New regulation for vehicles for the disabled: Attention to those with SCT-exempt vehicles

The 'Regulation on Amendments to the Regulation on the Execution of Vehicle Sales, Transfer, and Registration Services', prepared by the Ministries of Justice and Interior, has been published in the Official Gazette and has entered into force.

Usage conditions for vehicles purchased with a Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV) exemption for the disabled have been reorganized. Accordingly, the statement “The vehicle, which has been fitted with special equipment suitable for the disability and purchased exempt from ÖTV, must be used only by the disabled person” will be entered into the vehicle registration records.

THIRD-PARTY USE OF VEHICLES FOR THE DISABLED PROHIBITED

Within the scope of the regulation, it will only be possible for non-disabled persons to use the vehicle for the disabled—even if the disabled person is in the vehicle—with a document obtained from authorized institutions or organizations. In the absence of such a document, the use of the vehicle by non-disabled persons is prohibited. It was stated that in case of violation of this rule, a notification will be made to the local tax office where the situation is detected.

The names of up to two people from among the vehicle owner's first-degree blood relatives and relatives by marriage, siblings, spouse, or drivers employed under a notarized employment contract will be entered into the registration records. The identity information of these individuals will be recorded based on the commitment submitted to the tax office directorates during the vehicle purchase.

Accordingly, an annotation will be entered in the registration of vehicles for the disabled stating: “The vehicle, which has been fitted with special equipment suitable for the disability and acquired exempt from special consumption tax, must be used personally by the disabled person.”

According to the regulation, 'if it is determined that vehicles bearing the said annotation are not used personally or are used without the disabled person benefiting from the exemption being in the vehicle, a notification will be made to the local tax office where the determination is made. Even if the disabled person benefiting from the exemption is in the vehicle, the use of the said vehicle by third parties will be prohibited unless it is documented by authorized institutions and organizations that the vehicle can be used by non-disabled persons.'

Thus, with the regulation, the use of vehicles purchased without ÖTV with a disability report by third parties has been prohibited if the necessary documentation is not present.

REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE FOR CARAVANS

Furthermore, according to the decisions taken, the phrase “and with a laden weight exceeding 750 kilograms” in the third paragraph of Article 9 of the regulation has been repealed. Before the amendment, Article 9 of the regulation read as follows:

"The registration of all motor vehicles other than military vehicles, construction machinery, and those operating on rail systems, as well as trailers and semi-trailers (tractor trailers are not registered separately from the tractor they are attached to) that are designed to be attached to and used with motor vehicles subject to registration and have a laden weight exceeding 750 kilograms, which are to be registered by the General Directorate of Security in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation, shall be carried out by notaries, and a vehicle registration certificate and license plate printing request document shall be issued."

With the removal of the 750-kilogram limit, all towable caravans have been covered by the said article. Therefore, a registration certificate and a license plate printing request document will be created for caravans. Their registration will be carried out by notaries.

As is currently the case, sales cannot be made through a notary with an O1 Certificate and a towable caravan sales invoice.

The amendment to the relevant article will be effective as of July 1st.