The Ministry of Trade has prepared a new draft regulation for the car rental sector. The "Draft Regulation on the Rental of Motor Vehicles" has been submitted for public and industry stakeholder consultation.
The new regulation aims to increase service quality, prevent unregistered operations, and protect consumers from grievances in the car rental sector. The new regulation primarily targets small businesses rather than corporate brands.
Authorization Certificate Becomes Mandatory
If no changes are made to the draft, companies engaged in car rental will be required to obtain an authorization certificate. To be granted an authorization certificate, businesses must be registered with a professional chamber, their workplace must not be used for residential or other professional/commercial activities, and they must be taxpayers. Advertisement websites and online platforms will be obligated to verify whether businesses posting vehicle rental ads possess an authorization certificate. Businesses without an authorization certificate will be prevented from advertising on these platforms. To facilitate the sector's adaptation to this new structure, existing businesses will be given until January 1, 2027, to obtain their authorization certificates.
Vehicles Cannot Be Older Than 5 Years
In the new era, vehicles with over 100,000 kilometers or older than 5 years will not be allowed for rent. Classic automobiles will be exempt from this rule. Businesses will be required to own at least 5 of their total fleet, possessing a minimum of 10 vehicles in total.
Electric and Hybrid Obligation
Car rental businesses operating in metropolitan areas will be required to have at least 2 electric or hybrid automobiles in their fleet. At least one of these two automobiles must be produced in Turkey. This rule will direct rental companies towards Togg and hybrid automobiles manufactured in Turkey.
Deposit Grievances to Be Eliminated
The draft also includes important provisions aimed at preventing grievances experienced during contract and payment processes. Accordingly, the amount of deposit that can be taken will be limited to a maximum of 3 days' rental fee for 1-6 day rentals, and a maximum of 7 days' rental fee for 7-30 day or weekly rentals. Situations where deductions can be made from the deposit will also be determined by the regulation. Steps are also being taken regarding deposit refunds, which is one of the biggest problems for consumers. In this context, the deposit refund must be made within 7 days following the date the vehicle is returned by the consumer.
Consumers will be granted the right to cancel their prepaid reservations without any reason or deduction up to 24 hours before the delivery time. Furthermore, no fee can be demanded from the consumer for normal wear and tear resulting from ordinary use, and no deduction can be made from the deposit. Except for cases where the business and the renter have reached an agreement, no fee under the name of "depreciation" can be demanded from the renter without a court order. This will prevent arbitrary practices and protect consumers from being victimized.
Child Seat, Navigation, and HGS to Be Free of Charge
Upon the request of the car rental customer, the business will be obligated to provide a child seat, navigation, and the Fast Pass System (HGS) free of charge. No additional fee can be requested for these services.
Comprehensive and Liability Insurance to Be Included in the Price
Comprehensive and liability insurance coverages will be included in the rental fee, ensuring that the renter's right to benefit from insurance and comprehensive coverage cannot be tied to an additional fee or condition. Rental businesses will be obliged to provide communication channels and establish a continuous and accessible notification infrastructure for renters to easily reach them in case of damage or breakdown.
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