Surge in cars with police lights in Türkiye: Growing threat to road safety

The presence of cars with police lights on Türkiye’s roads has sparked increasing concern among citizens. These vehicles are often perceived as having priority in traffic, leading to growing frustration.

Ensonhaber delves into the issue, exploring the rights of these vehicles and the actions that can be taken in necessary situations.

Surge in cars with police lights

Cars with police lights have become more common in recent years, leading to frequent encounters with drivers who demand the right of way.

This practice has raised safety concerns, as these vehicles sometimes create hazardous situations for other drivers.

Inadequate penalties for misuse

Despite special inspections conducted in previous years, which resulted in fines for numerous vehicles, the effectiveness of these penalties remains questionable. Drivers who are caught using police lights improperly face a monetary fine of ₺6,440 ($189), which has proven insufficient in deterring misuse.

Who is allowed to use police lights?

According to regulations introduced in 2019, only certain vehicles are authorized to use police lights or light bars. These include:

• Vehicles belonging to high-ranking officials such as presidents, ministers, and parliamentarians.
• Ambulances transporting emergency patients and the injured.
• Vehicles involved in organ, blood, and tissue transport, as well as emergency interventions.
• Fire trucks and vehicles engaged in forest fire response.
• Vehicles used for transporting prisoners and detainees.
• Vehicles involved in road maintenance and emergency interventions during snow and ice.
• Protected vehicles and those under special protection.
• Vehicles with ministry approval for specific purposes.
• Municipal police vehicles.
• Vehicles used in disaster and emergency situations.
• Security vehicles at crime scenes.

Retired Traffic Officer Mesut Guztoklusu highlighted the limitations of current penalties for police light misuse. He noted that drivers who use police lights unlawfully face a fine of 6,440 TL and merely a warning from the police on the first offense.

Those caught up to three times receive fines, a 15-day traffic suspension, and the removal of the police lights. He pointed out that stricter measures were previously in place, but today, economic incentives for misuse have increased.

Lawyer Sedat Ekmen discussed the legal framework surrounding cars with police lights. He explained that the Road Traffic Law grants priority to such vehicles only during official duties and emergencies.

Misuse of police lights outside these conditions is subject to fines as stipulated by law.

The increasing use of cars with police lights is creating a sense of injustice and raising safety concerns on the roads. Experts emphasize the need for more stringent enforcement and effective penalties to ensure proper usage. Adhering to regulations that restrict police light usage to authorized personnel and specific circumstances is crucial for maintaining road safety.