[REVISION HISTORY]

Turkey vehicle and rental regulation reforms

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-15 10:07 UTC → 2026-08-15 15:54 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In July 2026, Turkey’s Interior and Trade ministries revised rules for foreign‑plated vehicles owned by Turkish citizens abroad, allowing close family members to drive the cars even when the owner is not present, and extending driving rights to other residents when the owner is inside the vehicle. The change was presented as a measure to cut administrative fines, reduce driver fatigue on long trips, and improve traffic safety during the summer return‑migration surge. Following this, the Ministry of Trade moved to formalize the vehicle‑rental sector. In August 2026, a draft regulation was introduced requiring operators to obtain authorization certificates and meet professional-qualification standards to curb the informal “underground” market. TOKKDER President Özarslan A. Tangün welcomed the draft, noting it would strengthen consumer confidence while urging that rules remain practicable. By mid-August 2026, the Ministry of Trade finalized a comprehensive regulation for the car rental sector, set to take effect on January 1, 2027. Published in the Official Gazette, the regulation aims to increase service quality, prevent unfair competition, and protect consumer rights. To qualify, businesses must be registered with a professional chamber, be tax-paying entities, and employ personnel with specific vocational qualifications. All commercial companies must apply for a mandatory authorization certificate through a new Motor Vehicle Rental Information System. Technical standards for fleets are strictly defined: except for classic cars, vehicles older than six years are prohibited. Mileage limits are set at 180,000 kilometers for internal combustion engine vehicles and 300,000 kilometers for electric vehicles. Additionally, vehicles with heavy damage records or those lacking periodic maintenance are barred. In metropolitan districts with populations over 30,000, companies must maintain a fleet of at least 10 vehicles, including a minimum number of hybrid or electric ~~models.~~ models, one of which must be produced in Turkey.

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