Turkish lawmakers are moving forward with a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s traffic laws, approving the first two articles of a bill that significantly increases penalties for a wide range of driving offenses. The proposed legislation, debated Wednesday in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, aims too improve road safety and modernize vehicle registration processes amid growing concerns over traffic incidents nationwide. The bill’s provisions also address administrative streamlining, including timelines for vehicle registration following a purchase or the death of an owner.
Turkish lawmakers have approved the first two articles of a bill that would increase traffic fines and revise regulations surrounding vehicle registration and operation. The changes come as authorities seek to improve road safety and streamline administrative processes.
The Turkish Grand National Assembly convened Wednesday under the leadership of Deputy Speaker Tekin Bingöl. Before addressing the agenda, Bingöl granted speaking time to three members of parliament on matters not listed for debate. Osmaniye AK Party Deputy Seydi Gülsoy marked the 104th anniversary of the city’s liberation from occupation, while other lawmakers discussed issues ranging from retiree benefits to university research and development, the tax system, and public sector employment.
Despite debate, proposals from the New Way Party, the Good Party, the Peoples’ Democratic Party, and the Republican People’s Party were ultimately rejected by the assembly.
INITIAL ARTICLES APPROVED
The most significant progress came with the passage of the first two articles of the Road Traffic Law amendment bill, which includes provisions for increased penalties for traffic violations.
Under the approved measures, traffic officers responsible for highways may also be authorized to act as general law enforcement officers, with the approval of the Minister of Interior. In areas lacking sufficient traffic police, general law enforcement will be responsible for regulating traffic and enforcing traffic laws, adhering to existing regulations.
The legislation also mandates that vehicles capable of electronic registration be registered within three business days of purchase. Furthermore, in the event of an owner’s death, heirs will have 90 days to register the vehicle in their name, providing the necessary documentation. Failure to do so will result in a 3,000 lira fine and the impoundment of the vehicle until registration is complete.
The assembly adjourned Wednesday after failing to achieve a quorum for a vote on the bill’s third article. Deputy Speaker Bingöl announced the session would reconvene at 2:00 PM Thursday.
NEW PENALTIES FOR DRIVERS
The proposed changes to the Road Traffic Law include substantial increases in fines for various offenses. Drivers altering their license plates to be illegible will now face a penalty of 140,000 lira and a 30-day vehicle impoundment.
Vehicles used for commercial freight weighing over 3,500 kilograms, passenger vehicles with more than 17 seats, and taxis will be required to have functioning tachographs and taximeters, respectively.
Speeding in residential areas will also be more strictly enforced. Drivers exceeding the 46-55 km/h limit will have their licenses suspended for 30 days, those exceeding 56-65 km/h for 60 days, and those exceeding 66 km/h for 90 days.
Failing to yield to vehicles with right-of-way will result in a 15,000 lira fine.
Drivers obstructing emergency vehicles, including ambulances, fire trucks, and those responding to forest fires, will face a 46,000 lira fine and a 30-day license suspension.
180,000 LIRA FINE FOR AGGRESSIVE DRIVING
The bill also introduces a hefty 180,000 lira fine, a 60-day license suspension, and a 30-day vehicle impoundment for drivers who intentionally follow another vehicle aggressively or exit their vehicle to confront others.
Vehicles producing excessive noise will incur a 16,000 lira fine.
Drivers causing accidents while running red lights will have their licenses suspended for 60 days, contingent upon passing a psychological evaluation before reinstatement.
Using cell phones or similar communication devices while driving will result in a 5,000 lira fine.
Illegal street racing will carry a 46,000 lira fine and a two-year license suspension.
In the event of a fatal or injury-causing accident, drivers leaving the scene without permission will face a prison sentence of one to three years.
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