New Regulation in the Highway Traffic Regulation: Safety Systems Now Mandatory in Commercial Vehicles
A significant regulation has been introduced for commercial passenger transport vehicles with the amendment to the regulation published in the Official Gazette dated 19 August 2025. Taxis, minibuses, city buses, school buses, and staff shuttle buses will now be required to have a vehicle tracking system, camera, video recording device, and emergency button. Private vehicles are not included in this scope.
This requirement will apply immediately to newly registered vehicles. For vehicles already registered for traffic, a phased transition process is envisaged according to the model year:
- 2025–2023 model vehicles: At the first inspection after 1 January 2026
- 2022–2018 model vehicles: At the first inspection after 1 January 2027
- 2017 and earlier vehicles: At the first inspection after 1 January 2028
Additionally, a special exemption has been granted for school buses. For vehicles registered between 18 February and 1 October 2025 that are equipped with a camera system compliant with current regulations, the new requirements will not apply until 31 December 2027.
The primary purpose of this change is to enhance passenger safety and ensure that recordings serve as evidence in the event of potential incidents. However, the regulation is not limited to traffic safety and will also directly concern personal data protection law in cases where images belonging to real persons are processed. As images obtained through cameras and recording devices may constitute personal data, operators must fulfil their obligations under the Personal Data Protection Law No. 6698 (‘KVKK’). In the event of a breach of these obligations, serious administrative sanctions may be imposed not only under traffic legislation but also under the KVKK.
It will become mandatory for businesses operating in the service and public transport sector to implement a comprehensive compliance plan in the coming period, both in terms of traffic legislation and personal data protection legislation.