Car Sound Systems, Screens and Field-of-View Rules

What changed in the Highway Traffic Regulation?

The Regulation Amending the Highway Traffic Regulation was published in the Official Gazette of 3 July 2026 (no. 33299) and entered into force on the date of publication.

The amendment addresses three subjects: items kept within the driver's field of view, in-car sound systems, and the use of display devices while the vehicle is moving. The rule on passenger screens in commercial buses and minibuses was also rewritten.

The Regulation governs how article 72 of Highway Traffic Law no. 2918 is applied. That article was amended by Law no. 7574 of 12 February 2026, which reset the administrative fine amounts. Our work on the distinction between misdemeanours and offences is described on the Antalya criminal lawyer page.

New definitions: display device and driver's field of view

Two new definitions were added to article 3 of the Regulation. Whether a given item or device falls within the prohibitions will be determined by reference to them.

A display device is a device within the driver's viewing and operating area on which television or video broadcasts are watched while the vehicle is moving.

The driver's field of view is the area in which, with the driver's seat in its upright and highest driving position, the driver can see the road, traffic and surroundings directly or indirectly through the windscreen, front side windows and exterior mirrors.

Defining the field of view by reference to the highest seat position matters: the assessment is made against a fixed reference position rather than the driver's own way of sitting.

Items in the field of view: the prohibition and its exceptions

A paragraph added to article 63 prohibits keeping accessories and items within the driver's field of view in a way that prevents the driver from seeing the road, pedestrian and vehicle movements, traffic signs and road markings.

The same paragraph provides three exceptions. The first is equipment fitted when the vehicle was manufactured. The second is any elevation not exceeding five centimetres above the highest level of the steering wheel or instrument panel.

The third exception is the one most often asked about: a dashcam and a phone holder mounted on the windscreen fall within the exception and are not treated as obstructing the view.

This paragraph does not refer to any specific article of the Law. Checking which provision a particular penalty notice relies on is therefore important at the objection stage.

New sound system rules: one subwoofer in the boot

Two subparagraphs added to article 144 regulate in-car sound systems.

Under subparagraph (b), it is prohibited to use sound devices so that the sound carries outside the vehicle and disturbs public peace and quiet. Those who breach this rule are dealt with under the first paragraph of article 72 of the Law.

Subparagraph (ç) restricts the equipment itself. Subject to areas designated by the manufacturer, keeping or using additional speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers and similar sound systems in vehicles is prohibited.

The only exception is the boot: one additional subwoofer of no more than 45 Hz and one additional amplifier of no more than 300 watts may be kept there.

Where additional systems do not comply with the prescribed standards, where more than one is found in the boot, or where sound is found to carry outside the vehicle and disturb public peace, the second paragraph of article 72 applies.

The ban on watching video while driving

Subparagraph (c) added to article 144 prohibits drivers, while the vehicle is moving, from watching video or television broadcasts on display devices within their viewing and operating area. Breaches are dealt with under the second paragraph of article 72 of the Law.

The subparagraph also expressly limits the prohibition. Devices used for driving, parking or navigation assistance, cameras and recording devices showing the inside and outside of the vehicle, and devices relating to vehicle control and system settings are not caught when used for those purposes.

The distinction rests not on the presence of a screen but on the purpose of use. Running navigation on the multimedia screen is permitted; playing video on the same screen is not.

Using a mobile or car phone or similar communication device while driving is a separate misdemeanour governed by article 73 of the Law.

Fine amounts and removal from traffic

Article 72 of the Highway Traffic Law, to which the Regulation refers, was amended by Law no. 7574 and now provides two different sanctions.

The first paragraph requires sound and display devices to be used in accordance with the Regulation and without disturbing public peace. The Law sets an administrative fine of TRY 3,000 for breach. Sound carrying outside the vehicle falls under this paragraph.

The second paragraph is more severe. It prohibits keeping or using sound, music, display and communication devices that do not comply with the requirements, and display devices within the driver's viewing and operating area. The Law sets an administrative fine of TRY 21,000; in addition the vehicle is removed from traffic for thirty days and the devices are ordered to be removed.

Watching video while driving, keeping more than one subwoofer in the boot, or using non-compliant additional systems all fall under the second paragraph.

Under article 17 of the Misdemeanours Law, administrative fines are updated at the start of each calendar year by reference to the revaluation rate. The amount applicable on the date of the penalty notice should therefore be checked separately.

Passenger screens in buses and minibuses

The row concerning display devices in Schedule 2 to the Regulation was also amended and retitled individual audio and video devices.

In M2 and M3 class vehicles used for commercial passenger transport, individual audio and video devices may be fitted to seats, partition walls in front of seats, the kitchen unit or anywhere close to passengers, provided the driver cannot watch them.

However, these devices may not be controlled by the driver. A set-up in which passenger screens can be operated from the driver's seat does not comply with the rule.

For businesses in Antalya operating airport transfers and tour transport, it is sensible to review vehicle equipment in this light.

How to object to a penalty notice

The route of challenge against a traffic administrative fine is set out in article 27 of Misdemeanours Law no. 5326.

An application may be made against the fine within fifteen days at the latest from service or notification of the decision. The body referred to in the text as the magistrates' criminal court is today the criminal judgeship of peace. If no application is made within that period the decision becomes final.

Where the period is missed due to force majeure, an application may be made within seven days of the cause ceasing; such an application does not, however, prevent the decision becoming final.

The application is made in person, by a legal representative or by a lawyer, by petition in two copies, stating the details of the decision and the evidence relied on against it. Under article 31 of the Law the route of challenge is not subject to court fees.

For additional measures such as removal from traffic and removal of devices, the first point examined on objection is whether the notice relied on the correct paragraph. For the general course of files, see the Konyaaltı lawyer page.

Frequently asked questions

Is a phone holder on the windscreen prohibited?

No. Under the paragraph added to article 63 of the Regulation, a dashcam and a phone holder mounted on the windscreen fall within the exception and are not treated as obstructing the view.

Can I fit a subwoofer to my car?

Additional sound systems are prohibited outside areas designated by the manufacturer. One additional subwoofer of no more than 45 Hz and one additional amplifier of no more than 300 watts may be kept in the boot.

Can I use navigation on the multimedia screen while driving?

Yes. Devices used for driving, parking or navigation assistance and cameras showing the inside and outside of the vehicle are not caught. The prohibition targets watching video or television while the vehicle is moving.

What is the fine for playing music loudly?

Sound carrying outside the vehicle and disturbing public peace falls under the first paragraph of article 72 of the Highway Traffic Law, which sets an administrative fine of TRY 3,000.

When is a vehicle removed from traffic?

In cases under the second paragraph of article 72, namely keeping or using non-compliant devices or watching broadcasts on a screen within the driver's viewing area, the vehicle is removed from traffic for thirty days and the devices removed, in addition to a TRY 21,000 fine.

How long do I have to object to a traffic fine?

Under article 27 of the Misdemeanours Law, an application may be made to the criminal judgeship of peace within fifteen days of service or notification of the decision. No court fee is payable.

When did the amendment enter into force?

The amendment to the Highway Traffic Regulation was published in the Official Gazette of 3 July 2026, no. 33299, and entered into force the same day.

The decisive distinction under the new rules is which paragraph of article 72 a breach falls under. The first paragraph provides only a fine; the second also brings thirty days' removal from traffic and removal of the devices. That is the first point to check when assessing an objection.

For an assessment of a penalty notice or a removal order, you may reach the office through the contact page; bear in mind that the fifteen-day period runs from the date of service.

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For further detail on the matters discussed here, see our Criminal Law page.

The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult a lawyer about your own situation.