Trafidar is the world’s first AI-based modular traffic radar system, developed by RADARSAN Radar Technologies Inc., a company based in Turkey. Developed after 10 years of R&D, Trafidar aims to reduce Turkey’s dependency on foreign traffic enforcement technologies. While the exact price has not been disclosed, similar systems abroad are priced around 20,000–30,000 EUR.

1. Features of Trafidar

• 1.1 Artificial Intelligence and Modular Structure
• Advanced Technology: Trafidar is built using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data technologies.
• Fully Autonomous Operation: The system operates without any operator intervention and functions under all weather and lighting conditions using infrared technology.
• 1.2 Detection Capabilities
• Speed Measurement: Measures speeds up to 160 mph (approx. 257 km/h) with 0.5% accuracy.
• License Plate Recognition: Detects plates with over 99% accuracy and is accepted as a reference device for other systems.
• Vehicle Information: Detects speed, license plate, brand, model, type, color, and GPS location of vehicles in up to four lanes, and transmits data instantly to the Turkish National Police Network (PolNet).
• Additional Violation Detection: Can detect violations such as seatbelt non-use and mobile phone use while driving.
• 1.3 Flexible Use
• Mounting Flexibility: Can be mounted on fixed poles, installed on vehicles, or placed on tripods for mobile use.
• Application Areas: Effectively deployed in high-traffic areas such as hospitals and schools, as well as on intercity roads.
• 1.4 Usage Areas and Advantages of Trafidar
• Traffic Safety: Contributes to accident prevention by detecting traffic violations such as speeding, not wearing seatbelts, and mobile phone use.
• Autonomous Operation: Reduces workload for traffic officers and accelerates enforcement by functioning without operator intervention.
• Data Transmission: Detected violations are instantly transmitted to PolNet, and fines are delivered to drivers via e-Government services.
• 1.5 Certifications, Approvals, and Technical Specifications

A document showing technical specifications in table format could not be found. It is assumed that the device complies with one of the TSE standards (TSE 13787, 13788, or 13789) issued in 2018. Compared to similar foreign products, the device should also possess the following certifications:

• IP Rating: Resistance to dust, impact, humidity, and temperature fluctuations should not be below IP60.
• CE Certification
• EMC: Electromagnetic compatibility.
• Emission Certification: Certification regarding emission effects on living beings.

The Radarsan website does not provide information about these certifications or TSE compliance. According to the Speed Violation Detection Equipment Inspection Regulation issued by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, radar devices must be inspected every 12 months. Devices that are not inspected or have expired inspection certificates may not be used, and fines issued by such devices are invalid. This requirement applies to all Electronic Detection Systems (EDS). Anyone who receives a speeding ticket should request the inspection certificates of the radar device used. Authorities are obliged to provide this document upon request.

2. Measurement Accuracy

Trafidar claims to provide 0.5% (five per thousand) measurement accuracy. If true, this is an excellent value. This can be verified through the inspection certificate, as the accuracy should be stated in the form of a ± km/h range. For reference, the speedometers in personal vehicles typically have a ±3 km/h tolerance. Vehicles equipped with tachographs have a ±6 km/h accuracy. In cases of discrepancies between the device and the vehicle’s measurement, what should be the basis for legal evaluation?

3. Can Automatic Fines Be Issued Based on Radar Measurements?

Automatic fines can be issued based on radar measurements in cases of speeding violations. This practice is also common in EU countries. However, a photograph of the driver should be included in the ticket documentation to determine who was driving the vehicle.

In contrast, for violations such as seatbelt non-use and mobile phone use, automatic fines are not advisable, as incorrect assessments may occur. In European countries, images and data from the device regarding such violations are typically reviewed by personnel before the fine is finalized, and the ticket is then issued manually or digitally.

4. Consequences of High-Speed Driving

• Environmental Impact: Increases harmful emissions, contributing to environmental pollution.
• Mechanical Wear and Failures: Leads to more frequent mechanical wear and failures. Many replacement parts are imported and purchased with foreign currency.
• Vibration and Noise: Causes increased vibration and noise, negatively affecting the health of humans and other living beings.
• Accident Risk: Increases the risk of accidents. At high speeds, the field of vision narrows, road hazards may be missed, and braking distances increase.
• Fatality and Damage Severity: Accidents at high speeds result in higher fatality rates and greater damage.
• Pedestrian Survival Probability: At 30 km/h → 90%, At 45 km/h → 50%, At 80 km/h → 0%

A 5% reduction in average speed leads to a 30% reduction in fatal accidents. Therefore, many European countries are lowering speed limits for both urban and intercity roads. Germany is currently discussing implementing a 120 km/h limit on currently unlimited autobahns.

5. Recommendations

• Coordination among ministries must be improved to avoid duplicate penalties for the same violation.
• Legislation must be reviewed and completed where missing. For example, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security was supposed to publish a Driver Work Regulation in 2012, but it remains unpublished.
• There are conflicting rules concerning driver working hours in various regulations, making enforcement difficult and inconsistent.
• Tachograph enforcement must be enhanced. Enforcement officers must be equipped with data download tools and analysis software to examine the last 28 days of data. Currently, they can only review 2–3 days.
• Violations must be categorized by severity, and penalties should be graded accordingly.
• Penalties should be proportionate to income levels. A civil servant and a billionaire should not pay the same fine. For this to be fair, the informal economy must be minimized.
• If a violation is not repeated within 12/24 months, the count should reset.
• Vehicle technical inspections should be conducted by properly trained and equipped teams. The long-overdue Technical Roadworthiness Regulation, expected to be jointly issued by the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Transport in 2011/2012, must be enacted.
• Speed limits must be reassessed and updated. Traffic signs should be placed considering physical laws, cleaned regularly, and made visible.
• Trucks must be limited to 90 km/h, buses to 100 km/h. The Ministry of Industry and Technology should authorize services for speed limiters and publish relevant regulations.
• Vehicle inspections should include ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) calibration and functionality.
• Malfunctions in speed limiter equipment must be classified as major defects in inspections.
• Road infrastructure deficiencies, especially in rest areas, must be addressed. Urban speeds should not exceed 70 km/h, highway speeds should be capped at 120 km/h.
• Trafidar is not the only AI-supported speed enforcement radar on the market. AI integration does not guarantee flawless detection. All penalty tickets should include a photo, and data should be periodically reviewed by specialist staff.
• Traffic education should begin at the primary school level, and driving schools must be monitored. Driver training, especially for commercial vehicle drivers, should be periodically renewed.
• Legislation must be prepared in consultation with NGOs active in traffic safety.
• In conclusion, the state must fulfill its responsibilities completely and should not penalize citizens for systemic errors.
• There is multi-agency fragmentation in traffic governance. A Ministry of Traffic should be established if necessary.

Protect yourself on the road!

Bilal YEŞİL

Electrical-Electronics Engineer

AETR Agreement & Tachograph Consultant

Board Member of Turkish Traffic Accidents Prevention Association