Updated penalties for road traffic offences in Cyprus

Cyprus has updated its road traffic offences and penalties to enhance road safety.

The new amendments, effective from October 1, 2020, introduce increased fines and penalty points for various violations to encourage more responsible driving behaviours.Key updates include stricter penalties for driving without insurance, MOT violations, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. For example, fines for speed limit violations now vary based on the percentage by which the limit is exceeded, with higher fines and more penalty points for greater excesses. Alcohol-related offenses have specific fines and penalty points depending on the breath alcohol concentration, with higher concentrations leading to court referrals. Repeat offenses within three years see penalties doubled, emphasizing the importance of consistent adherence to traffic laws. Additionally, new rules apply to the use of seat belts and helmets, with initial fines set at specific amounts and doubled for repeat offenses within three years.

Reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, and driving under the influence of drugs are subject to severe penalties, including potential imprisonment, fines, and license revocation. The updates also cover negligent driving, driving under fatigue, traffic light violations, and illegal parking, with specific fines and penalty points assigned to each.

These amendments aim to reduce traffic violations and accidents, making Cyprus’s roads safer for everyone. For a detailed overview of the penalties and to stay informed about road safety regulations, visit the official source​​​​​​.

Photographic Offenses

OFFENCESFINEPENALTIESREPEAT
OFFENCE
WITHIN 3 YEARS
1. Speed
up to 30% of the permitted limit
up to 50% of the permitted limit
up to 75% of the permitted limit
above 75% of the permitted limit

€ 2.00 / km
€ 3.00 / km
€ 5.00 / km
Court
1
2
3
2. Red light€ 300.003
3. White transverse line of mandatory stop€ 25.00
SELF OFFENSES
4. Failure to use seat belts by drivers€ 150.003€ 300.00
5. Failure to use a protective helmet€ 200.003€ 400.00
6. HANDS FREE
(a) Using another object while driving
(b) Using a mobile phone

€ 85.00
€ 150.00

1
2


€ 300.00 + 4 Β.Π.

**The out-of-court fine must be paid within thirty (30) days of its service, otherwise the amount is increased by the addition of a surcharge equal to half of the original amount of the out-of-court fine and can be paid within another fifteen (15) days (i.e., forty-five (45) days from the date of service of the notice). If the out-of-court fine is not paid within 45 days, the offender is subject to criminal prosecution and the case will be referred to court.

