Historic Speed Limit Regulation in the Official Gazette: Road markings on highways to be reviewed

ANKARA - The Presidential Circular titled "Uniformity in Speed Limitation Practices on Highways" published in the Official Gazette dated August 16, 2025 and numbered 32988 announced that an important step has been taken in line with Turkey's traffic safety targets. According to the circular signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, speed limit lowering traffic signs applied on highways across the country will be re-evaluated and necessary infrastructure arrangements will be made for those that are decided to be removed.

Purpose of the Circular: Traffic Safety and Standardization

The circular was issued as part of the strategy document and action plans that aim to help Turkey achieve the United Nations' goal of "reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 50 percent by 2030 and eliminating them by 2050". Accordingly, speed limit signs and other traffic markings on the highway will be examined in detail in terms of compliance with current standards, location, necessity, visibility, continuity and impact on driver behavior. In particular, it will be decided whether existing markings that reduce speed limits on divided highways outside settlements are necessary.

Pedestrian Crossings and Neighborhood Signs to be Reviewed

One of the important steps to be taken within the scope of the circular is to check the compliance of level crossings established outside residential areas with the standards. These crossings will be removed except in exceptional areas such as schools and hospitals. In addition, the necessity and location of residential signs on intercity highways will be re-evaluated. Speed limits on high-carrying capacity roads under the responsibility of municipalities will be reviewed in order to ease urban traffic. The aim is to standardize all work according to the principle that "traffic signs should be as few as possible but as many as necessary."

Responsible Institutions and Timeline

The works will be carried out under the coordination of the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, with the participation of all relevant institutions and organizations such as the ministries of Justice, Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, National Education, Health, Agriculture and Forestry, and municipalities. Work on the roads identified as the first priority will be completed by September 1, 2025, while work on other roads will be completed by December 31, 2025.

Other Important Decisions and Appointments

Among other decisions published in the Official Gazette, there were decisions on the dates of entry into force of various international agreements, the declaration of some areas as urban transformation and development project areas and the establishment of special industrial zones. Some areas in the Central district of Tokat, Yumurtalık district of Adana and Büyükçekmece district of Istanbul were declared Special Industrial Zones for the relevant companies. It was also announced that senior appointments were made in the Ministry of National Education, Ministry of Treasury and Finance and Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The Regulation on Health Application and Research Center at Kırıkkale University also entered into force.