Legal Update: New Regulation on Fine Collection for Foreign-Plated Vehicles in Türkiye

Published in the Official Gazette No. 33041 on 8 October 2025

On 8 October 2025, the Turkish government introduced a significant new regulation titled “Regulation on the Collection of Administrative Fines Imposed under the Road Transport Law No. 4925 and Decree-Law No. 655 on the Activities of Foreign-Plated Vehicles.”The regulation, jointly issued by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Trade, and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, was published in the Official Gazette No. 33041 and entered into force on the same day.

Purpose and Scope

The new regulation sets out the procedures and principles for collecting administrative fines imposed on foreign-plated road vehicles, regardless of the driver’s nationality.It aims to ensure effective enforcement of penalties imposed under the Road Transport Law No. 4925 and Decree-Law No. 655, addressing a long-standing enforcement gap for foreign vehicles operating in or transiting through Türkiye.

Key Provisions

1. Competent Authorities

Administrative fines on foreign-plated vehicles may be imposed by:

• The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure,

• The General Directorate of Security (Police),

• The Gendarmerie General Command,

• Customs authorities of the Ministry of Trade, and

• Municipal authorities for local infringements.

  
  

2. Digital Recording and Data Sharing

All fine decisions will be recorded electronically and transmitted instantly to the General Directorate of Public Accounts (Muhasebat Genel Müdürlüğü) under the Ministry of Treasury and Finance.This digital integration allows for real-time monitoring of fine issuance and payment data among ministries and relevant agencies.

3. Payment and Collection

Administrative fines may be paid through:

• The issuing authority,

• Treasury and Finance accounting units,

• Authorised banks or PTT branches, and

• Customs offices at border gates.

Where available, credit or debit card payments will also be accepted at border crossings.If a fine has not been formally served, payment at the time of collection will be deemed valid notification.

4. Exit Restrictions

Under Article 6 of the Regulation, vehicles with unpaid fines will not be permitted to leave Türkiye.The customs administration must verify that the fine has been paid through the Public Accounts system before allowing the vehicle to exit.

5. Enforcement of Unpaid Fines

If a fine remains unpaid after becoming final, it will be transferred to the tax office for enforcement under the Law No. 6183 on the Collection of Public Receivables.This ensures that all outstanding amounts are subject to compulsory collection mechanisms.

Legal and Practical Impact

This new framework strengthens Türkiye’s ability to enforce transport and traffic penalties against foreign-registered vehicles — a process that has often been challenging in practice.By linking enforcement to the national fiscal and customs systems, the regulation enhances cross-agency coordination, digital transparency, and collection efficiency.It also prevents vehicles with outstanding fines from avoiding payment by leaving the country.

For foreign logistics companies, transport operators, and individuals entering Türkiye with foreign-registered vehicles, compliance with this regulation is now an essential part of cross-border operations.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice.