Passed by Parliament: Record fines for illegal transport
A new legal regulation targeting illegal passenger transport has come into effect, introducing severe sanctions. Those who transport passengers without a license or authorization will face fines of up to 100 thousand liras and temporary suspension of their driver's license. Industry representatives stated they are pleased with the decisions taken to combat illegal transport.
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With the latest amendment to the Highway Traffic Law accepted by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, deterrent measures against illegal transport activities have been increased. Henceforth, those who transport passengers without a work permit or the necessary authorization document will be subject to an administrative fine of up to 100 thousand liras. On the other hand, those who carry out transport activities outside the routes defined in their operating permit will be fined 46 thousand liras.
These new regulations are not limited to fines in the fight against illegal transport. The driver's licenses of those found to be engaged in unauthorized transport will be confiscated for 30 days. If the same violation is repeated within one year, the penalties will double, and in order to retrieve the driver's license, all outstanding administrative fines must first be paid.
In addition to unlicensed transport, drivers who use their vehicles for purposes other than those for which they are registered, and vehicle owners who turn a blind eye to this, will be fined 20 thousand liras.
STRICT MONITORING AGAINST ILLEGAL TRANSPORT
Mehmet Yiğiner, President of the Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK) and the Turkish Drivers and Automobile Federation, expressed their support for the new law and reiterated their determination against illegal transport. Touching upon the importance of the taxes and fees paid by legally operating drivers for the country's economy, Yiğiner emphasized that the new law will have a deterrent effect in the fight against illegal transport. "We will absolutely not allow illegal transport. Everyone should do their own job. We must protect the labor and livelihood of our tradesmen," he said.
At the same time, Yiğiner conveyed to the public that the period for license suspension should be even longer.
Yiğiner stated that illegal transport poses risks not only in financial terms but also in terms of safety. He warned citizens not to get into vehicles without being sure of the identities of the people providing the transport. Furthermore, he called on legal taxi and minibus drivers to increase customer satisfaction and end the practice of passenger selection.
With the entry into force of the new regulation, the aim is to reduce illegal transport activities, and industry representatives express that they are hopeful about the steps taken in this area.