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Türkiye recently updated its traffic laws to improve road safety and reduce environmental disturbance.
The government published the new regulations in the Official Gazette on Feb. 27. These changes have sparked significant debate across the country.
As of March 10, social media remains flooded with videos of drivers dismantling car screens and sound systems, as many drivers fear heavy penalties.
However, authorities clarify that the law targets specific safety violations. It is not a total ban on car accessories.
The most discussed changes involve aftermarket screens and audio equipment.
Misinformation led many drivers to believe all external screens were illegal. Officials state that drivers can still use screens for navigation and multimedia.
The law only penalizes screens that sit within the driver’s direct line of sight. It also bans screens that distract the driver while driving.
If a screen allows video playback while the vehicle moves, the driver faces a fine of around $476 (₺21,000). The vehicle will be banned from traffic for 30 days.
The same principle applies to sound systems. Officials clarified that the law bans noise rather than sound.
Drivers can install aftermarket sound systems, but they must not disturb the environment. Improperly mounted equipment or systems that produce noise that disturbs the surroundings can lead to a $365 fine, and the vehicle may be banned from traffic for 30 days.
The updated law significantly increases the cost of aggressive or disruptive behavior on the road. The government now treats intentional traffic obstructions and "drifting" as high-level offenses.
Administrative violations regarding vehicle appearance and registration now face stricter enforcement.
The General Directorate of Security emphasized that license plates must follow standard font and character rules.
Even if a plate has the official TSOF (Turkish Drivers and Automobilists Federation) stamp, using non-standard "thick" fonts is illegal.
For technical modifications like changing the engine or exhaust, owners have 30 days to register the changes. Failure to register a modification results in a $20 fine.
If the modification violates safety standards, the fine increases to $115. The vehicle remains banned from traffic until the owner restores it to a legal state.
Authorities also remind drivers that using a mobile phone while driving costs $115 for the first offense. This fine doubles to $225 for a second offense. A third offense results in a $455 fine plus a 30-day license suspension.
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