Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Penalties and Alcohol Levels in Turkey
One of the most important elements of traffic safety is that drivers do not drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Alcohol reduces driving ability and invites accidents. For this reason, regulations regarding drunk driving in Turkey are quite strict and include heavy sanctions. In this article, we will explain the frequently asked questions about the legal limits, penalties and processes regarding drunk driving in Turkey.
Legal Alcohol Limits in Turkey
In Turkey, drivers must not exceed certain limits in their blood alcohol level while driving. Legal alcohol limits vary according to the type of vehicle and the driver’s condition:
For passenger car drivers: 0.50 promil.
For commercial vehicle drivers and professional drivers: 0.00 promil (no tolerance).
What is Promil? Promil is a unit of measurement that expresses the blood alcohol level. For example, 0.50 promil indicates that there is 0.50 units of alcohol in every 1000 units of blood.
Example:
If a person weighs 70 kilograms and drinks 2 glasses of beer in a short time, the blood alcohol level can reach approximately 0.40-0.50 per mille. This rate is at the limit for passenger car drivers, but prohibited for commercial vehicle drivers.
Drunk Driving Penalties
Penalties for drunk driving in Turkey vary depending on the number of violations and the driver’s alcohol level.
First Violation:
Fine: 1,350 TL.
Removal of driver’s license: 6 months.
Recorded on traffic record.
Second Violation (within 5 years):
Fine: 1,690 TL.
Removal of driver’s license: 2 years.
Mandatory participation in psychotechnical evaluation and training program.
Third and Further Violations:
Fine: 2,702 TL.
Removal of driver’s license: 5 years.
Court process: Trial for endangering traffic safety.
Disqualification from driving.
1.00 Percent and Above:
Drivers with a blood alcohol level of over 1.00 percent are subject to legal action for the crime of “endangering traffic safety”. In this case:
Imprisonment: Can be up to 2 years.
It is recorded in the criminal record.
Penalty for Refusing an Alcohol Test:
Drivers who refuse an alcohol test requested by the police:
A fine of 4,506 TL.
Their license is suspended for 2 years.
They are forcibly taken to a health institution for a blood test.
Risks of Drinking and Driving
Drinking and driving does not only have legal consequences, it can also cause serious traffic accidents. Alcohol impairs the driver’s reflexes, reduces decision-making skills and narrows the field of vision. This puts both the driver’s and other road users’ lives at risk.
Case Study: A driver failed to stop at a red light while driving under the influence of 0.80 percent of alcohol and caused a pileup. In this accident, 3 people were injured, and the driver had to pay both financial compensation and receive a prison sentence.
Ways to Avoid Drinking and Driving
Not drinking and driving is the most important step in ensuring safety in traffic. Here are some precautions that individuals can take in this regard:
Use Alternative Transportation Options: If you have consumed alcohol, return home by taxi, public transportation or with the help of a friend.
Practice Rotation Driving: In group activities, designate one person who will not be driving that day.
Measure Your Own Alcohol Level: Portable breathalyzer devices can help you measure your blood alcohol level.
Be Careful Even If You Are Below the Legal Limit: Even if you are below the legal limit, the effects of alcohol vary depending on personal factors. To be safe, do not drive if you have consumed alcohol.
Legal Consequences of Being Intoxicated in Accidents
Causing an accident by drinking and driving can have serious financial and moral consequences:Financial Compensation: Expenses for vehicles or property damaged in the accident are covered.
Non-pecuniary Damages: In cases of injury or death, non-pecuniary damages are paid to the relatives of the injured persons.Imprisonment: In fatal accidents, the driver may be tried for endangering traffic safety and manslaughter.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Breathalyzer Test Mandatory?
Yes, it is mandatory to take a breathalyzer test when stopped by the police. Refusing results in more severe penalties.2. Does Traffic Insurance Cover Alcohol Accident Expenses?
No, insurance companies do not pay damages in accidents caused by drunk driving.
3. How to Lower Alcohol Levels?
Alcohol levels only decrease over time. Drinking water, consuming coffee or doing physical activity does not reduce the blood alcohol level.
Drunk driving is one of the biggest causes of traffic accidents and has serious consequences for both the individual and the society. Legal limits and penalties are implemented to ensure that drivers act more carefully and responsibly. However, it should not be forgotten that the best precaution is not to drive drunk.
To avoid endangering your safety and the lives of others in traffic, do not get behind the wheel if you have consumed alcohol. Obeying traffic rules is important for both you and the peace of society.
