Minister Yerlikaya Takes Action Against 11,591 Drivers Using Unauthorized Flashing Lights
New Law Decreases Unauthorized Use of Flashlights
Minister of Internal Affairs Ali Yerlikaya announced on his social media account that the New Law, which went into effect on November 30, 2024, has led to a significant decrease in the number of actions taken against drivers for unauthorized use of flashlights. According to Yerlikaya, the number of violations has dropped by 67% and this trend is expected to continue.
Under the Law on Amendments to the Law on Internal Medicine Officers No. 7533 and Certain Laws and the Decree Law No. 375, a total of 11,591 drivers were processed for “Çakar Inspections” in 2024 until December 19. The penalties for unauthorized flashlight use have been increased, resulting in a 67% decrease in transactions compared to the same period last year.
The new law introduces harsh penalties for those found using unauthorized flashlights. Drivers caught using Çakar will face a traffic administrative fine of 96,000 TL, a thirty-day suspension of their driver’s license, and a thirty-day ban on their vehicle. Repeat offenders within a year will face a higher fine, a sixty-day license suspension, and a sixty-day vehicle ban.
Additionally, flashing devices that are not permitted by legislation will be confiscated by authorities, who may decide to transfer ownership to the public.
In the latest round of traffic inspections conducted between December 12-19, 2024, a total of 2,764,210 vehicles were inspected by Police and Gendarmerie Traffic Teams. Out of these inspections, there were 110,333 speeding violations, 24,259 vehicles without periodic inspections, 22,052 drivers not using seat belts, 12,306 driving without a license, and 8,341 without compulsory liability insurance, totaling to 449,734 vehicles/drivers processed.
Minister Yerlikaya emphasized the importance of safe driving, stating, “Journeys are there to reunite you with your loved ones, not to separate you.” The government continues its efforts to improve road safety and reduce violations through stricter enforcement and penalties.
