License fees drop to 15 liras after public outcry in Turkey

ISTANBUL – Hürriyet Daily News

Hürriyet photo

The fee for the renewal of driver’s licenses has dropped to 15 Turkish liras, according to ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) deputy Nurettin Canikli hours after Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek announced that the decision to increase the cost of the licenses from 90 to 420 Turkish liras would be reconsidered.

The change, which would force all drivers to pay up at least 89 Turkish Liras to renew their licenses, and around 420 liras if deadlines were missed, caused a strong backlash June 4 as citizens took to Twitter to voice their objections, making the relevant hashtag one of the most popular topic within hours.

Şimşek also responded to the outburst of reactions through Twitter, saying, “I spoke to our Plan and Budget Commission head, the renewal fees will be reconsidered. Still, the fees will not be lowered below the cost.”

The new regulation called for all drivers renewing their licenses to pay an initial fee of 89 liras, and if the deadline for the change was missed the driver would have to pay up 423 liras in total.

Each driver who missed the deadline would be treated as if he or she was trying to get their license for the first time under the new regulations. The initial fee to be paid for a first-time license ranges between 110 and 556 liras, depending on the category of the license.

Those who miss the deadline will be charged 334 liras, in addition to a renewal fee of 89 liras, adding up to a total of 423 liras.

The new regulation also removes lifelong licenses and instead will require drivers to renew their licenses periodically.