What Does a Traffic Fine Lawyer Do?
A traffic fine lawyer provides legal assistance with objections to administrative fines, the seizure and cancellation of driving licences, compensation claims arising from traffic accidents, and traffic offences that give rise to criminal proceedings, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or using false number plates. Law No. 7574 Amending the Highway Traffic Law, published in the Official Gazette (Resmî Gazete) No. 33181 of 27 February 2026, made a comprehensive 36-article amendment to the Highway Traffic Law No. 2918 (KTK), fundamentally changing the fine amounts, the periods for which driving licences are withdrawn and the conditions for returning the licence.
In this guide we explain the current fine amounts introduced by Law No. 7574, based directly on the statutory text, as well as the objection procedure and the situations in which a traffic lawyer is needed.
Source note: The amounts and periods in this article are taken from the text of Law No. 7574 as published in the Official Gazette. Since the fines in articles not amended by the Law are increased every year by the revaluation rate under repeated Article 298 of the Tax Procedure Law No. 213 (VUK), only the amounts set directly by Law No. 7574 are listed below.
Key Changes Introduced by Law No. 7574
The Law entered into force on 27 February 2026. Article 28, concerning electric scooters, will enter into force on 1 January 2027. The main innovations are as follows:
- Speeding fines have moved from a percentage-based system to a graduated system based on kilometres per hour.
- A system of fines that increase with repeat offences has been introduced for red-light and mobile phone violations.
- The return of a withdrawn driving licence is now conditional on all administrative fines having been paid in full.
- For certain violations, a psycho-technical assessment and, in some cases, an examination by a psychiatrist are mandatory before the licence is returned.
- New prohibitions have been introduced, such as following a vehicle in traffic with the intent to attack, driving the wrong way on motorways and encouraging violations on social media.
- For rental vehicles, the fine is issued in the name of the renter where the conditions are met.
- Fines of foreign drivers that could not be collected are collected upon their next entry into Turkey.
2026 Speeding Fines (KTK Art. 51)
Article 14 of Law No. 7574 completely replaced Article 51 of the Highway Traffic Law. The fine is no longer determined by the percentage by which the speed limit was exceeded, but by how many km/h it was exceeded.
Within Residential Areas
| Speed limit exceeded by | Administrative fine | Driving licence |
|---|---|---|
| 6–10 km/h | 2.000 TL | — |
| 11–15 km/h | 4.000 TL | — |
| 16–20 km/h | 6.000 TL | — |
| 21–25 km/h | 8.000 TL | — |
| 26–35 km/h | 12.000 TL | — |
| 36–45 km/h | 15.000 TL | — |
| 46–55 km/h | 20.000 TL | Withdrawn for 30 days |
| 56–65 km/h | 25.000 TL | Withdrawn for 60 days |
| 66 km/h and above | 30.000 TL | Withdrawn for 90 days |
Outside Residential Areas
| Speed limit exceeded by | Administrative fine | Driving licence |
|---|---|---|
| 11–15 km/h | 2.000 TL | — |
| 16–20 km/h | 4.000 TL | — |
| 21–25 km/h | 6.000 TL | — |
| 26–30 km/h | 8.000 TL | — |
| 31–40 km/h | 12.000 TL | — |
| 41–50 km/h | 15.000 TL | — |
| 51–60 km/h | 20.000 TL | Withdrawn for 30 days |
| 61–70 km/h | 25.000 TL | Withdrawn for 60 days |
| 71 km/h and above | 30.000 TL | Withdrawn for 90 days |
Where a driver’s licence is withdrawn under this article for the fifth time within one year counting back from the latest violation, the licence is returned at the end of the withdrawal period only if a psycho-technical assessment and an examination by a psychiatrist establish that there is no impediment to driving.
In addition, an administrative fine of 370.000 TL is imposed on those who manufacture or import devices that detect the location of speed cameras or warn the driver of them, and 185.000 TL on the vehicle keeper who has such a device in the vehicle; the devices are seized and their confiscation is ordered.
