Cyprus is preparing to update its driving licence legislation to bring it into line with a new EU directive introducing significant changes for drivers across the European Union.

One of the biggest changes will be the introduction of digital driving licences, which will eventually be stored on the EU Digital Identity Wallet. These digital licences are intended to make administrative procedures easier, including licence renewals, replacements and exchanging licences when moving between EU countries.

Digital licences will eventually become the standard across the EU following a transitional period. However, drivers will still be able to request a physical driving licence, particularly if they do not have a smartphone or prefer to carry a physical document.

17-year-olds will be able to drive with supervision

The directive also introduces an EU-wide accompanied driving scheme for 17-year-olds holding a Category B car licence.

The exact system Cyprus will adopt has not yet been decided. The Road Transport Department (RTD) is currently considering which model would be most appropriate.

Two-year probationary period for new drivers

New drivers will also be subject to a minimum two-year probationary period. During this period, they will face stricter rules and potentially tougher penalties for certain offences.

The measure is aimed at improving road safety, particularly among younger drivers. Although drivers under 30 account for only around 8% of all car drivers, they are involved in approximately two out of every five fatal collisions.

Greater checks on drivers’ fitness

The new rules will also introduce more systematic checks on whether drivers remain physically and mentally fit to drive.

At a minimum, drivers will have to complete a self-assessment of their fitness to drive before a licence is issued and again when it is renewed. Cyprus may also introduce additional assessment procedures of its own.

Driving bans will be recognised across the EU

Another important change concerns driving disqualifications.

Under the new system, serious driving offences resulting in a ban or disqualification will be recognised across the EU. This means that drivers should no longer be able to avoid the consequences of a serious offence simply because it was committed in another member state.

When will the changes take effect?

The timetable is already established.

By November 2028, EU member states must have introduced the basic legislation needed to implement the new rules.

The 17-year-old accompanied-driving scheme will also begin from November 2028.

Most of the other provisions, including the wider changes to driving licences and probationary periods, will come into force from November 2029.

In Cyprus, the Road Transport Department is currently drafting the necessary legislation. This will be followed by a public consultation before the new rules are finalised.

For Cyprus drivers, the changes could therefore represent one of the most significant overhauls of driving licence rules in many years, particularly with the move towards digital licences and greater EU-wide recognition of driving offences.

Cyprus is preparing to introduce its first artificial intelligence-powered traffic cameras designed specifically to detect drivers using mobile phones.

Two new fixed cameras are being installed on Griva Digeni Avenue in the Engomi area of Nicosia, replacing older equipment that is no longer operating. The cameras will monitor traffic in both directions and use AI technology to identify motorists holding a mobile phone while driving.

The system analyses images of passing vehicles to determine whether the driver’s hands are on the steering wheel. If a potential offence is detected, the footage is reviewed by a police officer before any fine is issued, ensuring that the final decision is made by a person rather than the AI system.

The project will begin as a pilot programme. If successful, similar cameras are expected to be installed at other locations across Cyprus to improve enforcement against distracted driving.

According to Cyprus Traffic Police, driver distraction—particularly from mobile phone use—is a leading cause of serious road collisions and fatalities. Officials say reducing this behaviour is a key priority in improving road safety.

Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades has also highlighted concerns about motorists watching videos or using social media while driving, describing the new technology as an important step towards reducing dangerous driving habits.

In addition to the AI cameras, police are increasing the use of mobile enforcement cameras in urban areas, where many serious accidents occur. Authorities are also examining the possibility of installing average-speed cameras on motorways, which would calculate a vehicle’s speed over a measured distance rather than at a single point.

Meanwhile, police continue to pursue outstanding traffic-camera fines. Tens of thousands of penalties remain uncollected, and new measures—including service at checkpoints and proposed SMS or email notifications—are intended to improve the collection process.

Driver distraction, driven primarily by mobile phone use behind the wheel, was responsible for 11 of the 45 road deaths recorded in Cyprus in 2025, authorities revealed on Tuesday. The dangerous trend has already been linked to more than five fatal collisions so far in 2026.

The figures were released by police during the launch of a new road safety campaign titled “How Many Scrolls is a Life Worth? None. Hold the Wheel.” The initiative is a joint effort between the insurance firm Anytime and the traffic police’s prevention and awareness office.

The Cost of Distraction

Police data highlights a widespread issue on Cyprus roads, with officers issuing 31,066 citations for mobile phone use over the past three years alone.

The human toll of last year’s traffic accidents paints a sobering picture of who is most at risk:

• Total 2025 Fatalities: 45 lives lost.
• Primary Cause: 11 deaths were directly attributed to careless driving or driver distraction.
• Vulnerable Road Users: The 2025 victims included nine pedestrians and three cyclists.
• Youth Impact: Eight of those who lost their lives were under the age of 25.

