The motorway saves time over long distances, but it has its own rules and risks for a motorcycle. First we need to settle this question: can your vehicle enter the motorway? The answer depends less on the engine capacity than on the vehicle class on the registration document. In this guide we explain who may enter, the speed limits, HGS and bridge tolls, the consequences of an unpaid crossing and the key points of riding safely on the motorway by motorcycle.
\n\n| Vehicle | Built-up area | Intercity (two-way) | Divided road | Motorway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle (two-wheeled, L3) | 50 | 80 | 90 | 100 |
| Sidecar / three-wheeled (L4, L5, L7) | 50 | 70 | 80 | 80 |
| Moped (L1, L2, L6) | 30 | 45 | 45 | Not allowed |
Values are in km/h; if there is a different speed sign on the road, the sign applies. Do not be misled by cars being able to go faster on the motorway: the motorway limit for a two-wheeled motorcycle is 100 km/h. Outside built-up areas, the penalty for exceeding the limit by more than 11 km/h starts at 2,000 TL; when the excess reaches 51 km/h and above, the penalty reaches 20,000 TL and the licence is withdrawn. The full table is in the traffic fines guide.
\n\nIn motorway and bridge tariffs, motorcycles have a class of their own; on HGS a motorcycle is class 6. Tolls are generally about half those of a car. You can get an HGS tag from PTT branches and from banks that sell HGS; it is registered to your plate and you use it by loading a balance.
\n| Bridge | Motorcycle |
|---|---|
| 15 July Martyrs and Fatih Sultan Mehmet | 25 TL (unchanged in the July 2026 increase) |
| Yavuz Sultan Selim | 75 TL (from 1 July 2026) |
For the Osmangazi and 1915 Çanakkale bridges and the distance-based motorway sections, motorcycle tolls are updated with each increase; before setting off, check the current tariff of the operator or of Karayolları (the General Directorate of Highways). To calculate road costs in advance, the cost calculator and the long-distance fuel and time calculation are useful.
\n\nIf you went through without HGS or without balance, do not panic; if you pay the toll within 15 days, there is no additional penalty. For crossings not paid within this period, a penalty of four times the toll is applied. You can look up and make the payment by plate through the HGS channels. Even if you do not use the motorway often, it is a good habit to check for violations on your plate from time to time.
\n\nOn the motorway the speed is high and there are few safe places to stop; a small fault becomes far more dangerous than in the city. Before a long motorway stretch, spend five minutes on these checks:
\nLegally, a 125 in the motorcycle class can enter the motorway. In practice, a small engine runs at high revs continuously for a long time at around 100 km/h, loses speed against wind and hills and leaves no margin for overtaking. For this reason, over long distances on a 125 cc a parallel state road is often the more comfortable choice. We explained which 125s are better suited to long journeys in the long distance on a 125 cc guide.
\n\nA vehicle with motorcycle on its registration document can enter the motorway; 50 cc mopeds in the moped class cannot. The motorway limit for a two-wheeled motorcycle is 100 km/h. On HGS a motorcycle is class 6; the 15 July and FSM bridges are 25 TL, Yavuz Sultan Selim 75 TL. Pay an unpaid crossing within 15 days, use the hard shoulder only in an emergency and ride with loose arms against the wind.
\n\n50 cc mopeds registered as mopeds on their registration document cannot enter the motorway. Check the vehicle class on the registration certificate.
\nYes, a 125 registered as a motorcycle on its registration document can enter the motorway. The motorway speed limit for a motorcycle is 100 km/h; on small engines this speed constantly strains the engine, so over long distances a state road is often more comfortable.
\nUnder the July 2026 tariff, the 15 July Martyrs and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges are 25 TL and Yavuz Sultan Selim is 75 TL. For other bridges and motorways, check the operator's current tariff.
\nIf you pay the toll within 15 days there is no additional penalty. After that period, a penalty of four times the toll is applied.
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