Red-Light Violation Fines (KTK Art. 47)
For red-light violations, the fine increases according to the number of repeat offences within one year counting back from the latest violation:
| Number of violations (within 1 year) | Administrative fine | Driving licence |
|---|---|---|
| 1st violation | 5.000 TL | — |
| 2nd violation | 10.000 TL | — |
| 3rd violation | 15.000 TL | Withdrawn for 30 days |
| 4th violation | 20.000 TL | Withdrawn for 60 days |
| 5th violation | 30.000 TL | Withdrawn for 90 days |
| 6th violation | 80.000 TL | Cancelled |
The licence of a driver who causes a traffic accident as a result of running a red light is withdrawn for 60 days. Licences withdrawn on this basis are returned at the end of the period subject to a psycho-technical assessment.
Persons whose driving licence has been cancelled must attend a driving school and pass the examination in order to obtain a new licence. To enrol in the course, all administrative fines must have been paid in full, at least one year must have passed since the date of cancellation, and a document showing, on the basis of a psycho-technical assessment and an examination by a psychiatrist, that there is no impediment to driving must be submitted to the course.
Drivers who flee by ignoring a “stop” signal during checks are fined 200.000 TL; their driving licence is withdrawn for 60 days and the vehicle is taken off the road for 60 days.
Alcohol and Drug-Related Penalties (KTK Art. 48)
| Situation | Administrative fine | Driving licence |
|---|---|---|
| Drink-driving – 1st time | 25.000 TL | Withdrawn |
| Drink-driving – 2nd time | 50.000 TL | Withdrawn |
| Drink-driving – 3rd time and after | 150.000 TL | Withdrawn |
| Driving under the influence of narcotics/stimulants | 150.000 TL | Cancelled |
| Refusing an alcohol or drug test | 150.000 TL | Withdrawn for 5 years |
For persons whose licence has been cancelled because of narcotics or stimulants to obtain a new driving licence, at least five years must have passed since the date of cancellation, all administrative fines must have been paid in full, they must pass a psycho-technical assessment, and a medical board report from an official health institution showing that there is no impediment to driving must be submitted to the driving school. The provisions of the Turkish Criminal Code (TCK) also apply to these persons.
The licence of drivers who, while driving vehicles used for the carriage of goods and passengers, commit an alcohol or test-refusal violation three times in total within five years is cancelled.
Driving Without a Licence (KTK Art. 36)
| Situation | Administrative fine |
|---|---|
| Driving a motor vehicle without a driving licence | 40.000 TL |
| Driving while the licence is temporarily or provisionally withdrawn | 200.000 TL |
| Driving while the licence is cancelled | 200.000 TL |
| Vehicle keeper who allows the vehicle to be driven (via the registration plate) | 40.000 TL |
Number Plate Violations (KTK Art. 23)
| Violation | Fine and sanction |
|---|---|
| Fitting plates that do not comply with the regulation, or not fitting the prescribed number of plates | 4.000 TL; vehicle taken off the road until brought into compliance |
| Knowingly causing the plate to be read differently or to be unreadable | 140.000 TL + vehicle off the road for 30 days (each repeat within 1 year: 280.000 TL + 60 days off the road) |
| Driving a registered vehicle without plates | 46.000 TL + licence 30 days + vehicle 30 days off the road (repeat: 140.000 TL + 60 days + 60 days off the road) |
| Fitting/using a false plate or a plate belonging to another vehicle | 140.000 TL + licence 30 days + vehicle 30 days off the road (repeat: 280.000 TL + 60 days + 60 days off the road) |
Persons using false plates or plates belonging to another vehicle are additionally subject to the provisions on forgery of official documents under Article 204 of the Turkish Criminal Code. This means separate criminal proceedings alongside the administrative process.
Road Rage, Wrong-Way Driving and Obstructing Traffic (KTK Art. 46)
| Violation | Fine and sanction |
|---|---|
| Persistently following another vehicle in traffic with the intent to attack, or getting out of the vehicle for that purpose | 180.000 TL + licence 60 days + vehicle 60 days off the road |
| Driving the wrong way on motorways or on divided roads outside residential areas | 90.000 TL + licence 60 days + vehicle 60 days off the road |
| Stopping, in convoy or individually, in a way that obstructs the flow of traffic | 90.000 TL + licence 60 days + vehicle 60 days off the road (on a motorway, bridge, viaduct or in a tunnel: doubled) |
| Driving the wrong way on a divided road within a residential area | 20.000 TL |
| Driving on pedestrian paths, violating a cycle lane | 5.000 TL |
Under this article, the licence of a driver whose licence is withdrawn for a second time within five years counting back from the latest violation is cancelled. Licences withdrawn for wrong-way driving or road rage are returned at the end of the period subject to a psycho-technical assessment.
