Turkey has expanded the rules for who can drive foreign-plated vehicles, allowing spouses, parents, and children of the registered owner to operate the cars even when the owner is not in the vehicle, provided the owner is present within Turkey. According to Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi, this joint regulation between the Interior and Trade ministries aims to reduce administrative fines and vehicle impoundments for citizens living abroad.
Expanded Driver Permissions for Family Members
Under the new rules, foreign-plated vehicles registered to citizens living abroad can be driven by the owner’s spouse, ascendants (parents, grandparents), and descendants (children, grandchildren) without the owner being in the car. The only requirement for this flexibility is that the registered owner must be physically present in Turkey.
Did You Know? The previous regulation only permitted the registered owner of the vehicle to drive the car.
Minister Mustafa Çiftçi stated that these changes were made after the Ministry of Interior forwarded requests and reports of penal issues faced by citizens abroad to the Ministry of Trade. The two ministries worked together to clarify the rules to make life easier for these travelers.
Guidelines for Non-Family and Local Drivers
The regulation also covers scenarios involving people outside the immediate family. If the vehicle owner is physically present in the car, any person residing abroad may drive the vehicle regardless of kinship.
In emergency situations, people residing in Turkey—specifically the owner’s spouse, descendants, or ascendants—may drive the vehicle as long as the owner is in the car. Minister Çiftçi confirmed that no penal action will be taken under these specific emergency conditions.
Impact on Traffic Safety and Compliance
The government expects these changes to resolve a significant portion of the administrative fines and vehicle seizures previously encountered by foreign vehicle owners. By allowing driver rotations, the ministry intends to reduce driver fatigue during long journeys and increase overall traffic safety.
Minister Çiftçi stated on social media that the government will continue to take determined steps to remove hesitations and difficulties encountered by citizens in these applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can drive a foreign-plated car if the owner is in Turkey but not in the vehicle?
According to the regulation, the owner’s spouse, parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren who reside abroad may drive the vehicle.
Can a person residing in Turkey drive a foreign-plated vehicle?
Yes, but only in emergency situations, provided the owner is in the vehicle and the driver is the owner’s spouse, descendant, or ascendant.
Can a friend residing abroad drive the car if the owner is in the vehicle?
Yes. According to Minister Çiftçi, if the owner is in the vehicle, any person residing abroad can drive regardless of whether they are a relative.
Do you think these new regulations will significantly reduce traffic accidents during peak travel seasons?
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