Turkey Proposes 60-Day License Suspension and Vehicle Seizure for Dangerous Lane-Switching

Stricter Penalties for Dangerous Driving in New Turkish Traffic Law Proposal

Minister Announces Tough Measures to Enhance Road Safety

Turkey's Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, has announced a new traffic law proposal that introduces severe penalties for drivers who perform dangerous maneuvers, specifically "makas atma" or reckless lane

• switching. The proposed legislation aims to significantly increase road safety by implementing harsher consequences for violators.




Harsher Sanctions for Reckless Drivers




Under the current system, drivers who endanger traffic safety by weaving between lanes only face an administrative fine. The new proposal, however, introduces a three

• pronged penalty designed to be far more deterrent for dangerous driving.





• A substantial administrative fine of 90,000 TL.


• Suspension of the driver's license for 60 days.


• Removal of the vehicle from traffic for 60 days.





Case Study Highlights Need for Reform




The need for stricter measures was underscored by a recent incident in Istanbul's Küçükçekmece district. A driver, identified by initials M.Ü., was caught by traffic police after performing dangerous lane

• switching on August 25. While the driver paid the existing administrative fine, they were immediately able to continue driving, highlighting the lack of a deterrent effect under current regulations.




Aimed at Creating Safer Roads




The primary goal of the new traffic regulations is to protect all road users. By temporarily suspending both the driving privilege and the use of the vehicle, authorities aim to keep high

• risk drivers off the roads. Minister Yerlikaya also urged citizens to report such dangerous drivers to the 112 Emergency Call Center to assist law enforcement efforts. The proposal is now pending approval by the Turkish Grand National Assembly.