Alcohol and Vehicles Don’t Mix – Especially With a Turkish Twist

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Jefferson Brown
  • 39th Air Base Wing Staff Judge Advocate
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  At Incirlik, we are extremely fortunate that the temptation to mix driving a vehicle and consuming alcohol rarely arises. Everyone can easily walk around the base - and can easily walk to and from the different establishments in the Alley. For those averse to walking, the on-base taxis provide an easy and inexpensive way to return home from the bar or from a friend's house.

On occasion, however, an Airman will choose to drive downtown for dinner or other recreational purposes and may be tempted to drink. Before they decide to drive after having a few drinks it is imperative they know about Turkey's drinking and driving rules.

· Turkish drunk-driving law: The alcohol limit for driving in Turkey is .5 Promil of alcohol. The U.S., however, measures alcohol intoxication rate using a different method. We use alcohol rate in terms of volume. The U.S. equivalent of .5 Promil is .063 percent. The impact for someone caught driving a vehicle in Turkey with an alcohol level of .063 percent or greater is a fine and suspension of the driver's license. There may also be other administrative consequences such as a letter of reprimand or downgraded performance report. In addition, the military member will almost certainly be found at fault for any vehicular accident and will be required to pay damages.

· Driving in Turkey below the limit: Although it may not be an alcohol-related offense to drive a vehicle in Turkey with an alcohol level below .063 percent, the negative impact can be just as dire. With any alcohol in the driver's system, it is extremely likely that the driver will be held responsible for the accident. In addition, Turkish auto insurance companies - including insurance for rental vehicles - routinely do not pay for damage if the driver has any alcohol in his or her system when the accident occurs.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact the legal office at 676-6800.