Police officers in Cyprus begin checking for blood alcohol content from 10 p.m., when bars and restaurants close and their visitors head home.

Patrol cars in Cyprus are easily visible from afar thanks to the flashing light that always works when they are on duty.

The use of radar detectors is prohibited in Cyprus.

Fines in Cyprus cannot be paid in cash directly to the police, as this will be regarded as an attempt at a bribe. Violators are given receipts, which must be paid within 14 days at the police station, bank or municipality. Online payment via the website is also available jccsmart.com

There are many signs on the roads about the presence of cameras or police cars, but they do not always correspond to reality. The use of navigators that show the location of security cameras is prohibited.

Fines:

  • Speeding by more than 20% is punishable by a fine.
  • Exceeding the speed limit by up to 30%: 1 euro for each km/h exceeding, i.e. exceeding by 20 km/h will cost 20 euros.
  • Speeding from 30 to 50%: 2 euros for each km/h.
  • Speeding from 50 to 75%: 3 euros for each km/h.
  • Exceeding by more than 75%: the case is being considered in court.

Alcohol while driving:

The permissible blood alcohol content is 0.5 ppm (23 micrograms/100 ml).
If exceeded:

from 0.5 % to 0.79 % (23-35 mcg/100 ml) – a fine of 100 €;
from 0.8 % to 1.25 % (36-55 mcg/100 ml) – a fine of 200 €;
from 1.26 % to 1.6 % (56-70 mcg/ 100 ml) – a fine 300 €;
more than 1.6 % (more than 70 mcg/100 ml) – a trial.

Other penalties:

  • It is forbidden to use the phone without “hands free” while driving. The fine is 85 €;
  • The low beam of the headlights must always be turned on;
  • Mandatory use of seat belts. The fine is 85 €;
  • Children under 5 years of age are not allowed in the front seat, they must be transported in child car seats;
  • It is forbidden to eat and drink while driving. The fine is 85 €;
  • Smoking in the car, if there are persons under 16 years old, is prohibited. The fine is 85 €;
  • Red light fare — 300 euros;
  • On—site parking for drivers with disabilities – up to 300 €;
  • Careless driving style (with one hand) — 85 €;
  • Parking on the sidewalk or on the double yellow line is 100 €. Parking near the single yellow lines is allowed only for loading/unloading, but parking is prohibited. Parking near bus stops or pedestrian crossings is a fine of 150 €.

To summarize

In Cyprus, traffic rules are strictly controlled, including alcohol checks, a ban on the use of radar detectors and navigators, as well as mandatory compliance with speed limits and parking requirements, with severe fines for violations.