New regulation on traffic fines: License revocation and prison sentences are coming

Traffic offenses and accidents are becoming an increasingly serious problem in Turkey. Most recently, footage of a driver steering their vehicle toward a motorcycle courier sparked widespread outrage on social media.

In an effort to combat rising anger and violence, the government is restructuring sanctions for traffic offenses to increase deterrence.

PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN ANNOUNCED THE NEW PENALTIES

President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced that penalties for traffic offenses will be increased within the framework of the Judicial Reform Strategy Document. The goal is to eliminate the “perception of impunity” in society and prevent the violation of traffic rules.

TRAFFIC FINES WILL BECOME EVEN HEAVIER

According to a report by Türkiye Gazetesi, the new regulation will increase fines and other sanctions, particularly for certain traffic offenses. It is expected that penalties for hit-and-run incidents, driving without a license, and obstructing the movement of transport vehicles will be made more deterrent.

The current fine of 2,170 TL and 20 penalty points applied to hit-and-run drivers are considered insufficient and will be increased. It is noted that these individuals often receive lighter sentences for reasons such as the inability to determine their alcohol level after time has passed since the accident.

PRISON SENTENCES ARE COMING FOR HIT-AND-RUN DRIVERS

With the new regulation, the sanctions applied to those who flee the scene of an accident will be further aggravated. In this context:

The duration of driver's license suspension will be extended.

Fines will be increased.

Prison sentences will be introduced.

These regulations are expected to be a deterrent, particularly in preventing drunk driving and fleeing the scene of accidents.

LICENSE REVOCATION AND OTHER SANCTIONS ARE BEING EXPANDED

The government's new judicial package also includes regulations for the revocation of driver's licenses for traffic offenses. It is stated that license suspension periods will be increased in cases such as driving without a license, endangering traffic safety, and repeated traffic violations.

THE PERCEPTION OF IMPUNITY WILL BE ELIMINATED

The Judicial Reform Strategy Document emphasizes that regulations for traffic offenses are a priority to eliminate the perception of impunity in society. The government aims to increase discipline in traffic and ensure the safety of citizens through aggravated sanctions.

A NEW ERA BEGINS FOR TRAFFIC OFFENSES

The traffic regulations brought to the agenda by President Erdoğan's statements aim to create a safer environment for both drivers and pedestrians. These new regulations, which span a wide range from prison sentences to monetary fines, are expected to be enacted in the coming period.