New regulation on the way: What will the speed limit be on the E-5 and highways?
Speed limits and radar enforcement are back on the agenda in Turkey. While drivers report receiving fines due to sudden speed drops on some roads, the government has launched a study to update speed limits.
12punto
Discussions regarding speed limits and radar enforcement have increased in Turkey recently. Drivers are voicing complaints, particularly concerning which roads are classified as residential areas, whether traffic signs accurately reflect current limits, and the issuance of fines due to sudden speed drops.
According to regulations, the speed limit on divided roads is 110 kilometers per hour. Including the tolerance margin, this figure rises to 121 kilometers per hour. However, in some locations, the speed limit drops to 70 kilometers per hour upon entering a residential area. Drivers, noting that a sudden transition from 121 to 70 is difficult in practice, state that radar fines are frequently applied in these zones.
On the E-5 highway in Istanbul, the speed limit is set at 80 kilometers per hour. Despite being a three-lane road, this limit is monitored by cameras placed at frequent intervals. During hours when traffic is flowing, the 80-kilometer limit can lead to time loss for drivers.
Across Turkey, speed limits are categorized into residential areas, non-residential areas, and highways. Furthermore, different limits are applied for each vehicle type. For instance, cars can travel at 140 kilometers per hour on highways. With a 10 percent tolerance, this limit can reach up to 154 kilometers per hour.
Drivers can check which limit applies to which road via navigation applications. This makes it possible to avoid violations that could lead to fines.
On the other hand, a study has been initiated to re-regulate speed limits in certain regions. Taking factors such as road structure, traffic density, and pedestrian activity into account, the possibility of raising speed limits that were set too low will be evaluated. It is stated that limits lowered due to unused pedestrian crossings, in particular, will be reconsidered.
The work, to be carried out under the coordination of the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, will continue with the participation of relevant institutions. It is planned that the regulations will be completed by September 1 for priority roads and by December 31 for other routes.