Traffic Director Charis Evripidou emphasized that driver distraction has locked itself in as one of the leading causes of severe road accidents across the island. He pointed to international studies showing that using a phone while driving can actually be more hazardous than driving under the influence of alcohol, as it completely blinds a driver’s attention to the road for critical seconds.

“Whether we are talking or scrolling, we should put the phone aside,” Evripidou urged, reminding motorists that most commutes in Cyprus are short. “There is little that cannot wait 10, 20, or 30 minutes until a driver reaches their destination.”

A Push for Awareness

The trend has unfortunately extended into 2026, where driver distraction remains the leading cause of fatal crashes. Police noted that more than 17 fatal collisions last year were associated with inattentive driving in some form.

To combat this, the new public awareness blitz will deploy roadside advertising, radio spots, and social media pushes featuring prominent road safety ambassadors Andreas Aravis and Katerina Agapitou. Authorities and campaign organizers also plan to take the message directly to the public, hosting educational events at military barracks, universities, and major public gatherings like the Larnaca Marathon.

Kaiti Alexandrou, Chief Executive of Interamerican Cyprus, stressed that phone use is a deliberate behavior rather than an unavoidable habit. “Behind every traffic accident and fatality lies a human life and a family whose lives could change in a matter of seconds,” Alexandrou said, noting that the campaign aims to fundamentally change driver habits and keep phones out of reach.

Drivers in Cyprus will be allowed to use dashboard cameras (dashcams) from 23 July 2026, following the introduction of new legislation to improve road safety, support accident investigations, and help police tackle traffic-related offences.

The new law, published in the Official Gazette on 22 April 2026, establishes a legal framework for the installation and operation of image-recording devices in private vehicles, commercial fleets, and government-owned vehicles. Until now, the use of dashcams has existed in a legal grey area due to concerns surrounding privacy and data protection.

What Drivers Need to Know

From 23 July 2026:

• Dashcams will be legal in Cyprus.
• Video recording will be permitted, but audio recording will not.
• Footage can be used for accident and crime investigations.
• Police and insurers may request relevant recordings.
• Public sharing of footage without consent will generally be prohibited.
• Data protection rules must be strictly followed.
• Courts will decide whether recordings are admissible as evidence.

The new framework aims to balance the benefits of modern vehicle recording technology with the need to protect personal privacy, marking a significant change in Cyprus’ approach to road safety and digital evidence.

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.

When Vehicles Must Be Moved

The obligation to move a vehicle applies only when all of the following conditions are met:

• No person has suffered visible injuries.
• Police attendance is not required.
• The vehicles can be moved safely without the need for towing.
• Moving the vehicles will not cause additional damage to the vehicles or the road surface.
• It is reasonable and safe to relocate the vehicles under the circumstances.

When these conditions exist, drivers are expected to move their vehicles to a nearby safe location that does not obstruct traffic.

What Drivers Must Do Before Moving Their Vehicles

Before relocating their vehicles, drivers must complete several important steps to protect their insurance and legal interests:

1. Contact their insurance company immediately.
2. Exchange personal and vehicle information with the other driver, including:
   • Full name
   • Telephone number
   • Driving licence number
   • Insurance policy details
   • Vehicle registration and identification details
3. Take clear photographs of:
   • The accident scene
   • The position of the vehicles immediately after the collision
   • Vehicle registration plates
   • Visible damage
   • The surrounding road environment
4. Provide the photographs to the person designated by their insurance company.

Authorities stress that collecting photographic evidence before moving the vehicles is essential for supporting any subsequent insurance claim or investigation.

New legislation regulating the use of e-scooters came into force on Tuesday, raising the minimum age for riders to 17 and introducing stricter safety rules.

Police said the amendments, which apply to “personal mobility devices” including e-scooters, were published in the official gazette last month.

Under the new framework, only individuals aged 17 and over are permitted to ride e-scooters. The minimum age was increased from 14 following growing concerns over road safety and a series of accidents involving younger riders.

The updated legislation also grants authorities wider powers to confiscate e-scooters when violations are detected.

New provisions set out where scooters may be used, establish technical standards for the devices, and introduce regulations for companies operating scooter rental services.
Police said the changes are intended to improve public safety and strengthen enforcement of existing laws.

The amendments follow months of parliamentary debate over whether e-scooters should face tighter regulation or be banned entirely from public spaces. Last month, MPs rejected proposals for a total ban and instead voted in favour of stricter controls.

The legislation also introduces penalties for adults who allow underage individuals to use e-scooters, as well as for riders carrying passengers below the legal age.

Additional measures approved by parliament require scooters to comply with European safety standards and display the appropriate certification markings.

Police and other authorised authorities are now empowered to temporarily seize scooters involved in breaches of the law.
The revised rules also raise the speed threshold for penalties from 20km/h to 25km/h.

Cyprus has introduced new rules allowing for the immediate suspension of driving licences in cases involving drink or drug driving. Under the updated system, police now have the authority to act on the spot, removing a driver’s licence instantly if they are found to be over the legal alcohol limit or under the influence of drugs.

