14.07.2026 07:10
Rules regarding the use of foreign-plated vehicles by expatriates in Turkey have changed. Under the new regulation, the vehicle owner's spouse, parents, children, and grandchildren residing abroad may use the vehicle provided that the owner is present in Turkey. The regulation aims to facilitate driver changes during long journeys and enhance traffic safety.
The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Trade have implemented a new regulation aimed at reducing the hardships faced by Turkish expatriates when using foreign-plated vehicles in Turkey.
Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi, in a post on his social media account, announced the changes to the practice using the phrase, “We have provided an important convenience for our expatriate citizens.”
PERSONS OTHER THAN THE VEHICLE OWNER CAN ALSO USE IT
Previously, only the registered owner of the vehicle was allowed to use foreign-plated vehicles; under the new regulation, these vehicles may also be used by persons other than the owner, provided certain conditions are met.
The regulation aims to largely prevent issues such as administrative fines and vehicle impoundment that owners of foreign-plated vehicles face during their stay in Turkey.
CONVENIENCE FOR SPOUSES, MOTHERS, FATHERS, CHILDREN, AND GRANDCHILDREN
According to the regulation enacted through the joint work of the two ministries, foreign-plated vehicles registered in the name of expatriates can be used by their relatives even if the owner is not in the vehicle, provided that the owner is in Turkey.
In this context, spouses, mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, children, and grandchildren whose place of residence is abroad will be able to use foreign-plated vehicles.
USAGE AREA WILL EXPAND IF THE VEHICLE OWNER IS PRESENT
Under the new regulation, foreign-plated vehicles can also be used by other individuals whose place of residence is abroad, provided that the vehicle owner is in the vehicle.
In emergency situations, persons residing in Turkey will also be allowed to use a foreign-plated vehicle, provided that the vehicle owner is in the vehicle.
DRIVER CHANGES CAN BE MADE ON LONG JOURNEYS
The regulation aims to enable expatriates returning to their homeland to change drivers during long journeys.
Thus, it is intended to reduce driver fatigue, make journeys safer, and enhance traffic safety.