Cyprus Common Traffic Offences and Penalties

πŸš— 1. Speeding

Out-of-court fines & penalty points
The penalty depends on how far above the speed limit you were:

  • Up to 30 % over limit: ~€2 per km/h over + 1 penalty point
  • 31 – 50 % over limit: ~€3 per km/h over + 2 penalty points
  • 51 – 75 % over limit: ~€5 per km/h over + 3 penalty points
  • Over 75 % over limit: referred to court (possible heavy fine up to €4 000, license suspension, prison up to 1 year)

🍷 2. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Alcohol limits & penalties (standard drivers)
Penalties vary with blood alcohol concentration (BrAC):

  • 9 – 22 mg/100 ml: approx. €125 + 1 penalty point
  • 23 – 35 mg/100 ml: approx. €250 + 3 points
  • 36 – 55 mg/100 ml: approx. €500 + 4 points
  • Above 56 mg/100 ml: usually referred to court β†’ possible fine, license disqualification, imprisonment (up to 3 years for serious cases)

Drugs & DUI:

  • Driving under the influence of drugs can lead to imprisonment (≀3 years), fines (up to €8 000), and license revocation.

🚦 3. Traffic Signal & Equipment Violations

  • Running a red light: usually ~€300 + penalty points.
  • Using a mobile phone without hands-free while driving: ~€150; doubles on repeat within 3 years.
  • Not wearing a seat belt: ~€150; repeat within 3 years increases to ~€300.
  • Not wearing a helmet (motorcyclists): ~€200; repeat up to ~€400.

πŸ“„ 4. Documentation & Vehicle-Related Offences

  • Driving without a valid driver’s licence: ~€50.
  • No third-party insurance: ~€200.
  • No MOT/roadworthiness certificate:
    • Buses/heavy trucks: ~€300
    • Other vehicles: ~€150
  • Driving an immobilised (seized) vehicle: ~€85.

πŸ…ΏοΈ 5. Parking & Miscellaneous Offences

  • Illegal parking on pavement / yellow lines: fees around €100.
  • Parking in a disabled spot: ~€300.

🚘 6. Reckless / Dangerous Driving

If behaviour is more severe and not handled by an out-of-court fine, the matter goes to court:

  • Reckless driving: up to 6 months imprisonment and/or €1 500 fine
  • Reckless driving causing property damage: up to 1 year and/or €3 000 fine
  • Reckless driving causing personal injury: up to 2 years and/or €6 000 fine
  • Hit-and-run with personal injury: up to 2 years imprisonment and/or €10 000 fine + possible license revocation.

πŸ“Œ POINT SYSTEM & Enforcement

  • Traffic offences usually carry penalty points, which accumulate on your licence.
  • Recent law updates extended the expiry to 2 years after issuance.
  • Out-of-court fines must usually be paid within 90 days before increasing by 50 ,% and possible prosecution follows if unpaid.

βš–οΈ Court vs. Police Handling

  • Minor offences: usually out-of-court fines + penalty points.
  • Serious offences (high-speed, DUI above thresholds, reckless driving): court referral, potentially heavier fines, imprisonment, or license suspension.

πŸ“Œ Notes

  • Fines/penalty points thresholds may vary by driver category (young/provisional, professionals), with stricter limits in some cases.
  • Always check the latest official sources (Police, Road Safety Cyprus) for exact current fees and point allocations in effect.