A foreign visitor who is going to drive in Turkmenistan must have an International driving permit in addition to his original driver license. At the border, a visitor who enters to Turkmenistan by a foreign registered vehicle needs to pay fuel compensation, road tax, obligated insurance, immigration card, and entry tax.

The main road traffic rules:

• Traffic flaws on the ride side of the road, overtaking on the left side.
• The minimum driving age is 17 years.
• Seat belts must be worn at all times while driving.
• It is not permitted to use a cell phone without hand-free system while driving.
• It is illegal to drive while intoxicated; a driver will be fine and possible jail, and his driver license will be revoked.
• It is not permitted to smoke and eat while driving.
• For a vehicle registered abroad, it is required to have a car plate and a distinctive sign of the county where the vehicle is registered.
• The third-party liability insurance is mandatory.
• The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.05%.
• The maximum speed limit in urban areas is 60 km/h, outside the urban areas – 90 km/h, on highways – 110 km/h.

Some additional information:

• Driving at night outside of the cities is dangerous since the poor road condition.
• It is requires that traffic fines be paid within 12 hours. In case of a fine is not paid within12 hours, the fine amount may double every 12 hours up to 72 hours. After that period of time, the vehicle may be confiscated.
• To drive into the desert, a 4WD vehicle is necessary.
•  In Turkmenistan, there are many checkpoints with different degrees of severity.
• The green International Insurance Card is not valid in Turkmenistan.

 Driving Overseas - Short Information