13.07.2026 22:30
Minister of Interior Mustafa Çiftçi announced a new regulation regarding the use of foreign-plated vehicles. Under the new practice, provided that the vehicle owner is in Turkey, their spouse, parents, children, and grandchildren residing abroad will be able to use the registered vehicle even if the owner is not present in the vehicle. The reform, aimed at enhancing road safety, also seeks to prevent penal proceedings.
A new regulation has been introduced regarding the use of foreign-plated vehicles.
The changes announced by Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi on his social media account with the words "We have provided an important convenience for our expatriate citizens" are listed as follows:
NEW CONVENIENCE FOR ASCENDANTS AND DESCENDANTS
The application, which previously only allowed the registered owner to drive the vehicle, now permits other individuals to use it under certain conditions. With the implementation of the new regulation, it is expected that problems such as administrative fines and vehicle impoundment faced by foreign vehicle owners during their stay in Turkey will be largely resolved.
Through the regulation implemented with the joint efforts of two ministries, foreign-plated vehicles registered in the name of expatriates can be used by their spouse, mother, father, grandmother, grandfather (ascendants), as well as their children and grandchildren (descendants), who reside abroad, provided that the vehicle owner is in Turkey, even if the owner is not in the vehicle.
USAGE POSSIBILITY EXPANDED WHEN THE VEHICLE OWNER IS PRESENT
Additionally, with the regulation, foreign-plated vehicles can be used by individuals residing abroad, provided that the vehicle owner is in the vehicle. Furthermore, in emergency situations, the vehicle can be used by residents of Turkey, as long as the vehicle owner is present in the vehicle.
This regulation also aims to enable expatriates returning to their homeland to change drivers during long journeys, reduce driver fatigue, and improve traffic safety.