What changed on 29 July 2026
The new regulation replaces a 2017 rule under which an unpaid crossing that was not settled within 15 days drew a fine of ten times the toll, and which applied only to roads run by the General Directorate of Highways (KGM). The new text covers both KGM roads and motorways and bridges operated by private companies under concession, and it spells out a stepped penalty timeline based on Law No. 6001.
It applies to every foreign-plated vehicle, regardless of whether the person driving is a foreign national or a Turkish citizen.
Responsibility for the HGS tag and balance
Foreign-plated cars must pay tolls like any other vehicle. The expected method is to subscribe to an electronic toll system such as HGS (Hızlı Geçiş Sistemi) and carry a working tag with enough balance.
- HGS accounts are opened at PTT post office branches and agencies, and at banks and merchants that work with PTT. The tag is handed to the vehicle owner.
- The user is responsible for keeping the tag intact and working, fixing it properly to the windscreen, and keeping number plates clean and readable.
- Keeping enough balance on the account is the responsibility of the owner or driver.
- The entry and exit lanes of the subscribed system must be used, unless the lane serves more than one system.
Unpaid tolls: the 15 and 45-day timeline
An unpaid crossing is one made without a subscription, with insufficient balance, or without paying. The days are counted from the date of the crossing, not from any notice received.
- Within 15 days: only the toll is paid, and no penalty is collected.
- Day 16 to day 45: the toll is paid together with a penalty equal to the toll. On KGM roads the usual early-payment discount for administrative fines does not apply.
- After day 45: the toll plus a penalty of four times the toll is collected.
No exit at the border until the debt is paid
Debts should first be paid inside Turkey. For KGM roads, payment channels include the Revenue Administration, KGM and PTT; for private motorways, the operator's own channels and PTT. Once the debt appears in the customs system against the plate, customs will not let the car leave Turkey until it is settled. At the border, payment can be made by bank or credit card, or in cash only at the customs accounting office.
Who may drive a temporarily imported car
A separate customs communiqué published on 14 August 2026 rewrote who may use a car temporarily imported under tourist facilities. Besides the permit holder, the car may be driven by the holder's spouse, ascendants (such as parents) or descendants (such as children), provided they live outside Turkey. Other people living outside Turkey may drive it only when the permit holder is in the car. The same communiqué redefined the pension document for people who retired abroad: it must be issued under that country's social security rules for a work-based pension, with a Turkish translation certified by an embassy, consulate or notary.
Practical steps for driving to or around Antalya
- An HGS tag should be obtained soon after entering Turkey and topped up before long journeys.
- If an unpaid crossing is noticed, the toll should be paid within 15 days.
- Plate-linked debts should be checked before the return journey, and every receipt kept.
- Before the car is lent, it should be confirmed that the driver is someone the customs rules allow.
If a penalty is issued despite a sufficient balance, the account statement, a photo of the tag on the windscreen and the crossing records should be collected. Penalties on KGM roads and on private motorways differ in legal nature, so the way to challenge them can differ too, and deadlines are short. For related topics it is possible to contact the office or see the immigration law page.
Legal basis: Resmî Gazete 29.07.2026, S. 33324 — Ücretli Karayollarında Yabancı Plakalı Araçlara Ait Geçiş Ücretleri ve İdari Para Cezaları ile Cezaların Tahsiline İlişkin Yönetmelik m.2-13 · 6001 sayılı Karayolları Genel Müdürlüğünün Hizmetleri Hakkında Kanun m.30/1, 5, 7, 8, 10 · Resmî Gazete 14.08.2026, S. 33340 — Geçici İthal Edilen Kara Taşıtlarına İlişkin Gümrük Genel Tebliği (Seri No: 1)'nde Değişiklik Yapılmasına Dair Tebliğ (Seri No: 9) m.1-3 · Resmî Gazete 17.02.2017, S. 29982 — önceki yönetmelik (mülga)