Significant increase in traffic fines on the TBMM agenda this week

The General Assembly of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey will work on important regulations concerning the public in the field of traffic during the new week starting Tuesday, January 13. Deliberations on the proposal, which envisions amendments to the Highway Traffic Law and for which the first six articles were accepted in previous weeks, will continue this week.

Among the planned changes, the primary focus is on increasing traffic fines to a deterrent level. Heavy fines of up to 140,000 TL will be on the agenda for vehicle owners who intentionally alter their license plates, make them difficult to read, or render them unreadable. Furthermore, such vehicles will be banned from traffic for 30 days.

The use of a tachograph is becoming mandatory for vehicles engaged in freight transport with a maximum loaded weight exceeding 3,500 kilograms, as well as for vehicles with a capacity of 17 or more people, including the driver, used for passenger transport. A taximeter requirement will also be introduced for automobiles providing taxi services.

Drivers who exceed the speed limit in residential areas will be subject to tiered penalties. The driver's licenses of those exceeding the limit by 46-55 km/h will be suspended for 30 days each time, and those exceeding it by 56-65 km/h will have their licenses suspended for 60 days. This figure will increase to 90 days for violations of 66 km/h and above. A fine of 15,000 TL will be imposed on those who do not yield to vehicles with right-of-way.

For those who do not clear the way for emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks, and vehicles fighting forest fires, a fine of 46,000 TL along with a 30-day license suspension is envisioned.

AGGRESSIVE DRIVERS ALSO FACE DETERRENT SANCTIONS

Penalties are becoming even stricter for drivers who approach other vehicles in traffic in a conscious and aggressive manner or pose a threat. Those who engage in such behavior will pay a fine of 180,000 TL, their licenses will be confiscated for 60 days, and their vehicles may be banned from traffic for 30 days when necessary. A fine of 16,000 TL is on the agenda for those who cause noise that disturbs the environment with their vehicles.

The licenses of those who cause a traffic accident after running a red light will be suspended for two months. These drivers will be required to successfully pass a psychotechnical evaluation to regain their licenses at the end of their penalty period.

A fine of 5,000 TL is also on the agenda for drivers who use mobile phones or communication devices without a valid reason. Those who race with motor vehicles will pay a fine of 46,000 TL and will be deprived of their licenses for two years.

Additionally, drivers who leave the scene of a traffic accident involving death or injury without the approval of authorized authorities will face the threat of imprisonment ranging from 1 to 3 years.

BUSY AGENDA IN COMMITTEES

Parliamentary committees will also follow a busy schedule this week. The Planning and Budget Committee will evaluate the legislative proposal prepared regarding the increase of the lowest pension. On the other hand, the Committee on Public Works, Reconstruction, Transportation, and Tourism will discuss the Land Registry Law and some legislative amendments containing measures that can be taken against high dues in housing complexes.

The 2024 financial statements and activity reports regarding the Turkey Wealth Fund are also on the agenda of the Planning and Budget Committee. The Subcommittee on Children's Rights within the Human Rights Investigation Committee will examine the report prepared on the risks awaiting children in digital environments.

Political parties will also hold their group meetings in parliament throughout the week.