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Appeal Turkish Traffic Fines with Your German Legal Protection Insurance

Is it possible to get legal support without paying attorney fees?

Many Turkish citizens living in Germany face traffic fines issued in Turkey, especially during long stays, when renting cars, or driving a relative’s vehicle. These fines are often issued automatically by radar systems and can be quite costly.

So, how can someone living in Germany appeal a traffic fine from Turkey?
And most importantly: Can your German Legal Protection Insurance (Rechtsschutz) cover your lawyer’s fees so you don’t pay out of pocket?

1. Traffic Fines and Appeal Period in Turkey

Under the Turkish Highway Traffic Law No. 2918, fines can be appealed within:

• 15 days from notification
• To the Criminal Peace Court (Sulh Ceza Hakimliği)

If you were abroad when the fine was issued, the appeal period starts from the date you received the notice abroad.

2. How to Appeal from Abroad

You can appeal even if you are not in Turkey.
All you need is to authorize a Turkish lawyer through a power of attorney.

The common question is:

“Do I have to pay the lawyer’s fees myself? Will my insurance cover this?”

3. What Is Legal Protection Insurance (Rechtsschutz)?

Legal Protection Insurance in Germany covers legal and court expenses for disputes.
Most policies apply throughout Europe, and some even include Turkey as a Council of Europe member state.

Steps to follow:

• Submit a Coverage Request (Deckungsanfrage) to your insurer.
• Once you receive coverage approval (Deckungszusage), your lawyer can bill the insurance directly.

This means you can start your appeal in Turkey without paying attorney fees.

4. Does Your Legal Insurance Cover Turkish Traffic Fines?

Depending on your policy, Traffic Law Protection (Verkehrsrechtsschutz) often includes:

✅ Appeals against unjust traffic fines
✅ Driving license suspensions
✅ Compensation after accidents
✅ Vehicle insurance disputes

Usually not covered:
❌ Disputes with rental car companies
❌ Fines issued before policy start date
❌ Intentional traffic violations

How Your Lawyer Handles the Process

1. Power of Attorney: Issued via Turkish Consulate or German notary.
2. Review: Examines fine, date, vehicle plate.
3. Appeal Preparation: Identifies legal or procedural errors.
4. Filing: Submitted electronically via the Turkish UYAP court system.
5. Result: If successful, the fine is cancelled and refunded.

Attorney Ümit Öz – Turkish Lawyer in Berlin

Our law office in Berlin reviews your Rechtsschutz insurance, requests coverage, and coordinates the appeal with our Turkish partner lawyers.