Winter Tyres and Mountain Routes in a Rental Car: 2026–2027 Winter Guide
In Türkiye, the winter tyre requirement applies from 15 November to 15 April to vehicles carrying passengers and goods on intercity roads; for private cars and rental passenger cars there is no national requirement, and the Ministry recommends them. However, in snow and ice, law enforcement can close some roads to vehicles without winter tyres or snow chains; for example, on 1 January 2026 vehicles without winter tyres were not allowed onto the road over Bolu Dağı. If you are heading to Uludağ, Kartalkaya, Erciyes or Palandöken, ask before you book whether the rental car has winter tyres.
Source: Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure winter tyre communiqué (Official Gazette 1 April 2017, amended Official Gazette 4 October 2025) · Highway Traffic Law (KTK) art. 65/A (Law No. 7574, Official Gazette 27 February 2026) · Updated: 13 October 2026
Who must use winter tyres?
| What applies? | |
|---|---|
| Period | 15 November – 15 April (under the 4 October 2025 amendment; the previous period was 1 December – 1 April) |
| Mandatory for | Vehicles carrying passengers and goods on intercity roads |
| Private cars, rental passenger cars | Not mandatory nationally; recommended by the Ministry |
| Fine (2026) | 6.000 TL, issued to the vehicle's operator (KTK art. 65/A) |
| Local decisions | Some provincial governorships issue additional rules for commercial vehicles (e.g. Kars, Kastamonu, Bursa — 2025) |
Communiqué: Official Gazette 1 April 2017, No. 30025; amendment Official Gazette 4 October 2025, No. 33037 · Fine: KTK art. 65/A, Law No. 7574, Official Gazette 27 February 2026. The 2027 amount will change with the annual revaluation.
How do you recognise a winter tyre?
- Marking: at roadside checks, the M+S marking on the tyre sidewall is accepted as sufficient. The three-peak mountain snowflake symbol (3PMSF) is an extra quality indicator, not a requirement.
- Tread depth: the legal minimum for cars is 1.6 mm. Deeper tread grips better on snowy roads.
- Chains do not replace winter tyres: under the communiqué, chains are not accepted in place of winter tyres; the two are used together.
When are snow chains needed?
For passenger cars, chains become mandatory if there is a "Chains mandatory" sign (TT-42a, "Zincir Takmak Mecburidir") on the road or if law enforcement imposes a measure at the time. The chain requirement added to the law in 2026 applies only to trucks, tractor units and buses. If you are driving on mountain roads, ask at pickup whether the rental car comes with chains.
Nearest airports to the ski resorts
| Ski resort | Nearest airport | Approximate drive |
|---|---|---|
| Erciyes | Kayseri Erkilet | ~35 km |
| Palandöken | Erzurum | ~20–25 km |
| Sarıkamış | Kars | ~55 km |
| Uludağ | Bursa Yenişehir | ~85 km |
| Kartalkaya | Ankara Esenboğa / Sabiha Gökçen | ~215 km / ~275 km |
Distances are approximate road distances (OpenStreetMap routing, cross-checked with Ministry of Culture and Tourism pages). Erzurum and Kars airports currently have no pickup point on our platform.
6 tips for a winter route in a rental car
- Ask before you book: have the company confirm whether the car has winter tyres and whether chains are included.
- Check at pickup: look for the M+S marking on the tyre sidewall and check the tread depth.
- Follow road conditions: announcements from KGM and the provincial governorships show roads closed or restricted during snowfall.
- Keep the tank full: if traffic stops on a mountain road, you will need fuel to keep warm.
- Work out your km allowance: the round trip from Sabiha Gökçen to Kartalkaya alone is about 550 km; on a 3-day rental, the most common allowance is 1,200 km. More detail: mileage limit guide.
- Read the insurance: the risk of minor damage goes up on icy roads; minor damage cover and tyre-glass-headlight cover can make things easier. More detail: car rental insurance.
What changes from 1 January 2027?
Frequently asked questions
Are winter tyres mandatory on rental cars?
There is no national requirement for private cars and rental passenger cars; the requirement applies from 15 November to 15 April to vehicles carrying passengers and goods on intercity roads. However, in snow and ice, law enforcement can close some roads to vehicles without winter tyres or snow chains.
What are the dates of the winter tyre requirement?
Under the amendment of 4 October 2025, the period became 15 November – 15 April. The previous period was 1 December – 1 April.
How much is the winter tyre fine?
In 2026 it is 6.000 TL under KTK art. 65/A and is issued to the vehicle's operator. The amount will change in 2027 with the annual revaluation.
Does the M+S marking count as a winter tyre?
Yes. At roadside checks in Türkiye, the M+S marking on the tyre sidewall is accepted as sufficient.
Do snow chains replace winter tyres?
No. Under the communiqué, chains do not replace winter tyres. For passenger cars, chains become mandatory on roads with a TT-42a sign or when law enforcement imposes a measure.
Can I drive up Uludağ in a rental car?
Yes, but during snowfall vehicles without chains are not allowed up to the summit. Ask for a car with winter tyres and carry chains. The nearest airport is Bursa Yenişehir, about 85 km away.
