Türkiye has seen a significant drop in dangerous driving violations after implementing stricter traffic legislation and boosting enforcement earlier this year. Changes to the Highway Traffic Law, effective February 27, introduced tougher penalties for offenses that pose substantial risks to road safety.
Official statistics reveal a remarkable 93% reduction in dangerous lane-weaving incidents, where drivers frequently change lanes at high speeds, from February 27 to May 31 compared to the same period last year. Authorities recorded 47,380 violations during those months last year, compared to only 3,306 this year. Officials credit this substantial decrease to heightened penalties and increased nationwide road inspections.
The crackdown has led to notable declines across various traffic violation categories. Offenses related to tachograph records for commercial vehicle driving and rest times plummeted by 80.2%, while speeding violations saw a 55.1% decrease. There was also a 52.4% reduction in failures to comply with police stop orders, and helmet-related violations dropped by 36.4%. Additionally, incidents of driving without a valid license fell by 33.7%.
Authorities also observed fewer cases of wrong-way driving, traffic sign violations, red-light offenses, drunk driving, and seat belt violations. These reforms are part of the government’s broader initiative to enhance road safety, reduce accidents, and ensure better protection of lives and property across Türkiye.