22.04.2025 08:10
The government has prepared a new draft that anticipates a significant increase in traffic fines. It is planned to impose heavy monetary penalties for offenses such as speeding, running a red light, lane violations, or improper overtaking, as well as to introduce a provision for 'aggravating circumstances' in cases of multiple rule violations.
The AK Party is preparing to radically increase traffic fines with a new draft prepared in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior. According to the 2024 data presented at a meeting held at the Presidential Palace, 45% of the 6,450 fatal and injury-causing accidents were due to speeding, while 1,300 were caused by improper lane changes. With the draft, heavy fines will be imposed for basic offenses such as speeding, running a red light, lane violations, or improper overtaking, and there will be a provision for "aggravating circumstances" in cases of multiple rule violations.
PENALTIES WILL INCREASE
According to a report in Türkiye Newspaper, a meeting was held at the Presidential Palace with the participation of the AK Party group management and representatives of relevant ministries to discuss increasing penalties for traffic offenses. In the presentation made by the Ministry of Interior at the meeting, it was stated that 6,450 fatal and injury-causing accidents occurred in 2024, with 45% of these accidents resulting from speeding. It was noted that 1,300 of the accidents were due to improper lane changes, while the others were caused by improper turns, improper overtaking, and running red lights.
PENALTIES INCREASED, CRIME RATE DECREASED
AK Party sources stated, "The penalties for traffic offenses in Turkey have remained very low. For example, when the penalty for vehicles with flashing lights was increased, the number of those who did not comply with this ban decreased by 75%. Because the penalties have become deterrent. There is a fine ranging from 7,500 lira to 150,000 lira for unauthorized use of vehicles with flashing lights, and there is a penalty of confiscation of the driver's license. Additionally, during inspections, you see that a person has come from Europe and has never received a traffic fine there. However, in Turkey, numerous fines have been imposed. This situation arises from the low penalties. Because the person thinks that since the penalty is low, they can afford to violate traffic rules," they evaluated.
PENALTIES FOR REPEATED OFFENSES WILL INCREASE
Another regulation planned with the draft will be related to the penalties for chain traffic offenses. AK Party officials stated, "A person has first run a red light in traffic, then committed a lane violation, and then cut someone off. Since there is a chain situation here, it will be considered an aggravating circumstance in the penalties."