Attention to those with in-car multimedia systems! Which screens will be banned? Details have emerged...

Minister of Interior Mustafa Çiftçi announced that the new regulation regarding in-car audio and video systems will be published by the end of April.

Stating that the new regulation will be based on systems that do not obstruct the driver's view or distract their attention, Çiftçi expressed that no penal actions will be taken until the regulation comes into effect, and that drivers will be provided with guidance instead.

Emphasizing that the use of screens added to vehicles later can cause accidents while driving, Çiftçi said the regulation aims to limit such applications.

HEAVY SANCTIONS FOR NON-STANDARD LICENSE PLATES

Stating that sanctions regarding non-standard and insecure "APP" license plates have come into effect, Çiftçi noted that these plates cannot be read by license plate recognition systems and can be used in crimes.

Noting that a fine of 140 thousand liras will be applied to those using APP plates, Çiftçi said that these plates must be replaced to prevent citizens from experiencing grievances. Stating that the plates in question are considered fake, Çiftçi conveyed that renewal procedures can be carried out through law enforcement units, notaries, and the chamber of drivers.

GOAL IN TRAFFIC SAFETY: ZERO LOSS OF LIFE

Çiftçi, who made evaluations during a TRT Haber broadcast, also touched upon traffic safety goals.

He stated that the goal is to reduce fatal and injury-causing accidents by half by 2030, and to reduce them to zero by 2050.

Expressing that penalties for violations such as running red lights, drifting, mobile phone use, and blocking roads continue, Çiftçi emphasized that the main goal is not to issue fines but to reduce accidents.

“MULTIMEDIA SYSTEMS CREATE CONFUSION”

Çiftçi made the following statements regarding the regulation on in-car audio and video systems:

“One of the issues causing unrest in society was related to sound systems. Citizens generally adopted other traffic regulations, finding them appropriate. In other words, this found a response in the public conscience, but I want to make a statement about multimedia systems, or what is also called multi-media. This is one of the issues causing confusion. The law says that a regulation will be made regarding this.

The fundamental point here, that is, the basis, is this: Regarding video systems, it will not affect a driver's field of vision. This is the subject we call screen systems, music systems, audio and video systems. Secondly, it will not distract the driver. Both of these need to be realized. Of course, it has been stated that it will be regulated by a regulation. Currently, our work on the regulation is ongoing. We will issue the regulation regarding these screen systems, audio and video systems by the end of April. Therefore, we will continue to provide guidance to our citizens on this matter until we issue the regulation. In other words, we will not apply any penalties in any way.”

“ILLEGAL SYSTEMS WILL BE CLEARLY DEFINED”

Stating that the new regulation will clearly define which systems are against the law, Çiftçi continued his words as follows:

“We will determine which video and audio systems are against the law in the regulation in a clear, understandable, net, and objective way, and then we will probably issue our regulation around May and start implementing it. As I said, our guidance work regarding video systems will continue until the regulation is issued. In other words, it is useful to know this because this issue is important, as there was confusion. Which screens block the view, that is, the angle of view, and which ones do not? I also see it sometimes in vehicles, for example, tablets installed later. They are quite large. The driver is watching a match, watching a series on it. For example, they download videos from social media and watch them. In other words, they are driving a vehicle while watching them. Is it possible for such a driver not to be distracted? Aren't the vast majority of accidents caused by a momentary lack of attention anyway? Therefore, the legislator felt the need to regulate these to prevent this. So, these will also be regulated by the regulation. Again, our goal is the same: to reduce loss of life. In other words, even if we can reduce even one loss of life, we will consider ourselves successful at this point. So, the reason for all our regulations is entirely aimed at this.”