Technical requirements for alcohol interlock systems in vehicles have been determined

Administrative regulations concerning new safety systems for motor vehicles have been published in the Official Gazette. Type approval requirements for equipment such as intelligent speed assistance systems, driver drowsiness and attention warning systems, event data recorders, alcohol interlock installation preparation, and advanced driver distraction warning systems have been clarified.

According to a report by Türkiye Gazetesi, these regulations aim to prevent drivers from getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol. Systems such as alcohol interlocks are expected to play a significant role in preventing accidents.

International road and driving safety expert Mert İntepe stated, "An alcohol interlock is a system designed to prevent drunk driving by requiring the driver to blow into an in-vehicle breathalyzer before starting the ignition. It features technology that can be adjusted according to different levels and limits."

Similar practices have been in effect in the European Union for a long time. İntepe noted, "This regulation is coming to Turkey as of 2025, but when we look at it country by country, it was implemented in the EU in the 2010s. We know that alcohol is the cause of 25 percent of all traffic fatalities in the EU. In the EU, alcohol is considered a 'repeat offense.' Looking from 2000 to today, the EU set a target to reduce the rate of drunk driving by 65 percent and has achieved 95 percent of that goal."

Although alcohol does not rank among the top causes of death in traffic accidents in Turkey, İntepe stated that this regulation should not be limited to alcohol control alone. Pointing out the necessity of implementing systems that can also detect drug use, İntepe remarked, "Today, the rate of driving under the influence of drugs is higher than that of alcohol in traffic."

News Source: 12punto