A legal expert in Kayseri is urging the Turkish government to expand vehicle tax exemptions to cover all individuals with disabilities, arguing that recent legislative changes are unfairly restrictive.
İsmail Arslan, a lawyer with an 81% physical disability, spoke out on April 7, 2026, regarding amendments to the Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV) Law. Arslan contends that the right to benefit from both ÖTV and Motor Vehicle Tax (MTV) exemptions should be extended to all disabled citizens, regardless of the nature of their impairment.
The dispute centers on Law Proposal No. 259, which was deliberated in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM). Arslan pointed out that the revised version of Article 7, paragraph 1, clause 2, sub-clause c of the ÖTV Law effectively limits these tax advantages to those with orthopedic disabilities. This leaves individuals with mental disabilities or other conditions that prevent them from operating a vehicle without the same financial relief.
As a specialist in tax law, Arslan emphasized the gravity of these legislative decisions, stating that those in administration are seriously responsible for every signature they provide and that decisions must be carefully calculated to ensure they are lawful and equitable.
This call for inclusivity comes amid heightened public interest in the 2026 list of ÖTV-exempt vehicles and the specific criteria for who can purchase them. The move underscores a growing tension between strict medical classifications and the actual mobility needs of the disabled community.
Further questions remain regarding broader tax adjustments, including whether ÖTV-free vehicle regulations for retirees have been finalized by Parliament. Citizens continue to seek clarity on the requirements for obtaining a vehicle with a 40% disability report and the general range of vehicles available under tax exemptions.