Obstructing traffic during meetings and demonstrations organised in accordance with the law does not constitute a misdemeanour.
Motorcycle Stunts and Racing (KTK Arts. 66 and 70)
| Violation | Fine and sanction |
|---|---|
| Riding a motorcycle on one wheel, standing on the seat, skidding the wheel or performing similar stunts | 46.000 TL + licence 60 days + vehicle 60 days off the road |
| Motor vehicle drivers racing without permission | 46.000 TL + licence withdrawn for 2 years + vehicle 60 days off the road |
| Organising a race without permission | 16.000 TL |
Under both articles, the driving licence is cancelled if it is withdrawn for a second time within five years.
Other Current Fine Amounts
| Violation | Fine and sanction |
|---|---|
| Using a mobile phone while driving (1st violation) | 5.000 TL |
| Mobile phone (2nd violation within 1 year) | 10.000 TL |
| Mobile phone (3rd and subsequent violations within 1 year) | 20.000 TL + licence 30 days each time |
| Not wearing a seat belt (driver/passenger) | 2.500 TL (driver with 4+ violations in 1 year: licence 30 days each time) |
| Not using a protective helmet and goggles | 2.500 TL; 2nd violation 5.000 TL; 3rd and subsequent 10.000 TL |
| Carrying a child under 15 without a child restraint system | 5.000 TL |
| Technical modification of the vehicle contrary to regulations | 5.000 TL for the keeper + vehicle off the road |
| If the modification produces disturbing noise (loud exhaust) | Additional 16.000 TL for the driver + vehicle 30 days off the road |
| Having/using non-compliant sound, music, display and communication devices | 21.000 TL + vehicle 30 days off the road |
| Failing to give way to priority vehicles such as ambulances and fire engines | 46.000 TL + licence 30 days + vehicle 30 days off the road |
| Abusing the right of priority passage | 46.000 TL |
| Failing to comply with the winter tyre requirement (keeper) | 6.000 TL |
| Not carrying/using snow chains | 6.000 TL |
| Obstructing traffic during snow and ice clearance | 24.000 TL |
| Leaving the scene of an accident without police permission | 46.000 TL |
| Leaving the scene of an accident involving death/injury | 1–3 years’ imprisonment + licence withdrawn for 2 years |
| Operating shared electric scooters without an authorisation certificate | 86.900 TL |
New Rules Introduced by Law No. 7574
Spreading and Glorifying Traffic Violations on Social Media (Additional Article 20)
It is now prohibited to publicly disseminate and glorify footage that encourages traffic rule violations by sharing, via the press, broadcasting, the internet, social and digital media or other electronic devices, an act that the Law prohibits by attaching an administrative sanction to it. The penalty is an administrative fine of 25.000 TL.
Registration Requirement on the Death of the Vehicle Owner (KTK Art. 20)
On the death of the vehicle owner, the heirs must apply to the relevant registration authority within ninety days of the date of death and have the vehicle registered in their own names. Registration is made as of the date of death. If it is established that the vehicle has been driven on the road after this period without being registered in the heirs’ names, the driver is fined 3.000 TL and the vehicle is taken off the road until it is registered.
Who Receives the Fine for Rental Vehicles (KTK Art. 116)
Where it is established, from the data kept available for police inspection under the Identity Reporting Law No. 1774, that the vehicle used in the violation was rented at that time, and the renter has an address suitable for service, the fine report is issued in the name of the renter and the fine is collected from the renter.
Foreign Drivers (KTK Art. 115)
Administrative fines imposed on a foreign national that could not be collected before they left the country are collected when that person next enters Turkey. If the fine cannot be collected, the foreign national is not permitted to enter the country. This rule is of particular importance for foreign drivers who drive in Turkey and for businesses that rent vehicles to foreigners.
