Türkiye to increase penalties for unlicensed firearms, emergency light misuse

Justice and Development Party (AK Party) lawmakers are set to submit a legislative proposal to the Turkish Parliament that would increase penalties for unlicensed firearm possession and unauthorized use of emergency lights.

This proposal, prepared under the leadership of AK Party Group Chair Abdullah Guler, includes amendments aimed at enhancing public safety and addressing discrepancies in enforcement.

Enhanced penalties for unlicensed firearms

The draft legislation seeks to amend existing laws to impose stricter prison sentences for carrying and possessing unlicensed firearms. Under the proposed changes:

• Current penalties: The minimum sentence of 1 year would be increased to two years.
• Maximum sentence: The upper limit would be raised from three years to four years.
• Impact: Offenders would face prison terms ranging from two to four years if found guilty of possessing unlicensed weapons.

In addition, those involved in the sale, transport, or importation of key firearm components like barrels, triggers, and firing mechanisms would also face prison time under the new regulations.

Significant increase in fines for unauthorized emergency lights

The proposed law also targets the unauthorized use of emergency lights and sirens, known as “cakar” and rooftop lights, often used to mimic official vehicles:

• Increased Fines: The administrative penalty for unauthorized use would be set at ₺150,000 ($4.369)
• Purpose: The increase is aimed at deterring individuals from misusing these devices and enhancing public safety.

Who is allowed to use emergency lights?

According to regulations introduced in 2019, only certain vehicles are authorized to use emergency 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 disasters and emergency situations.
• Security vehicles at crime scenes.

Additional regulations for security personnel

The proposal includes measures to address disparities in the administrative and working conditions of the coastguard, gendarmeris and police personnel. The amendments seek to ensure uniform standards and improve operational consistency across various security branches.

Legislative context, expected process

The proposal is expected to be submitted to the Turkish Parliament this week. According to sources within the AK Party, extensive collaboration between the Ministry of Interior and security experts has helped shape the proposal to align with national security and safety goals.