Penalties for Drinking and Driving in Turkey: What You Need to Know
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious crime that endangers the safety of both the driver and other road users. There are strict laws and penalties in Turkey on this issue. In this article, we will examine the penalties, legal limits and types of penalties for drinking and driving in bullet points.
1. Alcohol Limits
A. Legal Limits:
In Turkey, drivers’ alcohol limits are determined according to the amount of alcohol in their blood.
Normal Drivers: 0.50 promil alcohol limit.
New Drivers and Professional Drivers: 0.00 promil, meaning zero tolerance.
Example: If a driver’s blood alcohol level is 0.60 promil, this means they have exceeded the legal limit and will be penalized.
2. Penalties for Drinking and Driving
A. Being Caught for the First Time:
For drivers caught driving under the influence of alcohol for the first time, the penalty amount can vary between 1,500 TL and 3,000 TL. In addition, the driver’s license may be confiscated for 6 months.
B. Second Time Caught:
For drivers caught for the second time, the fine may start from 3,000 TL and go up to 5,000 TL. In this case, the driver’s license may be revoked for 2 years.
C. Third and More Times Caught:
For drivers caught for the third time or more, the fine increases even more. The fine may exceed 5,000 TL and the driver’s license may be revoked for 5 years.
3. Penalty Processes
A. Traffic Control:
The police may use an alcohol tester to measure the alcohol levels of drivers at traffic checkpoints.
For example: If a driver takes an alcohol test at a checkpoint and is found to be intoxicated, a fine will be applied.
B. Objection to the Alcohol Test:
Drivers may object to the test results if they believe the alcohol test was performed incorrectly. In this case, the court must be contacted with the necessary documents for objection.
4. Other Sanctions for Exceeding the Alcohol Limit
A. Court Process:
Driving under the influence of alcohol may not only result in an administrative fine. Depending on the situation, a court process may also be initiated.
For example: If the driver has caused an accident, he/she may face more severe penalties.
B. Prison Sentence:
Causing an accident by driving under the influence of alcohol may result in a prison sentence. The prison sentence may vary from 3 months to 3 years.
5. Consequences of Exceeding the Alcohol Limit
A. Material Damages:
Driving under the influence of alcohol may cause material damage as it may cause accidents. In the event of an accident, the insurance company may request compensation due to the driver exceeding the alcohol limit.
B. Psychological Effects:
The negative effects caused by driving under the influence of alcohol may have psychological effects on the driver. Penalties may also have negative consequences in social life.
6.
Driving under the influence of alcohol in Turkey is an action that can have serious consequences both financially and morally. Drivers should be careful not to exceed the alcohol limit. Being informed about legal limits and the consequences of exceeding these limits is of great importance for drivers to ensure their own safety and the safety of other road users.
Drivers should drive when they are not drinking alcohol and obey traffic rules for safe driving. It should not be forgotten that every precaution taken in traffic can save lives.
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