The first rule of safe driving and penalty-free operation on highways is knowing the speed limits of the vehicle you are using. Especially for vehicles in the heavy vehicle and pickup segments, speed limits vary not only by traffic signs but also by the type of road.

Based on the current regulations of the General Directorate of Highways (KGM) and the Ministry of Interior, we have prepared a guide for pickup, truck, and tractor (TIR) drivers.

Safe Cruising on Roads: Speed Limits Guide for Pickups, Trucks, and Tractors

In the logistics and transportation sector, although "speed" may sometimes seem like an advantage, exceeding legal limits endangers life safety and brings heavy financial penalties. So, how fast can you speed on which road?

1. Speed Limits for Pickups (Maximum Loaded Weight Not Exceeding 3.5 Tons)

Although pickups (Pick-up, Panel van, etc.) have speed limits closest to passenger cars, they have specific limits on highways and divided roads.

2. Speed Limits for Trucks and Tractors (TIR)

Limits for trucks and tractor-type vehicles are kept more restricted considering the stopping distance of the vehicle and road safety. According to KGM data, the limits these vehicle groups must obey are as follows:

• Within Residential Areas: 50 km/h
• Intercity Two-Way Highways: 80 km/h
• Divided Roads: 85 km/h
• Motorways: 90 km/h

Important Note: These limits are lower for vehicles carrying hazardous materials and vehicles traveling with a special oversize load permit. Outside residential areas, these vehicles generally must not exceed the 50-60 km/h band.

3. New Regulations and Traffic Safety

New traffic regulations adopted by the TBMM (Grand National Assembly of Turkey) and implemented by the Ministry of Interior have made the inspection of speed limits much stricter. With these regulations:

• Radar Inspections: Average speed corridor applications can issue fines by measuring your time between two toll booths or two radar points, not just your speed at a single point.
• Deterrent Penalties: Gradually increasing heavy fines and penalty point deductions are applied if the speed limit is exceeded by 10%-30%, 30%-50%, and more than 50%.
• Safety-Oriented Approach: With the goal of "zero casualties in traffic," the Ministry has expanded its technological inspection network against speed violations of heavy vehicles, especially on divided roads.

Why Should You Obey Speed Limits?

• Braking Distance: The stopping distance of heavy vehicles is much longer than passenger cars. Every 5 km/h increase can extend the stopping distance by meters.
• Fuel Economy: Due to aerodynamic structure in trailers and pickups, exceeding legal speed limits can increase fuel consumption by up to 20%.
• Tire Lifespan: High speed, especially in loaded vehicles, can cause tire heating and sudden blowouts.