Ruling AK Party proposes omnibus bill with stricter transport fines, toll reforms
Buses parked near platforms with shelters at bus station (Adobe Stock Photo)
The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) is preparing a new omnibus bill focused on financial regulations, including significant changes to penalties in road transportation laws.
The bill is expected to be submitted to the Turkish Parliament by the end of the week.
Why it matters
The proposed amendments aim to increase fines for road transportation violations, integrate foreign-registered vehicles into toll systems to prevent revenue losses, and adjust financial compensations in the aviation sector. These changes could strengthen enforcement and reduce economic losses due to unpaid fines.
Key changes in the bill
- Increased penalties in road transportation
Fines for ticketless passengers will rise from ₺8,500 ($233) to ₺85,000. The penalty for unauthorized passenger boarding or disembarking outside terminals and designated stops will increase from ₺1,500 to up to ₺50,000. Regulations for cargo transportation violations will also be updated, imposing stricter penalties for transporting goods without proper documentation.
- Integration of foreign-registered vehicles into toll systems
To prevent unpaid toll crossings, foreign-registered vehicles will be integrated into Türkiye’s toll system. Vehicles with outstanding toll fines will be unable to leave the country. Since 2015, Türkiye has reportedly lost between $12 million to $13 million due to uncollected toll fines from foreign vehicles.
- Aviation compensation adjustments
The bill includes an increase in compensation payments to employees of the State Airports Authority under the EUROCONTROL framework.
- Technical budgetary adjustments
The bill will also introduce a technical regulation ensuring that funds for birth assistance programs are explicitly accounted for in the budget.
