Right after a collision, one of the first questions is: do I need to call the police? In Türkiye, 155 reaches the Police (Emniyet) and 156 reaches the Gendarmerie (Jandarma), depending on where the accident happened. But not every accident requires them — and calling when you do not need to can leave you waiting on the roadside for nothing. Knowing which number to dial, and when not to dial at all, removes a big chunk of the confusion of the moment.
This guide explains exactly when to call 155, 156, or 112, when the police are mandatory, and where a licensed-adjuster report fits into the picture.
First, the rule that overrides everything
If there is any injury or loss of life, call 112 immediately. Injury accidents are not handled with a self-completed report, and emergency services plus the traffic authorities must attend. Do not move injured people unnecessarily, and do not try to resolve the scene yourself. Only once everyone is safe do the other questions apply.
When to call 155 or 156
Reach for the police line when the situation goes beyond a simple material-damage exchange. Typical cases include:
- Injury or fatal accidents (alongside 112)
- One driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- A driver has no license, no insurance, or refuses to identify themselves
- The accident involves a public institution’s property or an unattended/parked vehicle whose owner cannot be found
- There is damage to public property (guardrails, signs, traffic lights)
- A driver flees the scene (hit and run)
- A disagreement or threat makes it unsafe to exchange details
- Vehicles involved carry diplomatic plates or similar special status
Use 155 in city/urban jurisdictions and 156 in rural areas under the Gendarmerie. If you are unsure which, calling either will get you routed correctly.
155 vs 156: the jurisdiction split
Many drivers ask why there are two separate numbers at all. The answer is that the two forces cover different areas. The Police (155) are responsible within city and district municipal boundaries — urban centres and residential areas. The Gendarmerie (156) covers the areas outside those boundaries: rural zones, village roads, and the non-municipal stretches of intercity routes.
In practice, knowing exactly where the boundary falls is not always easy. The good news: even if you dial the “wrong” one, the call centres route you to the correct unit. So rather than hesitating and losing time, dial whichever number fits where you are.
When you do NOT need 155 / 156
For a straightforward material-damage accident with no injuries — two cars, a dented bumper, both drivers present and cooperative — the traffic police generally do not come out to draw up a report anymore. Instead, the accident is documented either by the drivers themselves or, far better, by a licensed adjuster.
This is where many people stop at the bare minimum. Rather than relying on a simple form, you can have an official material-damage traffic accident detection report drawn up by an SBM-registered insurance adjuster under Law 5684, article 22/17. Unlike the simple mutual report drivers fill out themselves, this report includes the adjuster’s professional fault assessment and a scene sketch — exactly what your insurer needs to process a claim cleanly.
What to tell the operator
Whether you dial 155, 156, or 112, giving clear, calm information helps the right team reach you fast:
- Exact location: road name, kilometre marker, direction, a known landmark, or an exit number.
- Type of incident: material damage or injury; how many vehicles are involved.
- Injuries: how many people, and their condition (critical for 112).
- Hazards: fire, fuel leak, an overturned vehicle, an obstruction blocking traffic.
- Vehicles and plates: especially the plate of a fleeing vehicle in a hit-and-run.
Do not hang up until the operator directs you — they may give extra instructions, such as not moving the vehicles or an injured person.
Other useful emergency numbers
- 112 — Emergency Call Centre: health, fire, and general emergencies, one number.
- 155 — Police: urban incidents.
- 156 — Gendarmerie: rural / out-of-town incidents.
Any injury makes 112 the priority; situations that require the authorities bring in 155/156. For ordinary material-damage accidents, an adjuster process is the strongest route to an official report.
The smarter alternative for material damage
Waiting on the roadside or producing an ambiguous form both create problems later. With Alo Tutanak — serving drivers since 2017, with calls answered in about 45 seconds — you call our 7/24 line, our experts walk you through it on the phone, and a licensed adjuster prepares the official report. The service is free for you — the adjuster fee is allocated from the traffic insurance under Law 5684, so there is no cost out of your pocket. It covers all 81 provinces, runs remotely, and the report is accepted by every insurer.
Read more about the adjuster-approved accident report and what to do at the accident scene.
Quick decision guide
| Situation | What to do |
|---|
| Anyone injured | 112 first, then 155/156 |
| Urban: alcohol, no insurance, hit-and-run, public property, disputes, special plates | 155 |
| Rural: a situation that requires the authorities | 156 |
| Simple material damage, both drivers present | No police needed; get a licensed-adjuster report |
Frequently asked questions
I am not sure if I am in an urban or rural area — which do I call?
Either is fine; the call centres route you to the correct unit. Do not hesitate.
Just a scratched bumper — do I still need the police?
If there is no injury and no special circumstance, no. Document it officially through an adjuster report instead.
If I call the police, do I still need an adjuster report?
They are different things. For ordinary material-damage accidents, the police generally do not attend to write a report; the strong foundation for your insurance claim is the adjuster report.
I dialled 112 by mistake — what should I do?
Do not hang up; explain the situation to the operator. Misusing emergency lines ties up resources, so using the right number matters.
Knowing which number to call — and when not to call at all — keeps you from wasting time and from ending up with a weak record. When the accident is material-damage only, the strongest move is a proper adjuster report. Download the Alo Tutanak app so the right help is always within reach.
