Traffic fines are skyrocketing: License suspensions and prison terms are coming

With a new traffic bill submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, sanctions for drivers who violate traffic rules are being significantly tightened.

According to a report by Veli Toprak from Sözcü, the bill proposes both high monetary fines and long-term license suspensions, particularly for violations such as excessive speeding, aggressive driving, racing, and fleeing the scene of an accident.

It is stated that the regulations included in the bill aim to increase traffic safety and strengthen deterrence.

LICENSE SUSPENSION FOR SPEEDING

The sanctions to be applied to drivers who exceed the speed limit within residential areas 5 times within a year are listed as follows:

55–64 km/h over the limit: License will be suspended for 30 days.

65 km/h over the limit: License will be suspended for 60 days.

66 km/h or more over the limit: License will be suspended for 90 days.

HEAVY SANCTIONS FOR AGGRESSIVE DRIVING

For individuals who intentionally follow or harass another vehicle in traffic, or exit their vehicle to confront a driver:

180 thousand TL fine

60-day license suspension will be applied.

RECORD FINES FOR RADAR DETECTORS

For those who use, manufacture, or import radar detectors or detection devices:

Fines ranging from 185 thousand TL to 370 thousand TL are proposed.

VIOLATIONS OF RIGHT OF WAY

Drivers who do not yield to ambulances, fire trucks, and similar vehicles with right-of-way priority:

15 thousand TL – 46 thousand TL fine

Will be punished with a 30-day license suspension.

LONG-TERM BAN FOR ILLEGAL RACING

For drivers who race on public roads:

46 thousand TL fine

2-year license suspension will be applied.

PRISON FOR FLEEING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT

For drivers who leave the scene after being involved in a traffic accident resulting in death or injury:

A prison sentence of 1 to 3 years is proposed.

RED LIGHT VIOLATION

In the event that a red light violation causes an accident:

The license will be suspended for 60 days.

NOISE AND PHONE USE

For those who disturb the environment with loud music: 16 thousand TL fine

For those talking on the phone while driving: 5 thousand TL fine will be issued.

News Source: 12punto