Drivers involved in minor traffic collisions in Cyprus are now legally required to move their vehicles off the road when it is safe to do so, under amendments to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Law that came into force following publication in the Official Gazette on 21 April 2026. The changes are designed to reduce severe traffic congestion often caused by vehicles remaining at accident scenes long after minor incidents.
For many years, even minor collisions frequently resulted in long queues and traffic delays, particularly during peak commuting hours in urban areas. Drivers often left vehicles where they came to rest while waiting for police officers, insurance representatives, or an agreement between the parties involved.
Lawmakers concluded that this practice unnecessarily obstructed roads and contributed to congestion. The new legislation seeks to keep traffic moving by requiring drivers to clear the roadway whenever a collision is minor, and no safety concerns prevent the vehicles from being relocated.
The obligation to move a vehicle applies only when all of the following conditions are met:
When these conditions exist, drivers are expected to move their vehicles to a nearby safe location that does not obstruct traffic.
Before relocating their vehicles, drivers must complete several important steps to protect their insurance and legal interests:
Authorities stress that collecting photographic evidence before moving the vehicles is essential for supporting any subsequent insurance claim or investigation.
The legislation introduces significant penalties for drivers who fail to follow the new requirements.
A driver who refuses to move a vehicle when legally required to do so may be prosecuted and fined up to €1,000. The same penalty applies to anyone who encourages, pressures, coerces, or attempts to persuade a driver not to move a vehicle from the scene of a minor collision.
Moving a vehicle does not end a driver’s responsibilities.
Once relocated, the vehicle must not be parked or abandoned in a dangerous, illegal, or obstructive position. If a vehicle is left in a way that creates a hazard or blocks traffic:
Police recommend that drivers involved in minor collisions consult their insurance representative before leaving the area after relocating their vehicles. This helps ensure that all required evidence has been collected and that insurance procedures are properly followed.
Authorities believe the new rules will significantly reduce traffic disruption caused by minor accidents, particularly in busy urban centres and during rush-hour periods. By requiring drivers to document the collision and then promptly clear the roadway, the government hopes to improve traffic flow while still protecting the rights of drivers and insurers.