EXTERNAL SPEED CONTROL & DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL

SPEED LIMIT VIOLATIONFINEPENALTY POINTS
MAXIMUM LIMIT 30 KM/H.
A. UP TO 30 % 31-392 € PER KILOMETER1
B. UP TO 50% 40-453 € PER KILOMETER2
C. UP TO 75% 46-535 € PER KILOMETER3
54 AND UP REFERRAL TO COURT
MAXIMUM LIMIT 50 KM/H.
A. UP TO 30 % 51-65 KM/H.2 € PER KILOMETER1
B. UP TO 50% 66-75 KM/H.3 € PER KILOMETER2
C. UP TO 75% 76-88 KM/H.5 € PER KILOMETER3
89 AND UP REFERRAL TO COURT
MAXIMUM LIMIT 65 KM/H.
A. UP TO 30 % 66-85 KM/H.2 € PER KILOMETER1
B. UP TO 50% 86-98 KM/H.3 € PER KILOMETER2
C. UP TO 75% 99-114 KM/H.5 € PER KILOMETER3
115 AND UP REFERRAL TO COURT
MAXIMUM LIMIT 80 KM/H.
A. UP TO 30 % 81-104 KM/H.2 € PER KILOMETER1
B. UP TO 50% 105-120 KM/H.3 € PER KILOMETER2
C. UP TO 75% 121-140 KM/H.5 € PER KILOMETER3
141 AND UP REFERRAL TO COURT
MAXIMUM LIMIT 100 KM/H.
A. UP TO 30 % 101-130 KM/H.2 € PER KILOMETER1
B. UP TO 50% 131-150 KM/H.3 € PER KILOMETER2
C. UP TO 75% 151-175 KM/H.5 € PER KILOMETER3
176 AND UP REFERRAL TO COURT
THE MINIMUM LIMIT 65 KM/H.
64-45 KM/H.2 € PER KILOMETER1
44-32 KM/H.3 € PER KILOMETER2
31-16 KM/H.5 € PER KILOMETER3
15 AND LESS REFERRAL TO COURT
FINES 8 €- 500 €
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL WITH THE LIMIT OF 22μg/ 100ml
VIOLATION OF ALCOHOL LIMITSFINEPENALTY POINTS
23-35μg/ 100ml125 €1
36-55μg/ 100ml250 €3
56-70μg/ 100ml500 €4
71μg/ 100ml AND UP REFERRAL TO COURT
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL WITH THE LIMIT OF 9μg/ 100ml ***
9-22μg/ 100ml125 €1
23-35μg/ 100ml250 €3
36-55μg/ 100ml500 €4
56μg/ 100ml AND UP REFERRAL TO COURT
***The driver categories affected are:
1. Learner drivers
2. New drivers who have been licensed for up to three years
3. Drivers of mopeds, two-wheelers, three-wheelers and quadricycles (Categories L1 to L7e)
4. Taxi drivers on duty.
5. Drivers transporting dangerous goods.
6. The drivers of buses (Category M2, M3) and trucks (Category N2, N3)
VEHICLES – DRIVING – BOARD ΙΙ
Doubling of penalties1ST OFFENCE2ND OFFENCE
REPETITION
WITHIN 3 YEARS
PENALTY POINTS
Skipping Safety Zones:
a) installation
b) use by drivers
c) use by passengers (under 16?)
150 €300 €3
Helmet200 €400 €3
Hands-free driving (mobile phone)150 €300 € (4 Β.Π.)
Hands-free driving
(other object, e.g. refreshments, frappe, ice cream, water)
85€1
Driving in breach of license conditions
(glasses, headphones, 99 terms, etc.)
50 €
Driving with expired AO
(15 years AB, 5 years GD, 1 year apprenticeship)
50 €
Driving without insurance
(24 hours, 2 days, A.D. does not continue driving)
200 €3
Driving without MOT
(Bus, Heavy Duty Truck)
300 €
Driving without MOT (of another vehicle)150 €
Driving an immobilized vehicle85 €
Windows with limited visibility85 €
I. Overtaking in:I. Solid white line
II. Another prohibition sign
III. Turn
IV. Contribution of roads
V. Curved bridge
VI. DELETED
VII. Peak of Ascent
VIII. When approaching a vehicle on the contrary
150 €
II. Overtaking at a pedestrian crossing200 €
Parking on a sidewalk or footpath100 €
Parking i. Contribution of Roads (10 meters)
ii. Beacon Light (50 meters)
100 €
iii. Parking pedestrian crossing (15 meters)
iv. Bus Stop (15 meters)
150 €
Parking in disabled spaces300 €
Parking in the opposite direction100 €1
Failure to comply with traffic lights300 €3
Continuous white line violation65 €2
Violation regarding mufflers and expansion chamber85 €2
Smoking Act – Schedule VII
Smoking in a public or private vehicle occupied by minors (under 18 years old)300 €

Breaking traffic rules is not just a legal violation—it’s a serious threat to your health and the safety of those around you. Road accidents can lead to severe injuries, disabilities, and even fatalities, not only for the violator but also for innocent people who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Here are some key reasons why following traffic rules is essential for health and safety:

1. Safety of the Driver and Passengers

• Speeding, distraction, or driving while fatigued significantly increase the risk of accidents.

• Wearing a seatbelt reduces the chances of severe injuries in a crash.

2. Protection of Pedestrians and Other Road Users

• Ignoring traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, and road signs can lead to accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, or other drivers.

• Accidents involving pedestrians are particularly dangerous, as they have no protection against a vehicle’s impact.

3. Preservation of Physical and Mental Health

• Recovering from an accident may require long-term treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation.

• Even without physical injuries, the stress and guilt from causing harm to others can have serious psychological effects.

4. Financial and Legal Consequences

• Medical expenses after an accident can be extremely high.

• The responsible driver may lose their license, face legal action, or be required to pay large compensations.

5. Responsibility Toward Loved Ones

• Every driver is responsible not only for themselves but also for their family. Their loved ones expect them to return home safely and rely on their good judgment.

Following traffic rules is not just a legal obligation—it’s a way to protect your life, health, and future. Stay safe and drive responsibly!

Thank you for safe driving!