2026 New Traffic Fines: Speed Limits and Radar Violations under Article 51 of the Highway Traffic Law

With the latest legislative amendment made to Article 51 of the Highway Traffic Law, the administrative sanctions applied to speed limit violations in traffic have undergone a radical change. The previously applied proportional calculation method, based on the percentage by which the speed limit was exceeded, has been completely repealed; it has been replaced by a graduated and much stricter administrative fine system based exactly on how many kilometers per hour (km/h) the speed limit was exceeded.

In light of the current legal regulations, we at Esenyel Partners have examined these legal changes, which closely concern drivers and companies managing commercial vehicle fleets, in detail for you.

New Kilometer (km/h) Based Fine System for Speed Limit Violations

In the new regulation, the lawmaker has divided the fines into two main categories by stipulating different danger thresholds for roads inside and outside residential areas. In addition to administrative fines, the sanction of temporarily confiscating driver’s licenses, depending on the severity of the violation, has also been added to the law.

Speed Limit Violations and Sanctions Inside Residential Areas

Considering the pedestrian and traffic density inside residential areas, the tolerance margin has been kept quite low, and administrative sanctions are initiated starting from a 6 km/h excess:

• Exceeding by 6 – 10 km/h: 2,000 Turkish Liras
• Exceeding by 11 – 15 km/h: 4,000 Turkish Liras
• Exceeding by 16 – 20 km/h: 6,000 Turkish Liras
• Exceeding by 21 – 25 km/h: 8,000 Turkish Liras
• Exceeding by 26 – 35 km/h: 12,000 Turkish Liras
• Exceeding by 36 – 45 km/h: 15,000 Turkish Liras
• Exceeding by 46 – 55 km/h: 20,000 Turkish Liras (Driver’s license is confiscated for 30 days.)
• Exceeding by 56 – 65 km/h: 25,000 Turkish Liras (Driver’s license is confiscated for 60 days.)
• Exceeding by 66 km/h and more: 30,000 Turkish Liras (Driver’s license is confiscated for 90 days.)

Speed Limit Violations and Sanctions Outside Residential Areas

On highways outside residential areas, the lower limit for fines begins with an 11 km/h excess:

• Exceeding by 11 – 15 km/h: 2,000 Turkish Liras
• Exceeding by 16 – 20 km/h: 4,000 Turkish Liras
• Exceeding by 21 – 25 km/h: 6,000 Turkish Liras
• Exceeding by 26 – 30 km/h: 8,000 Turkish Liras
• Exceeding by 31 – 40 km/h: 12,000 Turkish Liras
• Exceeding by 41 – 50 km/h: 15,000 Turkish Liras
• Exceeding by 51 – 60 km/h: 20,000 Turkish Liras (Driver’s license is confiscated for 30 days.)
• Exceeding by 61 – 70 km/h: 25,000 Turkish Liras (Driver’s license is confiscated for 60 days.)
• Exceeding by 71 km/h and more: 30,000 Turkish Liras (Driver’s license is confiscated for 90 days.)

The “Psychotechnical” Condition for the Return of the Driver’s License

One of the most critical legal details introduced by the new legislation is the aggravated sanctions applied for repeated violations. Within the scope of the relevant article, the situation of drivers whose driver’s license has been withdrawn for the fifth time due to exceeding the speed limit within one year retrospectively from the date of the violation is tied to a special condition.

It is not possible for these individuals to get their licenses directly back even if the withdrawal period has expired. For the driver’s license to be returned, all issued administrative fines must first be collected. Subsequently, it is a legal obligation for the driver to pass a psychotechnical assessment and an examination by a psychiatric specialist, and to document with an official report that “there is no impediment to obtaining a driver’s license.”

Heavy Administrative Fines for Radar Detection Devices

Another important update in the article of the law pertains to devices that detect the location of speed-measuring technical devices (radars) or warn the driver. The use of these devices is strictly prohibited, and administrative fines at record levels have been determined to increase deterrence:

• For those who possess and operate said radar warning devices in their vehicles: 185,000 Turkish Liras
• For those who manufacture and import these devices: 370,000 Turkish Liras administrative fine will be applied.

Furthermore, in accordance with the Misdemeanors Law and relevant legislation, these devices will be confiscated by the local civil authority and their ownership will be transferred to the public (forfeiture).

Legal Objection Processes and Contact

Traffic administrative fines and driver’s license confiscation decisions are administrative acts by their nature. If you believe that you have been fined unfairly or unlawfully, you have the right to object by applying to the competent Criminal Court of Peace within 15 days from the date the fine or decision is notified to you. As a result of objections not made within the time limit, administrative sanction decisions become final.

As Esenyel Partners, we provide professional support to our clients regarding the cancellation of administrative fines under the changing traffic legislation, legal objection processes to be carried out against unfair driver’s license confiscation procedures, and the management of legal risks that companies engaged in fleet management may face. You can contact Esenyel Partners to conduct your traffic fine objection processes quickly and reliably with our expert lawyers.