Key points
- Bridges, tunnels and motorways are tolled electronically via HGS
- There is no cash payment at toll points
- Rental tolls are charged as set out in your agreement
- Traffic fines can be issued in the renter's name
The short answer
In Istanbul the Bosphorus bridges, the Eurasia Tunnel and motorways are tolled electronically through HGS (Turkey's electronic toll system); there is no cash payment at toll points. Rental cars usually carry an HGS tag, and the tolls you run up are charged after the rental as set out in your agreement. Traffic fines can be issued in the renter's name using the rental records. Always ask at pickup how the car's HGS works and how tolls will be charged.
What is HGS?
HGS uses a tag stuck to the car to collect tolls automatically. When you pass a tolled bridge, tunnel or motorway point, the tag is read and the toll is deducted from the linked account. You don't stop or pay; just use the HGS lane.
On a rental car the tag belongs to the rental company. Tolls are paid from its account first and then charged to you after the rental.
Tolled crossings in Istanbul
The main tolled crossings you may meet when driving from Taksim:
- 15 July Martyrs Bridge and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge: toll charged only from Europe to Asia.
- Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge and the Northern Marmara Motorway: tolled links in the north of the city.
- Eurasia Tunnel: tolled in both directions.
- Motorways: tolled sections of the TEM (O-2) and other motorways.
Current toll rates are published by the operators and the General Directorate of Highways. For airport routes, see Taksim to Istanbul Airport and Taksim to Sabiha Gökçen.
Unpaid passages
If the tag isn't read or the balance is too low, the crossing is recorded as an unpaid passage. Under the current rules, if it isn't paid within a set period (15 days), a fine of several times the toll can apply. On a rental car this runs through the rental company's account, so:
- Check that the car has an HGS tag at pickup.
- Use HGS lanes at toll points.
- Tell the team straight away if you notice a problem with the tag.
Traffic fines
Rental companies register rentals in the Rental Vehicle Notification System (KABİS). This means fines for speeding, red lights or parking can be issued in the name of the person renting the car at the time. In some cases the fine reaches the rental company first and is passed on to the renter as set out in the agreement.
Speed and red-light cameras are common in Istanbul, and a fine notice can arrive weeks after the rental ends.
Parking fines and towing
In Beyoğlu and the surrounding area, illegally parked cars can be towed. For a rental car that means the fine, towing and pound fees, and a lot of lost time getting it back. See driving in Beyoğlu and Taksim for parking tips.
Avoiding surprises
- Ask at pickup: does the car have an HGS tag, and how and when are tolls charged?
- Plan your route: avoiding unnecessary Bosphorus crossings saves time and money.
- Respect speed limits: follow the signs; the general urban limit is 50 km/h.
- Don't park illegally: even a short stop risks a fine or towing.
- Keep your paperwork: the agreement and handover form help if a toll or fine arrives later.
Tolls and fines charged after the rental can relate to your deposit; see car rental deposits in Turkey explained.
Frequently asked questions
How do I pay bridge and motorway tolls in a rental car?
Rental cars usually have an HGS tag, so you don't pay at the crossing. Tolls are charged after the rental as set out in your agreement. Ask about this at pickup.
Who receives a traffic fine for a rental car?
Because rentals are registered in KABİS, the fine can be issued in the name of the person renting the car at the time. Sometimes it reaches the rental company and is passed on under the agreement.
Can I pay tolls in cash?
No. Bridges, tunnels and motorways are tolled electronically, with no cash payment.