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Türkiye enters a longer winter tire season on Nov. 15, bringing new requirements for commercial vehicles and practical guidance for foreign residents who drive in the country.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure extended the mandatory period from four months to five months after a regulation update published in the Official Gazette on Oct. 4.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said the change reflects seasonal conditions.
“We updated the requirement, which previously ran from 1 December to 1 April, as 15 November to 15 April due to seasonal conditions, and in this way we extended the mandatory winter tire period from four months to five months,” he said.
The regulation applies to all commercial vehicles that carry passengers or goods on intercity roads.
“The requirement will be mandatory for all commercial vehicles carrying passengers and goods on intercity roads,” Minister Uraloglu said.
He also advised private car owners to use winter tires even though the rule does not cover them. Winter tires, he said, “increase road grip at temperatures below seven degrees and have vital importance in preventing accidents.”
Drivers who do not follow the rule face a ₺5,856 (around $140) fine during inspections. Uraloglu added that provincial authorities can move the start or end date of the mandate one month earlier or later, depending on local weather, so residents should follow announcements closely.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister said trucks, tow trucks, tankers and buses must use winter tires on all axles. Vans, minibuses and passenger cars must also use winter tires on all wheels.
When a driver needs to replace a tire while travelling, the replacement tire must also be a winter tire.
He also noted that studded tires, which work only on icy surfaces, count as winter tires. “Having or using snow chains does not remove the winter tire requirement,” he said, while advising drivers to keep chains, wheel wedges and tow ropes in their cars.
It has been reported that teams will increase checks as temperatures fall. Vehicles without winter tires will not continue their journey during snowy conditions.
Authorities said the rule aims to prevent unprepared vehicles from blocking roads and causing problems for people.
Foreign residents should be aware of seasonal costs and basic checks before winter:
Authorities suggest that drivers should check production dates when buying winter tires. A tire may appear unused but still lose performance if it has stayed in storage for too long.
Expats who drive private cars do not face a legal obligation, but winter tires are standard across many regions during colder months.
Cities such as Ankara, Kayseri, Erzurum, Sivas and many parts of eastern Türkiye often experience long periods of snow and freezing conditions. Coastal regions remain milder, yet heavy rain and wet roads still reduce safety with summer tires.
Long-distance travel during winter also requires attention, as authorities will stop vehicles without winter tires during snowy conditions and prevent them from continuing their journey.
Uraloglu summed up the ministry’s message with a reminder: “Let us make sure we travel with equipment and preparations suitable for winter conditions.”
For expats, the extended winter tire period offers a straightforward rule of thumb: prepare early, follow local advisories and treat winter tires as an essential part of safe driving in Türkiye.
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