Published in the Official Gazette: New regulations on phone holders, cameras and sound systems for drivers

With the changes published in the Official Gazette to the Highway Traffic Regulation, a new era has begun regarding devices and equipment used inside vehicles. The regulation aims to eliminate elements that threaten driving safety and prevent obstructions that narrow the field of view. Under the new rules, it is prohibited to have or position any object inside the vehicle that completely or partially obstructs the driver's view, thereby reducing their ability to perceive other elements in traffic. This ban is broad in scope, covering objects that obstruct visibility from both the front and side windows, with the aim of eliminating elements that cause driver distraction.

The changes in the regulation are not limited only to prohibitions but also bring certain regulations in line with technological developments and needs. Accordingly, if drivers need to use navigation or a phone, phone holders that do not exceed certain dimensions and restrict the field of view are permitted. According to the new rules, these holders must be placed immediately above the dashboard inside the vehicle and positioned so that the screen does not obstruct the driver's field of view. Similarly, the use of vehicle cameras used for security purposes and assisting in detecting traffic events is permitted within certain limitations specified in the regulation. However, these cameras must also not obstruct vision or have a negative effect on driver attention.

Another important issue regulating the behavior of drivers and passengers inside the vehicle is the use of screens for entertainment purposes while driving. Under the newly introduced rule, it is prohibited for screens that allow the driver and the front-seat passenger to watch videos or play games to be open while the vehicle is in motion. The main purpose of this ban is to minimize visual and auditory distractions that divert the driver's focus from the road and lengthen reaction times. For rear-seat passengers, however, no specific restriction has been imposed on screen use or video watching to allow children or other passengers to be entertained during their journey.

The regulation change also introduces new limits regarding vehicle sound systems and noise pollution emitted to the environment. Accordingly, the use of sound systems that do not comply with standards, have been forcibly modified, or are considered excessively powerful, and the operation of these systems at high volume have been brought under control. It is stated that penal sanctions may be applied to vehicles broadcasting music at a level that causes environmental disturbance and distracts other drivers, especially during hours of heavy traffic or in quiet zones. This regulation is considered an important step in terms of reducing urban noise and maintaining the peace of other users in traffic.

With the entry into force of these changes, traffic inspection units are expected to focus particularly on these elements during vehicle inspections. The position of phone holders, the mounting location of vehicle cameras, the usage status of screens in the front, and the level of the sound system are among the main headings to be checked. Drivers must arrange their vehicles in accordance with these new rules and remove unnecessary equipment that obstructs vision or causes distraction from their vehicles. Experts emphasize that these changes will have positive effects in preventing traffic accidents and increasing road safety, but that conscious behavior by drivers is the most important factor determining the success of this process.