05.07.2026 17:11
The biggest mistake made by expatriates coming from abroad to Turkey with their vehicles, thinking "Nothing will happen," has now cost them dearly. An expatriate citizen who allowed a relative in Turkey to use their foreign-plated car brought from Germany fell afoul of strict customs regulations. The price of this momentary mistake was a fine of 130,000 TL and the deportation of the vehicle within 7 days.
A expatriate coming from Germany to Turkey with his car faced severe sanctions after letting an unauthorized person drive his foreign-plated vehicle in violation of customs regulations. The vehicle owner was fined approximately 130,000 TL in administrative penalties, and the car was ordered to be taken out of Turkey within 7 days.
THE RULE IS VERY CLEAR: ONLY YOU AND YOUR IMMEDIATE FAMILY CAN USE THE VEHICLE
According to customs regulations, the person who brings the foreign-plated vehicle into Turkey is primarily allowed to use it. Apart from that, only their spouse, parents, and children residing abroad can use the vehicle under specific conditions. If relatives residing in Turkey, friends, or other third parties take the wheel, it is considered a direct violation of the rules.
THE PENALTY IS VERY SEVERE: BOTH VEHICLE CONFISCATION AND HIGH FINES
Authorities state that if a violation is detected, the vehicle can be impounded, customs procedures are initiated, and high fines can be imposed on the vehicle owner based on the customs value of the vehicle. In the recent incident, the sanctions included a fine of approximately 130,000 TL for the vehicle owner and a requirement to take the vehicle out of the country within the specified period.
EXPERTS WARN: "DON'T LET A MOMENTARY MISTAKE RUIN YOUR HOLIDAY"
Experts emphasize that expatriates coming to Turkey with foreign-plated vehicles during the summer holiday period must strictly adhere to customs rules regarding who can use the vehicle. Otherwise, they may face difficult-to-reverse sanctions such as heavy fines and the removal of the vehicle from Turkey.