Steepened penalties impending for traffic offenders, as per the recently proposed bill.
In Ankara, a comprehensive revamp of traffic laws is in the pipeline, with the government proposing increased fines and stricter penalties to curb dangerous driving and bolster road safety. The draft bill, after passing the justice commission, is scheduled for a parliamentary vote next month.
The reform measures include a steep hike in fines for failing to comply with a police stop order, up from 2,167 Turkish Liras to a staggering 200,000 liras, accompanied by a 60-day driver's license suspension.
Refusing alcohol or drug testing would Lead to a 150,000 lira fine and a five-year license revocation. Unauthorized use of flashing lights will incur a 138,000 lira fine, a 30-day license suspension, and a 30-day vehicle impoundment. Repeat offenders will face harsher penalties.
Fines for drifting would surge from 46,000 liras to 140,000 liras, while repeat offenders within a five-year period may have their licenses canceled. Speeding violations, particularly in areas with a 30-kilometer-per-hour speed limit, such as near schools and hospitals, will carry higher fines.
Red light violations will face a graduated penalty system, with fines escalating with each offense, reaching up to 80,000 liras by the sixth offense. Failing to yield to emergency vehicles will result in a fine of 46,000 liras, a 30-day license suspension, and vehicle impoundment.
Drivers who leave the scene of an accident will face a fine of 46,000 liras, a two-year license suspension, and a possible prison sentence ranging from one to three years. Sharing dangerous driving videos on social media may incur a 25,000 lira administrative fine.
All traffic enforcement officers will be equipped with body cameras to ensure transparency and accountability. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya explained that the reforms aim to "eliminate traffic monsters" and protect lives. If successful at the parliamentary vote, the legislation is expected to take effect two months after publication in the Official Gazette.
The industry of transportation will experience a shift due to the new traffic laws, as fines for various offense such as drifting, speeding, and red light violations are significantly increased. In the realm of finance, it is expected that revenues will rise substantially with the escalating penalties, aiming to support the national coffers.
