Understanding the Concept of a Two-Way Road (Çift Yönlü Yol)

In Türkiye, a two-way road (çift yönlü karayolu) is defined under the Highway Traffic Regulation as a road where traffic flows in opposite directions on the same roadway. Because there is no physical barrier (such as a guardrail, concrete barrier, or median) separating the opposing lanes of traffic, drivers must share the road space directly with oncoming vehicles. This makes understanding two-way roads a critical component of road safety and a prominent topic on the MTSK driving theory exam. Failing to appreciate the unique risks of these roads is a leading cause of head-on collisions in rural and intercity Turkish traffic.

Lane Markings and Road Positions on Two-Way Roads

How you position your vehicle on a two-way road depends heavily on the horizontal road markings painted on the asphalt. These markings dictate your lane rights and safety obligations:

• Single Solid Line (Devamlı Çizgi): When a solid line separates the two directions of traffic, overtaking, lane splitting, or crossing into the oncoming lane is strictly prohibited. You must keep to the right of this line.
• Single Broken Line (Kesikli Çizgi): A broken line indicates that overtaking is permitted, provided the oncoming lane is entirely clear, visibility is excellent, and it is safe to do so.
• Double Lines (Solid and Broken Side-by-Side): This is a critical exam topic. If the line closer to your vehicle is broken, you may overtake. If the line closer to your vehicle is solid, you are prohibited from crossing it, even if the line on the far side is broken.
• Double Solid Lines (Yan Yana İki Devamlı Çizgi): These lines indicate that traffic in both directions is strictly forbidden from crossing the road center. It acts as a legal barrier even though no physical separator exists.

Under Turkish traffic laws, drivers must always drive as close to the right edge of their lane as possible, reserving the left side of their lane for overtaking maneuvers.

Safe Overtaking and Passing Rules

Overtaking (öndeki aracı geçme) on a two-way road is one of the most hazardous maneuvers a driver can perform. The Turkish Highway Traffic Regulation specifies strict conditions under which overtaking is prohibited, regardless of lane markings. You must never attempt to overtake on two-way roads in the following situations:

• When approaching the crest of a hill (tepe üstü) or a blind curve (dönemeç) where oncoming visibility is restricted.
• Within or approaching pedestrian crossings, school zones, and level crossings (demiryolu geçidi).
• At intersections (kavşaklar) and roundabouts, as well as on bridges and inside tunnels.
• When the vehicle ahead of you has already signaled and begun an overtaking maneuver, or when an oncoming vehicle is too close.

To safely overtake, you must signal your intention, verify that the oncoming lane is clear for a safe distance, accelerate safely past the vehicle, and return to the right lane only after seeing the passed vehicle in your central rearview mirror.

Right of Way on Narrow Two-Way Roads

When a two-way road narrows (such as on mountain passes or during roadworks) and two vehicles cannot safely pass each other, specific right-of-way rules apply.

On steep, inclined roads, the descending vehicle (inen araç) must yield the right of way to the ascending vehicle (çıkan araç). If necessary, the descending driver must pull over or reverse to allow the ascending vehicle to pass safely.

On flat, narrow two-way roads where passing is difficult, vehicles must yield according to a specific priority hierarchy established by Turkish traffic law. Generally, larger, heavier, or slower-moving vehicles must yield to smaller, more maneuverable passenger vehicles. For example, a truck (kamyon) must yield to a bus (otobüs), and a tractor must yield to an automobile (otomobil).