Traffic regulations encompass a series of rules and arrangements established to ensure a safe and fluid transportation environment on highways. The primary objective of these regulations is to secure the safety of life and property and to minimize traffic accidents. The Highway Traffic Law constitutes the fundamental legal text serving this purpose, incorporating a range of obligations and prohibitions that drivers must adhere to. Speed limits form one of the most critical elements of these obligations, as excessive speed is a significant factor that considerably increases the risk of accidents.

Article 51 of the Highway Traffic Law meticulously regulates the sanctions to be applied to drivers who violate the determined speed limits. Within the scope of this article, sub-paragraphs 51/2-a, 51/2-b, and 51/2-c prescribe different penal sanctions according to varying degrees of speeding. These penalties manifest as administrative fines and penalty points, applied at an increasing rate depending on the severity of the violation.

1. Traffic Violation 51/2-a: Exceeding the Speed Limit by 10% to 30%

Provision 51/2-a is applied when a driver exceeds the current speed limit by a rate between 10% and 30%. This type of violation can typically occur due to carelessness or a momentary acceleration and is considered a less severe violation compared to other types of speeding. However, this should not minimize the potential danger of exceeding the speed limit, as any speeding carries the risk of disrupting traffic safety and inviting accidents. As of 2025, the administrative fine for this violation has been determined as TRY 2,168. If the fine is paid within fifteen days from the date of notification, a 25% discount is applied, reducing the payable amount to TRY 1,626. Additionally, 10 penalty points are added to the driver's license as a result of this violation.

2. Traffic Violation 51/2-b: Exceeding the Speed Limit by 30% to 50%

The situation where a driver exceeds the determined maximum speed limit by a rate between 30% and 50% is considered a traffic violation under 51/2-b. Speeding at this level poses a more significant risk in traffic, hence the legal sanctions are more severe. Driving at such a high speed can make it difficult to control the vehicle, lengthen the braking distance, and increase the severity of a potential accident. For 2025, the traffic fine under 51/2-b has been set at TRY 4,512. If the early payment advantage is utilized (within 15 days of notification), this amount is reduced to TRY 3,384. The penalty point equivalent for this violation is 15 penalty points.

• 8.1. First Time 100 Points are Reached

If a driver reaches 100 penalty points for the first time within a rolling 1-year period, their license is temporarily revoked for 2 months. During this period, the driver is required to attend traffic safety training. Drivers who successfully complete the training have their licenses returned at the end of the period, and the points are reset.

• 8.2. Second Time 100 Points are Reached

If the driver reaches 100 penalty points for the second time within the same year, their license is revoked for 4 months this time. However, simply attending traffic training is not sufficient. The driver is subject to a psycho-technical evaluation and a psychiatric specialist examination. If the evaluations determine that there is no condition preventing them from driving, their license is returned at the end of the period.

• 8.3. Third Time 100 Points are Reached

If a driver reaches 100 penalty points for the third time within 1 year, their license is permanently revoked. In this case, the driver can no longer get their license back in any way and must complete all the processes from scratch to obtain a new license.

Additionally:

• If a driver causes a fatal traffic accident as the party primarily at fault, their license is revoked for 1 year..
• Drivers who want to get their license back after the penalty period expires can apply to the relevant traffic unit or the nearest Traffic Control Branch Directorate to retrieve their license.

Therefore, it is of great importance for drivers to comply with traffic rules, both to avoid receiving penalty points and to not risk their licenses.

9. Is the Driver's License Confiscated for a 51/2 Violation?

Since the 51/2 traffic fine is related to exceeding speed limits, the driver's license is not confiscated for a single instance of this violation. However, according to the penalty point system, the driver's license may be temporarily or permanently confiscated under certain conditions.

If a driver accumulates a total of 100 penalty points within a rolling 1-year period from the date of the traffic offense, the driver's license is revoked for 2 months, and the driver is required to attend traffic safety training. Drivers who reach 100 penalty points for the second time within the same year lose their licenses for 4 months and are subject to psycho-technical evaluation and a psychiatric specialist examination. If the examination determines that there is no condition preventing them from driving, their license is returned at the end of the period.

