Yes, leaving a car running unattended is illegally permitted in most Turkish jurisdictions, but enforcement varies by municipality and recent national directives prioritize anti-theft measures.
Turkey’s 2023 amendments to the Highway Traffic Law (Law No. 2918) and municipal codes under the Ministry of Interior’s 2026 compliance framework criminalize leaving vehicles unattended with the engine running as a misdemeanor under Article 118/1. Local authorities, including Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Police and Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Traffic Units, actively issue fines under municipal regulations, citing theft prevention and urban safety concerns. Exceptions apply only in emergencies or during official duties, strictly documented.
Key Regulations for Leaving Your Car Running Unattended in Turkey
- Highway Traffic Law (Law No. 2918, Art. 118/1): Prohibits leaving a vehicle unattended with the engine running, punishable by fines up to ₺1,500 (2026 adjusted value) under national traffic codes.
- Municipal Traffic Ordinances: Cities like Istanbul and Ankara enforce stricter local rules, doubling fines to ₺3,000 in high-risk zones (e.g., Taksim, Kızılay) via metropolitan police directives.
- 2026 Compliance Framework: The Ministry of Interior’s circular (2026/4) mandates traffic units to prioritize enforcement in urban centers, linking violations to potential insurance liability for theft-related incidents.