10.03.2026 12:40
A new penalty item has emerged in traffic controls that have come to the fore with APP license plate checks, causing drivers to worry. Under the regulation in the Highway Traffic Law, in-vehicle screens that obstruct the driver's view or are installed in a non-standard manner will now also be subject to penalties. Those who do not comply with the rule will face fines of up to 21,000 TL, and the vehicle will be banned from traffic for 30 days.
After the APP license plate application, a new topic has come to the fore in traffic inspections. Under the regulation in the Highway Traffic Law, heavy fines and penalties for removal from traffic will be imposed on in-vehicle screens that obstruct the driver's view or are installed in a non-standard manner.
DEVICES DISTRACTING THE DRIVER'S ATTENTION ARE TARGETED
In Turkey, where the number of motor vehicles approaches 30 million, large tablet-type screens and non-standard devices that have become increasingly common on the roads in recent years have been included in the inspection scope with the new regulation. With the amendment to the Highway Traffic Law, devices that can particularly distract the driver's attention and obstruct the field of vision have been targeted.
With the new application, traffic police will directly evaluate screens that obstruct the driver's view or are not installed in accordance with standards as a violation of the rules.
ORIGINAL SYSTEMS WITHIN LEGAL LIMITS
With the regulation, a clear distinction is made between factory-installed systems and devices installed later. Original systems that support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and provide basic functions to assist driving, such as navigation, music, and phone calls, are accepted within legal limits.
PENALTIES FOR SCREENS THAT PLAY VIDEOS AND OBSTRUCT VISION
However, screens that play videos during driving, obstruct the view of the windshield, or are installed with amateur assembly in a way that overflows from the dashboard will be subject to penalties. Traffic teams will impose fines and may also remove the vehicle from traffic if they determine that the system jeopardizes driving safety during inspections.
PENALTIES AND SANCTIONS
The sanctions to be applied under the new regulation are as follows:
Use of non-standard or screens that obstruct the driver's view → 21,000 TL fine
Use of visual or audio systems that endanger traffic → 30 days removal from traffic
HAVE CARPLAY AND ANDROID AUTO BEEN BANNED IN CARS?
The biggest question in drivers' minds regarding CarPlay and Android Auto is whether these systems will be completely banned with the new regulations in 2026. There is no clear provision in the law directly banning these applications; expert comments and general assessments agree that these systems are not included in the ban due to their driving assistance features. Functions such as navigation support, music control, and hands-free calling continue to be legally accepted as they enhance safety. However, the use of these applications in a way that distracts the driver, such as playing videos, is still considered within the scope of the ban.