New era for taxis: That system is becoming mandatory! Those who don't comply will not be allowed on the road

With a decision taken by the Ministry of Interior, it has become mandatory for all taxis to be equipped with an in-vehicle camera system as of March 1, 2025.

Within the scope of the new regulation introduced by the amendment to the Highway Traffic Regulation published in the Official Gazette on November 29, 2024, it was reported that cameras must be installed in approximately 120 thousand taxis across the country.

It was announced that the expanded scope of the camera mandate will be implemented in a way that records not only the passenger section but also the interior of the vehicle, including the driver's seat, and the front road view.

It was stated that taxis that do not have a camera system installed by the specified date will not be able to pass vehicle inspections and will not be able to continue operating.

CAMERA RECORDINGS WILL BE KEPT FOR AT LEAST ONE MONTH

According to the rules set by the Ministry of Interior, in-vehicle camera recordings will need to be stored for at least one month.

It was stated that the storage period for taxi recordings could be re-regulated by Provincial Transportation Coordination Centers and Provincial Traffic Commissions. It was noted that the General Directorate of Security and the General Command of Gendarmerie would be able to access these images when deemed necessary, thereby allowing for rapid and effective intervention in criminal incidents.

THE COST OF THE CAMERA SYSTEM VARIES

While it is noted that the regulation imposes an additional cost on taxi owners, Eyüp Aksu, President of the Istanbul Taxi Drivers Tradesmen Chamber (İTEO), announced that taxis in Istanbul are transitioning to the camera system and that this system costs 22 thousand 800 TL per taxi. It was stated that costs may vary by province.

It was emphasized that the new practice aims to increase the safety of taxi drivers and passengers, and will contribute to the prevention of negative incidents and the use of recordings as evidence of crime.