Traffic Offences and Penalties

Understand what qualifies as a traffic offence in Cyprus, and what consequences you might expect...

The Cypriot Government increased fines and penalties on traffic offences in September 2020 after a rise in the number of road fatalities. New penalties were introduced for speeding, drink-driving, not wearing a crash helmet or seat belt, and using your phone at the wheel.

If a traffic offence is committed, a fixed penalty and a ticket will be issued. The police officer uses a hand-held centrally controlled computer system for issuing tickets on the spot. Fine are not paid at the roadside. They can be paid in person at a police station or online via the JCC payment system.

If the ticket is not accepted by the offender, a court summons will be issued. The penalties are issued in conjunction with penalty points. Penalty points can be removed from a record three years after the day they were issued. The courts have the power to disqualify drivers when they have 12 points on their licence; when the disqualification is removed, the offender will be able to drive again, but the points will remain for another three years. Traffic police will impose the minimum penalty in each case except when serious offences are committed and the driver will be required to attend a court hearing.

Points and fines for traffic offences

  • Speeding by 30 percent: €1 for every km/h over the speed limit
  • Speeding by 31% to 50 percent : minimum points loss 2, maximum points loss 4 and a fine of fine of €2 for every km/h over the speed limit
  • Speeding by 51% to 75 percent: minimum points loss 3, maximum points loss 6, and a fine of fine of €5 for every km/h over the speed limit
  • Speeds over 75%: determined by the court

Drink Driving

  •  Motorists found to be over the 22mg / 100 ml limit but under the 35mg/100ml will be fined €125, and receive 1 penalty point
  • Offenders above the 35mg / 100ml up to 55mg will receive a €250 fine, and 3 penalty points
  • Those with an alcohol concentration in their blood above 55mg but under 70mg will receive a €500 fine, and 5 penalty points
  • Anyone found driving with a concentration above 70mg (three times the legal limit) will automatically go to court

In all drink-driving cases, the vehicle will be impounded.

For the following offences, a fine will be determined by the court in addition to point deduction:

  • Causing death through dangerous driving: min 5, max 10
  • Hit and run: min 5, max 10
  • Thoughtless or dangerous driving: min 3, max 6
  • Careless driving: min 2, max 6
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol: min 3, max 6

Other traffic offences:

  • Ignoring traffic lights: min 2, max 4 (and a fine)
  • Motorcyclists and cyclists without helmets: in built-up areas - min 1, max 4 (and an €200 fine)
  • Not wearing a seat belt: min 2, max 4 (and an €150 fine)
  • Using a mobile phone whilst driving: 2, max 4 (and an €150 fine)
  • Not having both hands on the wheel or driving holding any an object other than a phone  €150 fine)
  • Eating and drinking while driving: fine €85
  • Not carrying a reflective warning triangle: fine €20
  • Failure to comply with a red traffic light: fine €300
  • Parking in a place reserved for the disabled: fine €300
  • Parking on a double yellow line or on the pavement: fine €100

New drivers with less than 2 years' experience will get double penalty points for any offences committed.

Penalties for reckless driving are punished with 6 months in prison and/or a fine of €1500. For serious offences that inflict injuries on others are punished with up to two years in prison and a fine of €6000.

Further information: