Turkey lifts fines on removable roof racks, tents and ski carriers

Turkey interior ministry removable equipment traffic fines port bagaj road regulation

Turkey's Interior Ministry announced that portable equipment such as roof racks (port bagaj), rooftop tents and ski‑carrier brackets are no longer classified as technical modifications. The change follows a report from the Vehicle Inspection, Modification and Installation (AITM) Sub‑Committee, which found that these items do not alter a vehicle’s structural integrity or safety parameters.

As a result, police and gendarmerie officers can no longer issue administrative fines for their use, ending a practice that affected roughly 35 million drivers. Previously, motorists could be fined up to 1,000 TL and given 30 days to register the equipment after a penalty. The new rule removes that requirement, while permanent technical changes to vehicles remain subject to reporting and penalties under Article 32 of the Highway Traffic Law.

Entities: Gendarmerie of Turkey · Interior Ministry of Turkey · Police of Turkey · Port bagaj (roof rack) · Vehicle Inspection, Modification and Installation Committee (AITM)

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 2 SOURCES] The decision affects roughly 35 million vehicle owners. (Interior Ministry communication)
[● 2 SOURCES] Previously, fines of up to 1,000 Turkish lira could be imposed for using such equipment. (Interior Ministry description of prior practice)
[● 3 SOURCES] Police and gendarmerie officers can no longer issue traffic fines for these removable items. (Interior Ministry instruction to traffic enforcement)
[● 2 SOURCES] Permanent technical changes to vehicles remain subject to reporting and penalties under Article 32 of the Highway Traffic Law. (Interior Ministry clarification)
[● 2 SOURCES] Earlier enforcement required a 30‑day period for owners to register the equipment after a penalty. (Interior Ministry description of prior requirement)
[● 2 SOURCES] The AITM Sub‑Committee report concluded that the equipment does not change a vehicle’s structural integrity. (AITM Sub‑Committee technical report)
[● 3 SOURCES] The Interior Ministry declared that portable equipment such as roof racks, tents and ski carriers are no longer considered technical modifications. (Interior Ministry announcement)