A New Era in Traffic! Parliament Approves: Fines Could Reach Up to 250,000 TL
A new regulation approved by the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) increases administrative fines for those who violate various rules in the transportation sector. The changes to the Highway Transport Law will impose significant penalties for non-compliance.
Fines Up to 170,000 TL for Non-Compliance
According to the new regulation, companies operating without the required authorization or violating their authorization certificates will face fines ranging from 17,000 TL to 170,000 TL. Transporters, agencies, transport brokers, cargo operators, and freight forwarders who fail to comply with these regulations will be penalized accordingly.
Up to 85,000 TL for Non-Registration or Unauthorized Activities
Transporters who use vehicles without registering them with their authorization, or who carry hazardous cargo without permission, will face administrative fines ranging from 8,500 TL to 85,000 TL. Additionally, if a transporter obstructs the operation of another transporter, the fine can range from 25,000 TL to 250,000 TL.
Fines for Unauthorized Passengers or Transport
Operators who carry passengers without a ticket or perform transport services without contracts will be fined between 8,500 TL and 85,000 TL. Those who violate safety rules for transporting passengers and goods, or fail to follow necessary security measures, will face penalties ranging from 5,000 TL to 50,000 TL.
Environmental Violations
Transporters who fail to adhere to environmental protection rules will face fines in the same range of 5,000 TL to 50,000 TL.
Up to 170,000 TL for Not Ensuring Safe and Comfortable Travel
Transporters who do not ensure healthy, comfortable, and safe conditions for passengers or fail to take appropriate measures to ensure that passengers reach their destination as promised will face penalties ranging from 17,000 TL to 170,000 TL.
Fines for Not Following Vehicle and Driver Regulations
Transporters who fail to comply with vehicle and driver-related regulations will be fined between 8,500 TL and 85,000 TL. Those who do not take necessary precautions in terms of training and internal controls for drivers with high penalty points will face fines between 5,000 TL and 50,000 TL.
Large Fines for Unauthorized Agencies and Brokers
Unlicensed agencies or transport brokers will face fines ranging from 25,000 TL to 250,000 TL. Transporters who fail to set or adhere to correct fare and time tariffs will also face fines ranging from 8,500 TL to 85,000 TL.
Fines for Displaying Tariffs Incorrectly
Businesses that fail to display their fare and time tariffs clearly at their premises, terminals, or ticket sales locations will face fines between 3,500 TL and 35,000 TL.
Foreign-registered Vehicles in Violation
Foreign-registered vehicles that perform transport operations between two points within Turkey without the necessary permits or fail to comply with international transportation agreements will face fines ranging from 5,000 TL to 500,000 TL.
Penalties for Violating Contractual Terms
Transporters who violate the terms of contracts with passengers or goods, particularly when transporting to or from border gates, will face fines from 8,500 TL to 85,000 TL. Operators who pick up or drop off passengers outside of terminals or stops will also incur fines ranging from 5,000 TL to 50,000 TL.
Penalties for Lack of Professional Qualifications
Operators who lack professional qualifications and continue to operate will face fines between 8,500 TL and 85,000 TL. Drivers lacking the required certification will be penalized between 3,500 TL and 35,000 TL, while operators of such drivers will face fines between 8,500 TL and 85,000 TL.
New Penalty System
The regulation also outlines that if a business is penalized for operating without professional qualifications, they cannot be fined again for the same offense within three months. Additionally, if violations are repeated within the same calendar year, a penalty will be doubled for the third and subsequent offenses.
The specific administrative penalties and the procedures for their implementation will be determined by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, based on the regulations they prepare. This amendment to the Highway Transport Law will come into effect six months after the publication of the law.
