EGM statement on 'APP license plates': Due to misunderstandings
The General Directorate of Security (EGM) has issued a statement regarding 'APP license plates,' a topic frequently on the agenda recently, due to various evaluations and misunderstandings that have emerged.
12punto
In a post shared on the EGM's social media account, it was stated that the rules and sanctions regarding the use of license plates are clearly regulated in Article 23 of the Highway Traffic Law No. 2918, titled 'Obligation to keep documents and license plates on vehicles.' The statement noted, 'In case of violation of the third paragraph of Article 23 of the Law, an administrative fine of 4,000 Turkish Liras is imposed on drivers who attach license plates that do not comply with the qualifications or dimensions specified in the regulation, or who do not attach the required number of plates to the vehicle. Furthermore, this provision is not a newly introduced regulation and has been in effect since 2016.'
APP LICENSE PLATES CARRY A DIFFERENT LEGAL SANCTION
On the other hand, the situation frequently referred to in the public as 'APP license plates' carries a different legal sanction. The issue concerning violations of the fifth paragraph of Article 23 of the Law is not so much about the size or appearance of the plate, but rather that the plate was not produced by an authorized institution. Indeed, in accordance with Article 131 of Law No. 2918, license plates that are not produced by an authorized institution and do not bear the official seal and security features specified in the regulation are not considered legally valid. License plates known as APP plates in the public fall under this scope. If such plates are used on vehicles, an administrative fine of 140,000 Turkish Liras is imposed on the individuals who attach or use the plate, their driver's licenses are suspended for 30 days, and the vehicle is prohibited from traffic for 30 days. Additionally, judicial proceedings may be initiated against these individuals under Article 204 of the Turkish Penal Code, titled 'Forgery of Official Documents,' which carries a prison sentence of 2 to 5 years. The penalties increase incrementally in case of repeat offenses,' the statement said.
THE GOAL IS TRAFFIC SAFETY AND PUBLIC ORDER
Stating that the purpose of these regulations is not to impose sanctions but to ensure traffic safety and public order, the statement included the following: 'Vehicle registration plates serve as an official identity that enables the accurate and rapid identification of vehicles for traffic inspections, electronic monitoring systems, city security cameras, and judicial investigations. Non-standard, unauthorized license plates weaken the effectiveness of these inspection mechanisms and negatively affect public safety. It is strongly reminded that, in order to avoid any grievances, citizens should only use registration plates on their vehicles that have been produced by an authorized institution and comply with the qualifications and dimensions specified in the regulation.'