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Drivers in Türkiye, including the growing expat community in major cities, will face higher traffic fines from Jan. 1, 2026.
The increase follows the government’s annual revaluation rate, which the Official Gazette confirmed as 25.49%. This rate adjusts a wide range of taxes and administrative charges every year and directly affects the cost of traffic violations.
The Treasury and Finance Ministry noted that last year’s rate was 43.93%, making this year’s adjustment smaller but still significant for anyone who owns or drives a vehicle.
The updated figures will apply to fines, fees, and several daily expenses such as transport costs, IMEI registration, property tax brackets, rental income exemptions, and many other public payments.
The new table shows clear increases across all major violations, and those who drive in Türkiye’s cities should take note of the new amounts.
Key examples include:
These increases will be felt most in dense traffic areas where camera-based enforcement is common.
Expats who commute daily or rent cars during travel seasons often encounter strict checks on speeding, pedestrian crossings, and red lights.
Police controls also rise during national holidays, making it easier to receive a fine without noticing a violation.
Three violations reach the highest category: drifting, weaving through traffic (makas), and using a fake license plate.
Each of these fines will rise to over ₺58,000 on Jan. 1.
These are among the fastest-growing penalties and aim to discourage high-risk driving on urban streets, in resorts, and on intercity roads.
Authorities have linked these increases to public safety concerns. Aggressive driving often causes serious accidents, especially in big cities like Istanbul, where weaving through traffic or drifting on empty roads remains a recurring problem.
The higher fines signal a clear effort to curb dangerous behavior and make roads safer for residents, tourists, and foreign workers.
The new fines will take effect at the start of 2026 together with higher administrative fees across state services.
For expats who rely on cars or motorcycles, knowing the updated penalties early can help avoid unexpected costs as the new year begins.
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