Turkish vehicle regulation and toll system updates

Turkey is considering legislative changes regarding vehicle usage for citizens living abroad. The AK Party is reportedly drafting a regulation that would allow dual citizens and Blue Card holders to extend the use of foreign-plated vehicles beyond the current 730-day limit by paying an annual tax. Under existing Ministry of Trade regulations, eligible individuals must have resided abroad for at least 185 days in the previous year. While the concept has been discussed within the AK Party Central Executive Board, specific details—such as the exact tax amount, maximum total duration, and whether fees will vary based on vehicle age, engine capacity, or value—remain unconfirmed. The draft is expected to be evaluated by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz before submission to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Separately, the country has updated its Fast Pass System (HGS) for highway and bridge toll violations. To enhance security and protect personal data, the ability to query debts using only a license plate has been replaced by mandatory identity verification via the e-Devlet portal. Drivers can now only view and pay violations for vehicles registered in their own names; debts for borrowed vehicles must be settled through the registered owner’s account. Payments must be processed through web browsers rather than the e-Devlet mobile application.

In conjunction with these system updates, the General Directorate of Highways (KGM) has issued warnings regarding widespread SMS fraud. Scammers are using fake messages claiming unpaid HGS debts or traffic fines to trick citizens into clicking malicious links designed to steal bank details and personal information. The KGM emphasized that it does not send debt notifications or payment warnings via SMS.