Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that the number of drivers whose licenses were temporarily revoked and not returned as of April 19 was 689. Minister Yerlikaya put an end to the discussions on this issue by saying, “The issue of driver amnesty is definitely not on our agenda.”
Minister Yerlikaya stated that the majority of drivers whose licenses were revoked lost their documents due to serious violations such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, refusing a breathalyzer test, repeating speeding and red light violations during the year, drifting or having illegal flashing devices. He also stated that many drivers' licenses were temporarily revoked for reasons such as being involved in fatal or injury accidents, losing their health conditions or being involved in legal processes.
Minister Yerlikaya, who evaluated this picture created by the violation of traffic rules, emphasized that their aim is not to impose penalties, but to prevent accidents and protect lives. “The measures we have taken are measures to ensure peace and security on our roads, and are aimed at protecting lives. Every inspection we conduct, every measure we take is to wipe a mother’s tears, to prevent a child from becoming an orphan,” he said.
Minister Yerlikaya, who also clarified the discussions regarding the driver amnesty expectations, stated that they will never back down from their uncompromising stance against those who violate the rules and that all measures taken regarding traffic safety are in the public interest.
According to the data shared by Minister Yerlikaya:
- 499 drivers had their licenses revoked because they were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or refused a breathalyzer test.
- 28 drivers lost their licenses for reasons such as accumulating 461 penalty points, repeated speeding and red light violations, drifting and using illegal flashing lights.
- The licenses of 162 drivers were temporarily revoked due to legal processes such as their involvement in traffic accidents involving death or injury, or their health conditions.
