Türkiye to increase traffic violations penalties: Stricter fines, jail time proposed
A traffic police stops vehicles at traffic inspection point (AA Photo)
A new legal package designed to enhance traffic safety and impose stricter penalties will soon be presented to the Turkish Parliament.
The proposed regulations are aimed at imposing heavy fines and penalties for violations such as driving under the influence of alcohol, cutting in traffic, drifting, weaving between lanes, and failing to yield to ambulances.
Jail time for drunk driving
Under the new draft law, the minimum sentence for driving under the influence of alcohol will be increased from 3 months to 6 months. Offenders could face prison terms ranging from 36 days to a maximum of 144 days.
Additionally, the current fine of₺9,267 (approximately $254) will be raised to₺50,000 (approximately $1,371). The suspension period for driving licenses will also be extended from six months to one year.
| Violation | Current Penalty | New Penalty | Penalty in USD (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drunk Driving | ₺9,267 | ₺50,000 | $1,371 |
| Drugged Driving | ₺47,842 | ₺100,000 | $2,741 |
| Drifting | ₺46,392 | ₺80,000 | $2,194 |
| Weaving Between Lanes | ₺9,267 | ₺50,000 | $1,371 |
| Driving Without a License | ₺18,677 | ₺40,000 | $1,097 |
| Failing to Yield to Ambulances | ₺993 | ₺20,000 | $549 |
| Blocking Traffic (Cutting Roads) | 1-3 years in prison, license revoked for 1 year | 1-3 years in prison, license revoked for 1 year | N/A |
Penalties for driving under the influence of drugs will also rise, from ₺47,842 (approximately $1,311) to ₺100,000 (approximately $2,741).
The fine for drivers engaging in drifting will increase from ₺46,392 (approximately $1,271) to ₺80,000 (approximately $2,194).
Additionally, the current 60-day suspension of driving licenses will be extended to 1 year under the new regulations.
Drivers who weave between lanes in a dangerous manner will face a fine of ₺50,000 (approximately $1,371), up from the current fine of $9,267 (approximately $254).
Offenders will also have their driving licenses revoked for one year.
The penalty for driving without a license will increase from ₺18,677 (approximately $512) to₺40,000 (approximately $1,097).
The fine for not yielding to emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, will be raised from ₺993 (approximately $27) to ₺20,000 (approximately $549).
Up to 3 years in prison for blocking traffic
Drivers who block traffic by cutting across roads will face prison sentences ranging from 1 to 3 years. In addition, their driving licenses will be revoked for one year.
These new regulations are designed to improve traffic safety, deter reckless drivers, and reduce the frequency of accidents.
If the legal package is approved by Parliament, it is expected to come into effect in the coming months.