Previously, offenders could often continue driving until their case was processed through the courts. The new measure is intended to close that gap and strengthen road safety by ensuring that potentially dangerous drivers are taken off the road without delay.

Authorities say the change is part of a broader effort to reduce serious road accidents and fatalities. By enforcing stricter, immediate consequences, officials hope to deter drivers from taking risks involving alcohol or drugs.

The policy reflects growing concern over road safety in Cyprus, with officials emphasizing that swift enforcement is necessary to protect the public.

Cyprus is set to introduce average speed cameras on its motorways in a major bid to curb high speeds and reduce a rising toll of road fatalities.

The measure, which was first discussed 15 years ago, involves installing cameras at the entry and exit points of motorways connecting the island’s cities. The system will calculate a driver’s average speed over a set distance. If a vehicle reaches its destination faster than the time required at the legal speed limit, the driver will automatically receive a fine.

Traffic Police Director Haris Evripidou explained that the system works by recording the exact time a vehicle enters and leaves a specific stretch of road.

“If, for example, it should take a specific amount of time to reach the next city at the permitted speed, and the camera at the exit records the driver arriving earlier, a fine will be issued,” Evripidou said.

While the official motorway speed limit is 100km/h, police currently allow a margin of up to 120km/h. The time calculations will be based on this 120km/h threshold; however, anyone caught exceeding this limit will be fined based on the original 100km/h limit.

The move comes alongside other legislative changes. Mobile cameras are being upgraded with new software to detect drivers using mobile phones or not wearing seatbelts. Police data shows that these two violations account for more than a third of all annual road deaths in Cyprus.

Authorities are also tightening rules on drink-driving. Evripidou noted that immediate driving licence revocations will now apply to repeat offenders. Any driver caught over the limit twice within 12 months, where the level of alcohol requires a court appearance rather than a fixed fine, will lose their licence on the spot.

Currently, the legal limit is 21μg. Levels above 71μg require a court hearing. For novice drivers, the limit is 9μg, with any violation resulting in an automatic court referral and licence suspension.

​Following legislation passed last December, Cyprus is tightening the screws on Drunk driving and drug driving offenses. Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades is officially delegating his authority to the Police Chief, granting officers the power to immediately suspend driving licenses for motorists under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

​The Procedure:

• ​Roadside Detection: If a driver tests positive during a check, they will be arrested and taken to a station.
• ​Formal Notice: At the station, the driver will receive a formal suspension notice.
• ​System Integration: The Road Transport Department will be alerted instantly to update electronic records, ensuring any “license-less” driving is flagged.

​Suspension Timelines:

• ​Drugs: The suspension sticks until the driver provides a medical certificate proving they are drug-free.
• ​Alcohol: Depending on the severity of the offense, the ban lasts either until the court hearing or for a period of one to two months.

The Road Transport Department (RTD) has officially opened the renewal period for 2026 vehicle road tax. To avoid penalties, vehicle owners must complete their renewal by the firm deadline of Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Below is a concise breakdown of everything you need to know for this year’s renewal.
📅 Key Deadlines & Penalties
The RTD has stressed that there will be no extensions to the renewal period.

• Start Date: January 7, 2026
• Final Deadline: Midnight, March 11, 2026
• Late Penalties: Renewing after the deadline will result in a €10 flat fee plus a 10% surcharge on the total annual tax amount.
• Police Enforcement: Starting March 12, driving without a valid license can result in a €150 fine.
  🛠️ Renewal Requirements
  Before you attempt to renew, ensure you have the following in order:
• Valid Insurance: Your vehicle must be covered by active insurance.
• Valid MOT: A Certificate of Roadworthiness is required for all vehicles over a certain age.
• Registration Details: You will need your vehicle’s registration number and the last three digits of the owner’s ID or passport.
  💳 How and Where to Pay
  Renewals can be made for 3, 6, 9, or 12 months.
  | Method | Details |
  |—|—|
  | Online (Recommended) | Via the Road Transport Department Portal. |
  | Citizen Service Centers | Available at all KEP locations across Cyprus. |
  | Post Offices | Available at District Post Offices (KEPO). |
  | RTD District Offices | In-person at your local department branch. |
  | Banks | Online only. Commercial banks no longer process these at the counter. |
  ⚠️ Important Notes
• No Reminders: The department does not send out individual reminders; it is the owner’s responsibility to renew on time.
• Immobilisation: If you do not intend to use your vehicle in 2026, you must submit a request to “immobilise” it (Form TOM 12) before the March 11 deadline to avoid being charged.
• Deregistration: Vehicles with unpaid road tax that have not been declared immobilised may be automatically removed from the registry.
  Would you like me to find the contact details for your nearest Citizen Service Center (KEP) or help you calculate your road tax based on your engine size?