Published in the Official Gazette: New regulation on in-vehicle image and sound devices
With the regulation published in the Official Gazette, it was banned for drivers to watch video or television broadcasts on imaging devices within the viewing and usage area while driving. The use of sound devices that carry sound outside the vehicle and disturb public comfort and peace was also included in the ban.
The regulation amending the Highway Traffic Regulation was published in the Official Gazette.
With the regulation, the definitions of "imaging device" and "driver's field of vision" were added to the Highway Traffic Regulation. Accordingly, devices within the driver's viewing and usage area where television or video broadcasts are watched while the vehicle is moving are defined as "imaging devices."
The regulation prohibits placing accessories and items within the driver's field of vision in a way that would prevent the driver from seeing the highway, pedestrian and vehicle movements, traffic signposts, devices, and road markings. However, vehicle cameras and phone holders mounted on the windshield not exceeding five centimeters in height from the top level of the steering wheel or instrument panel will not be considered as obstructive elements.
Drivers are prohibited from watching video or television broadcasts on imaging devices within their viewing and usage area while driving. Devices used for driving, parking, or navigation assistance, cameras and recording devices showing inside and outside of the vehicle, and devices related to vehicle control and system settings used for these purposes will not be considered within the scope of the ban.
ADDITIONAL SPEAKERS IN VEHICLES BANNED
Using sound devices in vehicles in a way that the sound carries outside the vehicle and disturbs public comfort and peace is prohibited. Moreover, except for areas specified by the vehicle manufacturer, the presence or use of additional speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers, and similar sound systems in vehicles is prohibited. One additional subwoofer with a maximum of 45 Hz and one amplifier with a maximum of 300 watts can be present in the vehicle's trunk.
In M2 and M3 class vehicles used for commercial passenger transport, individual audio and video devices that drivers cannot watch may be present, provided that these devices cannot be controlled by the drivers.
The regulation came into force on the date of its publication.
