06.03.2026 14:31
After the increase in penalties for illegally used APP plates, drivers took action to change their plates. With the new regulation, those using such plates face a fine of 140,000 lira upon the first detection, and up to 280,000 lira if caught a second time. With the rise in penalties, drivers applied to driver associations to change their plates, leading to a surge in demand.
After the increase in penalties related to illegally used plates known as "APP plates," drivers have started to take action to change their plates. With the new regulation, heavy fines are imposed on those using such plates.
PENALTY CAN REACH 280 THOUSAND LIRA
Drivers caught with APP plates face a fine of 140 thousand lira on the first detection, and up to 280 thousand lira if caught a second time. Additionally, vehicles using these plates may also be banned from traffic.
THOSE WITH ORIGINAL PLATES ARE LUCKY
If vehicle owners have the original plate of their vehicle, it is possible to remove the APP plate from the vehicle and destroy it, and then use the original plate again. However, for drivers without the original plate, the plate renewal process can be longer and more cumbersome.
CROWDING IN DRIVER ROOMS
After the penalties rose to 140 thousand lira, many drivers started to apply to driver rooms to change their plates. With the increase in applications, there has been crowding and long queues in driver rooms in many provinces.
"I FIND IT ILLOGICAL"
Efkan Seyyar expressed that he finds it meaningless for APP plates to be considered non-standard, saying, "My vehicle's plate is not standard. I came here to avoid getting a fine. The penalties have increased. There are those who have received a fine of 140 thousand lira. We are here because we are afraid of that. There are too many people in line. Our work will take a long time. First, we need to get approval, and then we will have to print the plate. We will be here for a while longer. The processes do not take a short time. We are trying to catch up for today. I don't think this is a useful application. The difference in the plate text on the vehicle is a situation that endangers traffic. This is just something done to make the vehicle look nicer. There are those who have custom plates and pay a high amount of money, and their only aim is to display it. The font style of these plates is thicker and more readable. Nevertheless, I find it illogical that it is not accepted," he said.
"WAITING IN RAMADAN FEELS LIKE TORTURE"
Ayhan Özdemir expressed that they had to wait a long time, saying, "We were here yesterday too, but we couldn't complete our work due to the queue, and we had to come again today. Waiting in this line during Ramadan feels like torture. There are too many people in line, and people are fasting. They could have made this application easier. This is very meaningless. It is said that a fine of 140 thousand lira is issued. We came here because we are afraid. We are constantly getting in line. The fines are very high. How can people pay these amounts?" he said.
"WE HAVE TO COMPLY WITH THE RULE"
Driver Arif Doğan stated, "When we bought our vehicle, we did not know that the plate was different and illegal. We came to change it. It is said that there is a fine of 140 thousand lira. We have to comply with whatever rule our state has set. There are many people printing plates," he said.