In a bid to enhance road safety across the nation, Türkiye has witnessed a significant drop in dangerous driving violations, thanks to the implementation of stricter traffic regulations and intensified enforcement efforts earlier this year. The amendments to the Highway Traffic Law, which came into effect on February 27, have introduced more severe penalties for offenses that pose substantial risks to public safety on the roads.
Among the most significant improvements observed is the dramatic reduction in dangerous lane-weaving incidents, where drivers frequently change lanes at high speeds. Official figures reveal that between February 27 and May 31 last year, authorities identified 47,380 such violations, whereas the same period this year saw only 3,306 cases—a remarkable 93% decrease. This substantial decline is credited to the combination of harsher penalties and more rigorous nationwide road inspections.
The intensified crackdown has also led to notable reductions in several other categories of traffic offenses. For instance, violations related to tachograph records for commercial vehicle driving and rest times have decreased by 80.2%. Speeding violations have seen a 55.1% drop, while instances of failing to comply with police stop orders have fallen by 52.4%. Additionally, helmet-related offenses have decreased by 36.4%, and the number of drivers caught without a valid license has declined by 33.7%.
Authorities have also reported a decrease in wrong-way driving, traffic sign violations, red-light offenses, drunk driving, and seat belt violations. These reforms are part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance road safety, reduce the incidence of accidents, and safeguard lives and property throughout Türkiye.