Traffic Enforcement Penalties
- 1/20If you’re caught speeding over the limit by more than 30% in Turkey
Speeding over 30% of the limit results in increased fines, potential license suspension, and penalty points.
When caught using a handheld phone while driving
Using a mobile phone without a hands-free system is illegal and leads to administrative fines and demerit points.
If you refuse a police breathalyzer test
Refusal is treated seriously under Turkish law. It results in an automatic fine and loss of license for 2 years.
When driving without wearing a seatbelt
All occupants must wear seatbelts. Police can issue on-the-spot fines, even for rear-seat passengers.
If you park illegally in a disabled zone
Unauthorized use of disabled parking spaces results in a significant fine and possibly vehicle removal.
If your vehicle lacks valid insurance or inspection
Driving without valid traffic insurance or inspection is punishable with vehicle impoundment and financial penalties.
When ignoring a red light in Turkey
Red light violations are enforced via cameras or police checks, leading to fines and penalty points.
If caught without a valid driving license
Driving without a license is a serious offense that includes a high fine and temporary confiscation of the vehicle.
If caught drink driving over the legal BAC limit (0.5‰ for private drivers)
Penalties include fines, temporary suspension of license, and repeat offenses may lead to imprisonment.
When committing three or more offenses in one year
Turkish law allows for license cancellation or long-term suspension if multiple serious violations are recorded in a short period.
If you overtake on a continuous (solid) line
Illegal overtaking over a solid line endangers others and is penalized with monetary fines and driver demerits.
When caught tailgating (not keeping safe distance)
Turkish law requires a safe following distance; tailgating leads to fines and may contribute to liability in accidents.
If you ignore lane discipline or fail to stay in your lane
Unsafe lane changes or weaving are punishable with on-the-spot fines, especially in busy areas or on highways.
If you drive through a no-entry zone
No-entry violations are enforced via camera or police patrol, resulting in administrative penalties.
When driving with expired registration plates
Expired or forged plates lead to hefty fines, possible court action, and impoundment until legal documents are renewed.
If caught with an expired driver’s license
Driving without a valid license (renewal overdue) is treated as an offense and can result in temporary bans or suspension.
When you ignore stop signs or yield signs
Failure to obey basic priority signs results in significant penalties and may be recorded in your traffic offense history.
If caught driving without headlights at night
Driving without lights in low visibility or at night violates safety rules and leads to fines and possible police warnings.
When you don’t carry mandatory equipment (e.g., triangle, fire extinguisher)
Turkish regulations require carrying basic safety gear, and missing items during police inspection result in on-the-spot penalties.
If you flee a police checkpoint or inspection
Avoiding or evading police control points is treated seriously and may result in arrest, court action, or license cancellation.