27.03.2026 17:55
The General Directorate of Security will begin inspections regarding fake plates defined as APP plates without seals and security marks starting from April 1. Drivers carrying APP plates will face penalties such as a fine of 140,000 lira and the confiscation of their driver's licenses for 30 days.
The General Directorate of Security (EGM) Traffic Chief Ümit Mutlu stated that license plates without seals and security signs are referred to as 'APP' plates, saying, "These are the plates we consider to be fake. Inspections regarding the fake plates referred to as APP will begin on April 1."
APP PLATE INSPECTIONS WILL START ON APRIL 1
Inspections for vehicles with non-standard 'American Press Plates (APP)' are being conducted for guidance purposes under the instructions of Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi until April 1. From this date onwards, drivers of vehicles carrying such plates will face penalties. Accordingly, drivers using APP plates will be fined 140,000 lira, their driving licenses will be confiscated for 30 days, and their vehicles will be banned from traffic for 30 days. In the case of a second repeat of the same violation within the past year, the penalty will be doubled.
"SECURITY SIGNS ARE REQUIRED"
In a statement regarding the issue, EGM Traffic Chief Ümit Mutlu said that the authorized organization for the printing of vehicle registration plates is the Turkish Drivers and Automobile Federation (TŞOF) and the driver chambers authorized by it. Mutlu reminded that the security signs that must be present on vehicle registration plates are specified in the regulation and showed two valid different plates to the press. He stated that valid vehicle registration plates must have the seal of the authorized organization, the Turkish Drivers and Automobile Federation, as well as the international security sign 'TR' and a hologram. Mutlu also noted that starting from January 1, 2024, in addition to the existing security signs, the new plates will include a QR code and a 12-digit serial number. He said, "However, the absence of a QR code and serial number on the plates does not mean that it is fake. The presence of the seal and other security signs is sufficient for this plate to be a standard and valid plate."
"PLATES WITH THICK FONT AND SEAL ARE VALID"
Mutlu also mentioned that there is a misconception regarding plates printed with thick fonts for letters and numbers. Showing an example of such a printed plate, Mutlu said, "Our plate with a seal has the TR sign, which is our country's international promotion sign, and a security strip at the bottom. There are also star and crescent and TR signs at certain intervals. Here, there are only letters and numbers printed outside the standards, which are thick. These plates will also be considered valid and accepted as standard plates. Vehicle owners do not need to go to driver chambers to change these types of plates. They can use these plates on their vehicles. They will not be subject to any penalties during inspections. However, if they have any doubts, they can seek support from our traffic organizations or traffic teams regarding this matter," he stated.
Mutlu stated that plates without seals and security signs are referred to as 'APP' plates, saying, "These are the plates we consider to be fake. We want to warn our citizens who use vehicles with these plates. The use and printing of such fake plates is also a crime. We kindly ask them to replace these plates with those from the real authorized organization and with sealed security signs as soon as possible. Our information activities will continue until April 1. However, inspections regarding the fake plates referred to as APP will begin on April 1," he expressed.