Common Traffic Mistakes In Turkey That Could Cost You Big

Introduction to Traffic Fines

Turkey has strict rules for traffic safety and how people drive. They use fines to stop rule breakers and encourage safe driving. If you break traffic laws, you'll face fines, lose license points, or get caught on cameras. This helps keep the roads safe.

Understanding Traffic Fines In Turkey - Top 5 Fines

  1. Traffic fines in Turkey depend on how serious the violation is. Here are some of the most common penalties:
  2. Going over the speed limit by up to 30%: 535 TRY
  3. Going over by more than 50%: 4,514 TRY
  4. Speeding tickets get bigger depending on how much the limit is broken.
  5. Running a red light is very serious and can result in a fine of 427 TRY, plus penalties like license suspension.
  6. Driving after drinking is punished with fines starting at 2,500 TRY and up to 4,500 TRY and could lead to losing your license.
  7. Using a phone while driving has a fine of 427 TRY, to stop distractions and keep drivers safe.
  8. Not wearing a seatbelt in a car costs 196 TRY, to encourage everyone to use seatbelts for safety.

For more detailed information on traffic fines, refer to the Expert Guide Turkey and Kurucuk.

Penalty Point System In Turkey

In Turkey, you get points for breaking traffic rules. If you get too many points, you might face extra punishments. Here's how it works:

Speeding

  1. Going up to 10-30% over the speed limit: 10 points
  2. Going up to 30-50% over: 15 points
  3. Going over 50%: 20 points
  4. Running a red light: 20 points

Driving while drunk:

  1. BAC up to 0.10%: 20 points
  2. BAC over 0.10%: 20 points, and you might lose your license
  3. Using a phone while driving: 10 points

Not Wearing A Seatbelt: 10 points

For a detailed guide on the Traffic Violation Points Consequences, refer to Drivetr and General Directorate of Highways

Consequences

  1. If a driver gets 20 points in a year, their license might be temporarily suspended.
  2. If they get 100 points in five years, their license could be taken away.
  3. However, drivers can lower their points by taking traffic safety courses or training programs.

What Needs to Be in a Vehicle?

When you're driving, make sure you have the following documents ready for police:

  1. Car's official license
  2. Your driver's license
  3. Traffic insurance that's current
  4. Proof of annual exhaust emissions inspection
  5. Certificate for private vehicles (every other year)
  6. Vehicle taxes paid at least twice a year (keeping the receipt in the car isn't needed)
  7. Vehicle insurance, if you have it

Always have these with you when you're driving.

How To Check And Pay Traffic Fine?

You can easily find information on your traffic tickets on the Turkish General Directorate of Roads website.

Tips To Avoid Fines And Ensure A Safe Driving Experience

  1. Adhere to Speed Limits: Always observe and follow posted speed limits, especially in areas with high traffic camera presence like the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul or the D-400 Highway in Antalya. This helps avoid fines and potential accidents.
  2. Obey Traffic Signals: Running red lights, particularly at major intersections in cities like Izmir and Bursa, can result in severe penalties and endanger road users.
  3. Avoid Using Mobile Phones While Driving: Use hands-free devices and avoid distractions, especially on busy roads like Eskişehir Road in Ankara, to stay focused on driving.
  4. Wear Seatbelts: Ensure that all passengers are wearing seatbelts to comply with regulations and enhance safety. This is crucial on major highways like E-5 and TEM in Istanbul.
  5. Never Drink and Drive: Maintain legal BAC levels and avoid driving under the influence to prevent serious consequences, particularly on popular tourist routes in Antalya and busy streets in Izmir.

For more driving tips and information, go to the Ikamet and  General Directorate of Security Traffic Department.

Note: Please refer to the official Government sources for the latest updates on penalties.