Driving by car is of course very convenient. Many of you coming from UK will already be used to owning a car and will automatically want to run a car when you visit or stay. Using a car does mean you can visit places others cannot reach.

The style of driving is very different though and it sometimes feels that many drive 'with the force' rather than skill.......as demonstrated in almost all manoeuvres and particularly overtaking on blind bends on mountain roads! The horn also has a special place in the hearts of all Turkish drivers and is a language all of its own! Don't take offence if someone sounds their horn at you - just keep out of their way. The language of gestures so much loved by the English van driver are almost non existent here but the palm of the right hand up at neck level is generally used to demonstrate disbelief at a particularly stupid driving skill to another driver or because you won't get out of their way.

The golden rules to driving are therefore slow, sure and defensive.

Roundabout use is different to the UK. You must give way to traffic entering the roundabout from the right.

Be prepared for additional costs when you are driving and always carry cash or a credit card. Speed checks and document checks are widespread and fines are on the spot and heavy. There is an assumption that car drivers are rich!!!

• Speeding fine - 180 YTL (see limits below) but can be more depending on how much you are over the limit.
• No MOT documents - 400 YTL plus impounding of vehicle

• Improper parking in Fethiye town centre and tow away - 160 YTL

If you are driving always carry your vehicle documents, registration, insurance and driving licence as they will required if stopped by the authorities. The Traffic Police or Jandarma will say 'Ehliyet ve rusat lutfen' - 'your licence and vehicle documents please'.  Even if you speak a little Turkish it is often a good policy to only speak English if you are stopped and pretend you don't undertstand much.

Also be prepared to pay to park:

• Town centre on street 0.50 YTL per 15 minutes
• Off street - Harbour 4.00 YTL all day

• Free parking in the market and other areas not marked.

Speed Limits Km/h