A new era begins in traffic

Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya has announced that a comprehensive reform package has come into effect to increase safety in traffic. Yerlikaya stated that with the new regulations, heavy penalties will be imposed on drivers who exceed speed limits, weave through traffic, or fail to yield to emergency vehicles.

Minister Yerlikaya stated that police and gendarmerie teams will be equipped with body cameras by the end of the year, and these cameras will record the communication between citizens and security forces. Emphasizing that complaints have decreased by 90 percent in regions where cameras are used, Yerlikaya said that this practice will increase deterrence.

NEW PENALTIES AND PRACTICES

Stating that inspections have been increased by 50 percent in 2024, Yerlikaya announced the new penalties to be applied against traffic violations. Drivers who weave through traffic will be fined 90 thousand TL and face a 60-day suspension of their driver's license and vehicle impoundment.

Those who exceed the speed limit will lose their driver's licenses for between 30 and 90 days. Drivers who do not yield to ambulances or fire trucks will receive a 46 thousand TL fine and their licenses will be suspended for 30 days. Those who engage in street racing will be subject to a 46 thousand TL fine and a 2-year driver's license revocation. Those who alter their license plates will receive a 140 thousand TL fine and their vehicles will be banned from traffic for 30 days.

The Ministry is also launching the "Action Taken" (Gereği Yapıldı) application, through which citizens can report traffic violations with video evidence. Drivers will be able to report violations instantly via images they send through e-Devlet, and the criminal proceedings will be announced to the public.

Within the scope of the new regulations, the use of tachographs and taximeters in freight and passenger transport is becoming mandatory. The documents of drivers who cause accidents at red lights will be seized for 60 days, and a psychotechnical evaluation will be conducted before they are returned.

Minister of Interior Yerlikaya stated that they are determined to increase deterrence in traffic and protect the safety of citizens, adding that all necessary steps will be taken.

News Source: 12punto