Extension of the Tachograph Requirement (KTK Art. 31 and Provisional Art. 27)
It has become mandatory to have a tachograph in motor vehicles carrying goods with a maximum laden weight of more than 3,500 kilograms and in passenger vehicles with more than seventeen seats including the driver’s. The transition schedule for vehicles newly brought within the scope is as follows:
| Vehicle model year | Requirement applies from |
|---|---|
| 2021 and later | First inspection after 31/12/2026 |
| 2016–2020 | First inspection after 31/12/2027 |
| 2011–2015 | First inspection after 31/12/2028 |
| 1996–2010 | First inspection after 31/12/2029 |
| 1985–1995 | First inspection after 31/12/2030 |
Return of the Driving Licence: New Conditions
The innovation of Law No. 7574 that causes the most practical problems concerns the conditions for returning a withdrawn driving licence. The Law repeats the same rule in almost all relevant articles:
- All administrative fines must have been paid in full. A driver with unpaid fines imposed under the Law will not have the licence returned. This condition also covers old fines unrelated to the violation in question.
- Psycho-technical assessment. For wrong-way driving, following with intent to attack in traffic, motorcycle stunts, racing, priority passage violations and repeated red-light violations, it must be established that there is no impediment to driving.
- Examination by a psychiatrist. This is additionally required for those whose licence is withdrawn for speeding for the fifth time within one year and for those whose licence is cancelled for red-light violations.
- Attending driving school again. Persons whose licence has been cancelled must attend the course, pass the examination and obtain a new certificate.
There is an important transitional provision: transactions prior to 27 February 2026, the date on which the Law entered into force, are not taken into account in calculating repeat offences (Provisional Art. 27). This provision applies to violations under Articles 23, 25, 31, 46, 47, 73 and 78, the fourteenth paragraph of Article 48 and the third paragraph of Additional Article 2. If a fine is imposed by counting past violations as repeat offences, this provision constitutes a ground for objection.
The Procedure for Objecting to a Traffic Fine
Time Limit for Objection: 15 Days
Under Article 27 of the Misdemeanours Law No. 5326, an objection against an administrative fine decision may be filed with the criminal judgeship of peace (sulh ceza hâkimliği) no later than fifteen days from the date the decision is served or announced. This is a peremptory time limit:
- Fines issued in person: 15 days from the date the report is handed over.
- Fines issued to the number plate: 15 days from the date of service.
If the time limit is missed, the fine becomes final and, as a rule, the possibility of objecting is lost. Only where the person missed the deadline for reasons beyond their control can a request for reinstatement (restitutio in integrum) be made.
Documents to Attach to the Objection Petition
- A copy of the traffic administrative fine report
- A copy of the service envelope
- A copy of the vehicle registration certificate
- A copy of the identity card and driving licence
- Any evidence such as photographs, video, an accident report or witness details
- If filed through a lawyer, a copy of the power of attorney and the power of attorney stamp
Is a Lawyer Required to Object?
No. There is no requirement to be represented by a lawyer in order to object to a traffic fine. A person may object by submitting a petition directly to the criminal judgeship of peace or via the UYAP Citizen Portal through e-Devlet (e-Government). No court fee is charged for the objection.
Nevertheless, correctly identifying the legal ground for the objection, complying with the time limits and submitting the evidence in the proper manner directly affect the outcome. Particularly where the withdrawal or cancellation of the driving licence is at stake, obtaining legal assistance is useful, because the process is not limited to the fine alone.
Early Payment Discount
Under Article 17 of the Misdemeanours Law, if the administrative fine is paid in advance before any legal remedy is pursued, three quarters of it is collected, which amounts to a 25 per cent discount. Paying in advance does not affect the person’s right to challenge the decision.
When Is a Traffic Lawyer Needed?
In the following situations it is advisable to seek legal assistance, since the process is not limited to an administrative fine:
| Situation | Why is legal assistance needed? |
|---|---|
| Seizure or cancellation of the driving licence | Return of the licence depends on full payment of fines, a psycho-technical assessment and, in some cases, a psychiatric examination |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs | A separate criminal process under the Turkish Criminal Code runs alongside the administrative process |
| Using a false plate or a plate belonging to another vehicle | Prosecution for forgery of official documents under TCK Art. 204 |
| Traffic accident involving death or injury | Expert examination, determination of fault ratios and criminal proceedings run together |
| Leaving the scene of an accident | Imprisonment and a two-year licence withdrawal are provided for |
| Compensation claim after a traffic accident | Calculating fault ratio, loss of value, medical expenses and loss of earning capacity requires technical expertise |
| High fines | For fines of 140.000 TL and above, the cost of a flawed objection strategy is high |
| Insurance and comprehensive (kasko) insurance disputes | The Insurance Arbitration Commission procedure is subject to separate procedural rules |
| Fines based on repeat-offence calculations | Counting transactions prior to 27 February 2026 as repeat offences is a ground for objection |
Traffic Accident Compensation Claims
Claims for pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages brought after a traffic accident are a different type of proceedings from objections to administrative fines. In these cases:
- An expert report is obtained to determine the fault ratio.
