Previous practice had drawn backlash: Vehicle owners take note! New era in vehicle inspection

The Privatization Administration (ÖİB) has launched a new tender process for the 20-year privatization of vehicle inspection services in Turkey. In the new era, if inspection fees are paid by credit card, the card commission will not be charged to citizens and will instead be covered by the operators.

Vehicle inspection services in Turkey were previously privatized through a tender held on December 20, 2004, by dividing the country into northern and southern regions. Under the contracts signed with investors, the construction, maintenance, and operation of vehicle inspection stations were transferred to the private sector through concession agreements signed on August 15, 2007. The term of these contracts will expire on August 14, 2027.

The process has been officially initiated in accordance with the provision in the legislation stating, "For the vehicle inspection tender, the necessary plans, projects, infrastructure, and similar procedures shall be initiated at least 5 years before the expiration date of the concession agreement, and the new tender shall be concluded no later than August 15, 2027."

As privatization preparations gain momentum to ensure that public vehicle inspection services continue without interruption, vehicle inspection services have been brought back under the scope of privatization by a Presidential Decree. Accordingly, the services will be carried out by the private sector through a 20-year concession grant.

TERMS OF THE NEW ERA

The bidding period for the tender process conducted by the ÖİB has been completed. To ensure the continuity of public service, the privatization process is planned to be completed by August 15, 2027. Following the bids submitted in the tender, a negotiation process will begin, results will be submitted for Presidential approval, and the decision of the Competition Board will be awaited. Once the Council of State review is completed, new contracts will be signed. In the new era, authorized sole operators will provide vehicle inspection services in the designated regions.

According to the legislation, 30% of the inspection fees collected during the first three years of the 20-year concession period, 40% for the next seven years, and 50% for the final ten years will be transferred to the Treasury as a public share. Furthermore, commission fees for credit card payments will not be passed on to citizens.

Operators will be responsible for constructing vehicle inspection stations and making the necessary investments in machinery and equipment. Moreover, it will become mandatory to open new stations depending on the increasing number of vehicles.

As part of the privatization process, inspection procedures for all motorized and non-motorized vehicles registered for traffic will be carried out in accordance with European Union standards. This aims to minimize vehicle-related risks that could lead to traffic accidents. At the same time, operating the new stations, which will serve under public oversight, through the private sector will ensure the process is carried out without placing any additional burden on the public budget.

There are approximately 31 million 300 thousand vehicles across Turkey, with automobiles making up the vast majority. Currently, 223 fixed and 93 mobile vehicle inspection stations are actively serving in the country. With the new tender process, the goal is to make these services more comprehensive and provide them to citizens under better conditions.