New era in taxis begins on Saturday

With the amendment to the Highway Traffic Regulation published in the Official Gazette by the Ministry of Internal Affairs on November 29, 2024, it was made mandatory for 120 thousand taxis across the country to be fitted with in-car cameras. The new regulation aims to increase safety standards, prevent possible negative incidents and enable camera recordings to be used as evidence in crime detection.

Taxis Without Cameras Won't Pass Inspection

Under the new regulation, all taxis must have an in-car camera system by March 1, 2025. The requirement includes recording not only the passenger compartment, but also the interior of the vehicle, including the driver's seat, and the front road view. Taxis that do not install cameras will not be able to pass vehicle inspections and will not be able to continue operating.

Camera Records Will Be Stored for At Least 1 Month

According to the rules set by the Ministry of Interior, taxi camera recordings must be kept for at least 1 month. The recording period can be rearranged by the Provincial Transportation Coordination Centers and Provincial Traffic Commissions to which the taxis are affiliated. The General Directorate of Security and the General Command of Gendarmerie will be able to access these images when necessary. In this way, crime incidents can be intervened quickly and effectively.

How Much Does a Taxi Camera System Cost?

Within the scope of this obligation, taxi drivers must also cover a certain cost. Istanbul Taxi Drivers' Chamber (İTEO) President Eyüp Aksu stated that all taxis in Istanbul have switched to camera systems, and that camera systems cost 22,800 TL per taxi. This fee may vary depending on the province.

Aksu stated that taxis in Istanbul have fully complied with the new regulation and made the following statements:

"We currently do not have any taxis without cameras in Istanbul. The inspection regulation will come into effect as of March 1st and taxis in Istanbul are fully prepared for this. Vehicles without cameras cannot get a license and cannot operate."

Camera Recordings Will Be Used for Security

Camera systems will play a critical role not only for drivers but also for the safety of passengers. In the event of any negativity, the police departments in the relevant province will be able to request the records. While the camera footage inside the taxi in Istanbul is kept in the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Taxi Management Center, the municipal transportation coordination centers in other provinces will ensure that these records are kept.

Eyüp Aksu emphasized that camera recordings can only be accessed upon request from security units, and shared the following information:

"When an incident occurs, our citizens can directly contact the police department. The police can conduct the necessary investigation, obtain the relevant camera recordings, and complaints can be substantiated. This application takes safety to the highest level for passengers and drivers."

Safety Standards Are Increasing in Taxis

This new application, which will come into effect on March 1, is considered an important step to ensure both passenger and driver safety. Authorities state that this system will enable faster and more effective interventions to prevent theft, fraud, harassment and other crimes.