A Turkish traffic fine is an idari para cezası (administrative fine) written in a karar tutanağı — by the traffic police, the gendarmerie or an electronic system such as a speed camera. A camera fine goes by post to the car's registered owner; since 2026, if the car was rented at the time and the renter has an address in the records, the fine is written in the renter's name and collected from them.
Paying: one month, 25% off
The fine is due within one month of the notification. Paid within that month, it is 25% less — and paying does not take away your right to object. Pay at a tax office, at banks or the PTT authorised by the Revenue Administration, online through e-Devlet or the Digital Tax Office, or by card; never in cash to a police officer, and never through a link in a text message.
Objecting: 15 days
To challenge the fine, you object to the criminal judge of peace (sulh ceza hakimliği) within 15 days of the notification, with a written petition. After that the fine is final. Enter the day you received it on this page and the site counts the 15 days.
If it is not paid
- After the month, 5% interest is added for each month begun, up to double the fine, and the tax office collects it like a tax debt.
- A car with foreign plates pays its fines on the spot and may not leave Turkey until they are paid.
- Since 2026 a fine a foreigner did not pay before leaving is collected when they next enter Turkey — and if it is not paid then, entry can be refused.
The traffic law was changed in February 2026 (higher fines, more licence seizures) and fines go up every 1 January, so the amount on your notice is the one that counts. A toll passage without payment is a different matter — see the HGS toll fine. A lawyer for traffic fines can write the objection in Turkish within the 15 days.
Prepared by Legal Help Tool. Last updated . General information, not legal advice.
