Cyprus’s Traffic Department is seeking legislative changes due to a rise in drivers caught under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both.
Currently, such drivers are arrested but usually released the next day and allowed to keep driving until a trial, which may be delayed for months or not occur at all.
The proposed change would allow police to issue an on-the-spot notice temporarily suspending a driver’s license, ensuring immediate consequences and reducing bureaucracy.
In 2025, there were 45 road fatalities, up from 41 in 2024, continuing an upward trend after a low in 2023. Of these, 11 deaths involved drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Police issued 3,226 alcohol-related citations and 869 drug-related citations, high figures for Cyprus.
Motorcyclists were particularly affected (16 deaths), alongside pedestrians (9), cyclists (3), and car occupants. Young people (up to age 25) accounted for 16 of the 45 victims.
The leading causes of fatal collisions were careless or distracted driving (often mobile phone use) and driving under the influence, each responsible for 11 deaths.
Saturdays and Fridays, especially between 8:00 PM and midnight, were the most dangerous times.
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