In Türkiye, traffic accidents claim thousands of lives each year, becoming an all-too-common headline. Weak enforcement, ineffective penalties, and poor traffic awareness make the situation even worse. But it’s not just about breaking the rules — reckless drivers who dangerously overtake, endanger others, or even get out of their cars to physically attack other drivers are also a big threat.

Meanwhile, China has managed to significantly improve traffic safety, especially over the last decade. We believe Türkiye could learn valuable lessons from China’s model to tackle its own traffic problems.

Getting a Driver’s License in China

In China, getting a driver’s license is a tough process. Applicants must pass four stages: a theory test, a field driving test, an on-road driving test, and a traffic laws exam. Those who fail have to go through training again and retake the tests. Because of this, drivers in China truly value their licenses.

In Türkiye, however, getting a license is much easier. The theory tests are simple, and in some provinces, the driving tests have become more of a formality. This lowers the overall quality of drivers on the roads.

Traffic Rules in China: The 12-Point System

China’s 12-point penalty system is the backbone of traffic discipline. Running a red light costs 6 points, not wearing a seatbelt costs 2 points, speeding by more than 20% costs 6 points, and drunk driving leads to an immediate loss of 12 points and suspension of the license. Dangerous driving that threatens public safety can even result in being detained and having your license canceled.

Drivers who lose 12 points within a year have their license suspended. To get it back, they must go through a theory course and pass an exam.

In Türkiye, although there is a points system, it’s not very effective. Running a red light usually only results in a fine. Points are recorded, but there’s no strong follow-up. In cases like attacking another driver or refusing to yield, legal action can be taken, but it’s rare for someone’s license to be suspended right away.

Drivers who rack up 100 points within a year in Türkiye temporarily lose their licenses. But for the first two times, they don’t have to retake any tests or training. Only after the third time do they completely lose their license and have to go back to driving school. This system doesn’t create enough pressure to change drivers’ behavior early on.

Practices That Really Make a Difference

In China, the penalties for traffic violations are clear and consistent. Illegal parking, driving the wrong way, and using a phone while driving all lead to points being deducted and a fine. Traffic cameras are everywhere, catching violations instantly and notifying drivers quickly.

Repeat offenders can even see their social credit score drop, which can limit their ability to get bank loans or buy high-speed train or plane tickets.

In Türkiye, enforcement is inconsistent. The same violation might be punished differently depending on where you are, which makes people trust the system less. Plus, in Türkiye, traffic violations are mostly seen as personal mistakes rather than a problem for society.

Penalties for Drunk Driving

In China, drunk driving leads to serious consequences. If an individual driver is caught slightly over the limit, they lose their license for six months and get fined. Commercial drivers, however, lose their right to drive commercial vehicles for life — even for slight intoxication — and can only drive personal vehicles afterward.

If the alcohol level is high, individual drivers lose their licenses completely and can’t reapply for five years. Commercial drivers are permanently banned from commercial driving.

In cases of serious accidents, especially when there are deaths, commercial drivers immediately lose their licenses and are permanently banned from commercial transport. Criminal charges may also follow.

In Türkiye, the system is much softer. Individual drivers caught slightly over the limit lose their license for six months and pay a fine. Lifetime bans for commercial drivers are very rare. Usually, they’re only banned from getting commercial licenses for a few years, and after meeting certain conditions, they can reapply.

Drivers involved in serious accidents usually face temporary bans or court rulings for license suspension, but lifetime bans are rare. This creates public safety risks, especially in areas like passenger and freight transportation.

China’s traffic system leaves no second chances for serious offenders. Strict penalties, especially for commercial drivers, have helped improve public transportation safety. In Türkiye, more tolerance is shown, which can harm traffic safety.

Lessons for Türkiye

To end traffic chaos and reckless driving, Türkiye should:

• Implement a clear and strict system like the 12-point model,
• Make the driver’s license process tougher and standardized,
• Enforce rules equally and consistently across the country,
• Create social consequences for violations to increase pressure on drivers,
• Apply stricter penalties for commercial drivers,
• Strengthen the use of cameras to monitor and enforce penalties.

China has managed to discipline millions of drivers by strictly enforcing its rules. Today, despite all the negative press from the West, one undeniable fact remains: China is one of the safest countries in the world.

This success has been achieved through strong public service enforcement and effective legal regulations. If Türkiye shows the same determination, traffic terrorism could become a thing of the past.

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