In addition, the licenses of drivers who cause a fatal or seriously injury-causing traffic accident as the party primarily at fault may be revoked for 1 year. Furthermore, the licenses of drivers who reach 100 penalty points for the third time within one year are permanently revoked. Therefore, complying with speed limits and other traffic rules is of great importance not only to avoid fines but also to protect one's driver's license.

10. Is the Vehicle Prohibited from Traffic for a 51/2 Traffic Fine?

Since the 51/2 traffic fine is imposed due to exceeding speed limits, it does not, on its own, lead to the vehicle being prohibited from traffic. However, in some specific cases, the vehicle may be prohibited from traffic. If a driver is caught driving without a license in conjunction with a speeding violation, the vehicle may be impounded. In addition, if the speeding violation is combined with another serious traffic offense (such as drunk driving, drifting, driving without license plates), it is possible for the vehicle to be prohibited from traffic. Furthermore, if an accident occurs as a result of speeding and the vehicle becomes unusable, the vehicle may be removed from traffic until the investigation process is completed. However, a vehicle is not prohibited from traffic solely due to exceeding the speed limit.

11. Appeal Mechanism Against a 51/2 Traffic Fine

As with any traffic fine, appealing a traffic fine imposed under 51/2 is the constitutional right of every driver. If a driver believes that the traffic fine notified to them is unlawful, incorrect, or unjust, they have the opportunity to appeal to the competent Magistrate's Court of Peace by submitting a petition within fifteen days from the date of notification of the fine.

In the appeal process, it is of great importance for the driver to present concrete evidence and legal justifications as to why the fine is erroneous. Some issues that can be stated and substantiated in the appeal petition are as follows:

• Errors in Radar Measurements: If the fine is based on a measurement taken with a radar device, technical reports or documents can be submitted indicating an irregularity or deficiency in the device's calibration records or that the measurement was taken incorrectly.
• Deficiencies in Speed Limit Signage: Situations such as the absence of traffic signs indicating the speed limit at the location where the violation occurred, the inadequacy of such signs, their incorrect placement, or their being not easily visible can be grounds for appeal. Photographs or video recordings supporting this situation can be presented as evidence.
• Errors in Vehicle License Plate: If the vehicle license plate is written incorrectly in the fine report, and therefore the fine was issued to the wrong vehicle, this error can be proven with documents such as the vehicle registration certificate.
• Absence from the Scene: Evidence that the vehicle or the driver was not at the scene at the date and time specified in the fine report (e.g., travel documents, workplace records, camera recordings, etc.) can be submitted.
• Procedural Errors: If a procedure contrary to the law was followed in issuing the fine report (e.g., missing mandatory information, incorrect address, etc.), this can also be grounds for appeal.

The appeal petition can be submitted directly to the relevant Magistrate's Court of Peace or sent by mail. The petition should clearly state the driver's identity information, the date and number of the notified fine, the grounds for appeal, and any available evidence.

The Magistrate's Court of Peace considers the submitted evidence and defense when evaluating the appeal. If deemed necessary, it may request additional information and documents or hear witnesses. If the appeal is found to be justified as a result of the examination, the court may decide to cancel the traffic fine. However, it should be noted that valid, convincing, and concrete evidence must be presented for the appeal to be accepted. If the appeal period (15 days from the notification of the fine) is missed, the fine becomes final and must be paid. Therefore, it is of great importance for drivers considering appealing a traffic fine to meticulously follow this period and submit the necessary documents on time.

Furthermore, obtaining legal support during the appeal process can also be beneficial. A lawyer can assist in preparing the appeal petition, collecting evidence, and ensuring that the legal process is carried out correctly. It should be remembered that appealing a traffic fine does not automatically mean that the fine will be canceled. The court will make its final decision by evaluating all the information and documents submitted. Therefore, it is important that the appeal is strong and has legal basis.

In conclusion, complying with traffic rules is a primary responsibility not only to avoid penalties but, above all, to ensure the safety of oneself and other road users. Adhering to speed limits plays a critical role in preventing potential accidents. However, when faced with a traffic fine and believing it to be unjust, it should not be forgotten that the legal right to appeal exists. Taking careful and conscious steps in this process is of great importance to prevent loss of rights.