07.03.2026 08:10
The General Directorate of Security (EGM) made a statement regarding the incorrect assessments about the use of plates known to the public as "APP plates." EGM reminded that an administrative fine of 4,000 TL is imposed for non-standard plates and that this regulation has been in effect since 2016. It was stated that there are serious penalties for unauthorized production APP plates that do not have a seal and security features, including a fine of 140,000 TL, a 30-day traffic ban, and the revocation of the driver's license.
The General Directorate of Security (EGM) made statements regarding various evaluations and misunderstandings that have arisen in the public about the 'APP plate' known in recent days and the sanctions related to the use of these plates.
PENALTY FOR NON-STANDARD PLATES IS 4 THOUSAND LIRA In a post made on EGM's social media account, it was stated that the rules and sanctions regarding plate usage are clearly regulated in the 23rd article of the Traffic Law No. 2918, titled 'Obligation to keep documents and plates on vehicles', and it was noted that "In case of violation of the third paragraph of Article 23 of the Law; drivers who use plates that do not comply with the qualifications or dimensions specified in the regulation or do not use the required number of plates on the vehicle are subject to an administrative fine of 4,000 Turkish Liras. Additionally, this provision is not a new regulation but has been in effect since 2016.
"PLATES WITHOUT OFFICIAL SEAL AND SECURITY ELEMENTS FALL UNDER THIS SCOPE" On the other hand, the situation frequently referred to as 'APP plate' in the public has a different legal sanction. In case of violation of the fifth paragraph of Article 23 of the Law, the issue at hand is not the size or appearance of the plate, but rather that the plate has not been printed by the authorized institution. Indeed, according to Article 131 of the Law No. 2918, plates that are not printed by the authorized institution and do not have an official seal and the security elements specified in the regulation are not considered legally valid. The plates known as APP plates in the public fall under this scope. In case these types of plates are used on vehicles, an administrative fine of 140,000 Turkish Liras is imposed on the individuals who attach or use the plate, their driver's licenses are revoked for 30 days, and the vehicle is banned from traffic for 30 days. Additionally, legal action may be taken against these individuals under Article 204 of the Turkish Penal Code, which provides for imprisonment of 2 to 5 years for 'Forgery in Official Documents'. In case of repetition of the act, the penalties increase progressively," it was stated.
"USE PLATES PRINTED BY AUTHORIZED INSTITUTIONS" In the statement, it was emphasized that the purpose of these regulations is not to impose sanctions but to ensure traffic safety and public order, stating that "Vehicle registration plates serve as an official identity that enables the accurate and rapid identification of vehicles in terms of traffic inspections, electronic monitoring systems, city security cameras, and judicial investigations. Non-standard, unauthorized plates weaken the effectiveness of these inspection mechanisms and negatively affect public safety. It is strongly reminded that our citizens should use only the registration plates printed by the authorized institution and that comply with the qualifications and dimensions specified in the regulation in their vehicles" was stated.
LONG QUEUES FOR PLATE CHANGES HAVE FORMED After the increase in penalties for the thick-font and illegally used APP plates, drivers took action. With the new regulation, those using vehicles with APP plates face a fine of 140,000 TL on the first detection, and 280,000 TL for those caught a second time. Additionally, these vehicles can be banned from traffic. Drivers who heard about the fines rushed to the driver’s chambers to change their plates, resulting in long queues.