15.08.2026 08:41
With the new regulation published by the Ministry of Trade in the Official Gazette, a new era begins in the car rental sector. With the regulation that will enter into force as of January 1, 2027, renting out vehicles older than 6 years and exceeding 180,000 kilometers will be prohibited; while a license requirement for businesses, an upper limit for rental deposits, and a return condition of at most 7 days have been introduced.
The Ministry of Trade has published a revolutionary regulation redistributing the rules in the car rental sector. According to the decision published in the Official Gazette; renting out vehicles older than 6 years and exceeding the specified kilometer limit has been banned. An upper limit has also been imposed on high deposit practices that victimize consumers.
The Ministry of Trade has implemented the "Regulation on the Rental of Motor Land Vehicles" regulation, prepared with the aim of increasing service quality in the car rental sector, preventing unregistered activities, and securing consumer rights. With the new decisions that will change the balance in the sector, many critical requirements have been introduced for car rental businesses, from the requirement of an authorization certificate to age limits.
RENTAL BAN FOR VEHICLES WITH HIGH AGE AND KILOMETERS
The new regulation will prevent the rental of neglected and old vehicles in the market. While classic vehicles are excluded from the scope, the following limits have been set for rental fleets:
- Age Limit: Vehicles older than 6 years cannot be rented out.
- Kilometer Limit: Renting out vehicles exceeding 180,000 kilometers and electric vehicles over 300,000 kilometers will be prohibited.
- Damage and Maintenance Barrier: Vehicles whose periodic maintenance has not been carried out on time or which have records of severe damage in judicial/insurance records cannot be included in fleets.
DEPOSIT GUARANTEE FOR THE CONSUMER: REFUND IN MAXIMUM 7 DAYS!
The deposit (security deposit) amounts and refund periods, which are the most common source of complaints in the sector, have also been placed under legal guarantee. According to the regulation:
- For rentals of 1-6 days: A deposit of at most 3 days' rental fee can be taken,
- For rentals of 7-29 days: A deposit of at most 7 days' rental fee can be taken.
After the vehicle is returned without any problems, the deposit amount taken must be refunded to the consumer within at most 7 days.
AUTHORIZATION CERTIFICATE AND INFORMATION SYSTEM (MKKBS) REQUIREMENT
All businesses renting out vehicles for commercial purposes are required to obtain an authorization certificate. Businesses must be registered with the professional chamber, be taxpayers, and their managers must meet professional qualification criteria. Additionally, the ministry will establish the Motor Land Vehicle Rental Information System (MKKBS) to monitor all rental processes in real time.
FLEET SIZE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY VEHICLE REQUIREMENT
Businesses operating in certain districts of metropolitan cities have been required to maintain a fleet of at least 10 vehicles. Companies have also been made mandatory to gradually include hybrid or fully electric vehicles in their fleets.
WHEN WILL THE NEW RULES BE APPLIED?
A gradual transition process has been granted to businesses for the regulation:
- January 1, 2027: The regulation will officially enter into force and the Motor Land Vehicle Rental Information System will be established.
- July 1, 2027: Existing businesses will need to complete the requirement of obtaining an authorization certificate.
- January 1, 2028: This will be the final deadline for full compliance with the criteria for vehicle number, age, kilometer, and characteristics.