the rule applies within their provinces and can extend it by one month before and after, so it is worth checking the announcements for the province you are driving to.

Do rental cars need winter tyres?

No. Our rental cars are in the passenger car category, where winter tyres are not mandatory. If you are planning a route where you may meet snow or ice, we offer winter tyres as an extra service for your safety. You can see the price and our other extras on the extras page.

Which routes are winter tyres useful for?

Snow rarely lasts long in Istanbul, but things change once you leave the city. On mountain and plateau roads, winter tyres noticeably improve grip:

• roads to ski resorts such as Uludağ and Kartalkaya,
• forest and mountain roads such as Kartepe and Yedigöller,
• long winter road trips, for example to Cappadocia.

How do you add winter tyres?

Ask for winter tyres as an extra when you book, or call our team before handover: 0850 305 00 45. When you collect the car, check that it has winter tyres fitted; our pickup checklist takes you through what to look at.

Before a winter trip

• Check the governorship announcements and road conditions for your destination.
• Keep the tank full and bring water and warm clothes.
• Leave more distance on snowy roads and avoid sudden braking or steering.
• For breakdowns or help, our line is open 24/7: 0850 305 00 45.

Frequently asked questions