- Items of pecuniary damage (loss of vehicle value, medical expenses, temporary and permanent loss of earning capacity, loss of financial support) are calculated separately.
- The claim for non-pecuniary damages must be substantiated.
- For claims covered by compulsory motor liability insurance, the Insurance Arbitration Commission route is considered.
- Limitation periods vary depending on whether the act also constitutes a criminal offence.
How Are Lawyers’ Fees Determined?
The lower limit of lawyers’ fees is set by the 2025–2026 Minimum Attorney Fee Tariff prepared by the Union of Turkish Bar Associations and published in the Official Gazette of 4 November 2025. The Tariff was amended by the Official Gazette No. 33207 of 28 March 2026, which revised the method of calculating attorney fees in matters falling within the jurisdiction of criminal judgeships of peace, such as objections to administrative fines.
Lawyers’ fees are freely agreed between the client and the lawyer, provided they do not fall below the minimum amounts in the Tariff. The fee varies according to the nature of the work, the effort and time involved, the value of the dispute and the scope of the proceedings. The fee applicable to a specific case requires a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does filing an objection stop the collection of the fine?
As a rule, no enforcement proceedings are initiated to collect the fine while the objection is pending. If the objection is rejected, the fine becomes final and is collected.
Can I claim that I never saw a fine issued to my number plate?
Service made in accordance with the procedure is deemed valid. If you claim that service was defective, you must prove it; in that case the objection period starts from the date you learned of the defective service.
My driving licence was seized; is it returned automatically when the period ends?
No. Under Law No. 7574, return of the licence requires that all administrative fines have been paid in full. In addition, a psycho-technical assessment is required for certain violations and, in some cases, an examination by a psychiatrist. If the licence has been cancelled, attending driving school again is mandatory.
Are my violations before 2026 counted as repeat offences?
No. Under Provisional Article 27, transactions prior to 27 February 2026 are not taken into account in repeat-offence calculations for the articles listed in the Law. A practice to the contrary constitutes a ground for objection.
Can I object to a drink-driving fine?
Yes, an objection can be filed with the criminal judgeship of peace within fifteen days. For the objection to succeed, specific unlawful aspects must be demonstrated, such as the calibration of the measuring device, whether the measurement procedure was followed, or the way in which the report was drawn up.
Who receives the fine issued for a vehicle I rented?
If it is established from the data available to the police that the vehicle was rented on the date of the violation, and the renter has an address suitable for service, the fine report is issued in the renter’s name and the fine is collected from the renter.
I am a foreign national; what happens if I have an unpaid traffic fine?
Administrative fines that could not be collected before departure are collected upon your next entry into Turkey. If they cannot be collected, entry into the country is not permitted.
Conclusion
Law No. 7574 has changed the traffic penalty regime not only in terms of amounts, but also in terms of the structure of the sanctions. At the heart of this change are the km/h-based graduation of speeding fines, increases based on repeat offences for red lights and mobile phones, and making the return of the driving licence conditional on payment of all fines and on health assessments.
The most common problem in practice is that drivers focus only on the fine and overlook the sanction concerning the driving licence and the fifteen-day objection period. Where a sanction affecting the licence is involved, or where the violation also gives rise to criminal proceedings, obtaining a legal assessment at the outset of the period prevents loss of rights.
Legal Notice: This text has been prepared for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. sophoshukuk.com makes no referral, guarantee or promise of outcome. Each case must be assessed on its own particular circumstances; for your specific dispute, please obtain professional advice from a lawyer.
The amounts and periods in this article are based on the text of Law No. 7574 published in the Official Gazette No. 33181 of 27 February 2026. As legislation may change, the current rules should be checked before taking any action.
Last updated: 12 August 2026