New Era in Traffic: Video and Audio Banned in Vehicles

Details of the Regulation

This regulatory amendment aims to increase traffic safety by introducing important regulations to the Highway Traffic Regulation. Along with the amendments made, new rules have been set for items and devices that fall directly into the driver's field of vision and could jeopardize driving safety. In particular, keeping accessories and items positioned in a way that prevents the driver from seeing the road through the windshield, except for the vehicle's factory equipment, is banned. However, phone holders and dashcams mounted on the windshield that do not exceed the specified dimensions are exempted from this ban.

On the other hand, audio systems inside the vehicle emitting sound to the outside in a manner that disturbs the public peace, and watching video or television broadcasts on display devices while driving have also been included within the scope of the prohibitions. Action will be taken for such violations pursuant to the relevant articles of the law. However, the use of devices regarding driving assistance, navigation devices, dashcams, and system settings is not included in these prohibitions.

The Regulation also imposes certain conditions on the presence of audio and visual devices in M2 and M3 class vehicles used for commercial passenger transport. These devices may be positioned on seats, partition walls, or locations close to passengers, provided they are not within the driver's viewing area. However, it will not be possible for drivers to control these devices. Additionally, keeping and using additional sound systems in vehicles such as extra speakers, amplifiers, and subwoofers outside the areas designated by the vehicle manufacturer is also banned. Although keeping one subwoofer and one amplifier in the trunk within the specified limits is permitted, punitive action will be applied in case of non-compliance with these standards or if the sound bleeds outside.