The obligation to use winter tires will be in effect during the 2024-2025 period.

The Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, stated that the winter tire requirement will be valid during the 4-month period from December 1, 2024, to April 1, 2025, saying, "Winter tires are vital in preventing accidents. The application will be mandatory for all passenger and cargo vehicles on intercity roads." he said.

MANDATORY FOR 4 MONTHS

In his written statement, Uraloğlu provided information about the mandatory winter tire application. Emphasizing that winter tires increase road grip at temperatures below 7 degrees, Uraloğlu stated, "The winter tire requirement will be valid during the 4-month period from December 1, 2024, to April 1, 2025. Winter tires are vital in preventing accidents. The application will be mandatory for all passenger and cargo vehicles on intercity roads. We also recommend that private vehicle owners install winter tires." he evaluated.

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS CAN EXTEND THE PERIOD

Uraloğlu reminded that the winter tire application within provincial borders is determined by the provincial governments, stating that they can extend the application by one month before and after the date range announced by the Ministry. He emphasized the importance of drivers carefully following the announcements, stating that the tires on trucks, tractors, tankers, and buses, as well as all tires of vans, minibuses, and cars, must be "winter tires," including those that need to be replaced during travel.

"DO NOT NEGLECT"

Uraloğlu stated that studded tires, which can only be used on icy surfaces, also count as winter tires, and added: Having or using a traction chain in the vehicle does not eliminate the winter tire requirement; we should still ensure that necessary equipment such as chains, wedges, and tow ropes are available in our vehicles. Let’s not neglect to travel with equipment and gear suitable for winter conditions. Inspections will be carried out strictly. The tread depth of winter tires on trucks, tractors, tankers, and buses cannot be less than 4 millimeters, and for vans, minibuses, and cars, it cannot be less than 1.6 millimeters. The tread depth is measured from the grooves closest to the center of the tire tread. Winter tires must have (M+S) on their sidewalls or a snowflake symbol or just a snowflake shape along with it.

PENALTIES FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE RULES

Uraloğlu stated that a fine of 4,069 lira will be imposed on those who do not comply with the rules, and informed that personnel from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, the General Directorate of Security, the General Command of Gendarmerie, the units of the Ministry of Trade at border gates, and the relevant teams of municipalities will be in the field for inspections. Uraloğlu emphasized that the Ministry has completed all preparations against winter conditions, using the following statements: Our General Directorate of Highways will serve with 12,634 machines and equipment and 13,283 personnel on a road network of 68,549 kilometers. We will ensure uninterrupted traffic flow on our roads during the winter months with 737,801 tons of stored salt and 11,576 tons of chemical de-icer and salt solution prepared for critical sections.