 |
|
 | Police Blue Lights While on normal patrol the Cyprus Police will often have their blue lights illuminated. It is therefore difficult to know whether they wish you to stop or move out of their way. We have tried to change this policy as in our view it is not conducive to road safety. It also projects the wrong or confusing information to other road users. Be aware! |
 | Traffic Patrols The police in Cyprus operate regular traffic patrols and static checks to enforce traffic law. They have modern speed enforcement equipment and carry out regular speed checks. Cyprus Police and Sovereign Base Area Police are especially vigilant regarding excess speed on the Highway. |
 | Offence Targeting Police have a policy of targeting a different offence each month. One month the target offence was, for example, one of smoking or allowing somebody else in the car to smoke if there is a passenger under the age of 16 present. There is also to be a clampdown on illegal number plates. |
 | Drink Driving The limit is lower than the UK. The limit in Cyprus is 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath. There are several mobile substantive breath test devices in Cyprus. These give the readout that is used in court.  Mobile Alcotest Unit  Cyprus Police Mobile Alcotest Unit If you are between 22 and 24 you may receive a caution. Between 25 and 39 you will be detained until a responsible person is able to drive you and your vehicle away from the scene or Police Station.You will then be summoned to court. Over 39 you are likely to be detained until the next available court sits. |
 | Speed and Traffic Cameras The cameras are NOT currently operational. The system was deactivated on 21st September 2007. The first phase of a new system of 40 static and 40 mobile cameras are expected to be ready early in 2009. The total of 400 cameras will be rolled out over three years. |
 | Fixed Penalty Tickets Many offences are dealt with by way of fixed penalty ticket with a fine. They have introduced a hand held, centrally controlled, computer system for issuing the tickets. Those who refuse aticket will be reported and a summons to court will follow. Fines are not collected by the officer at the roadside.  Hand Held Computer and Printer If you are a visitor, the points don't effect you at present, but you should be aware that the EU, is currently trying to introduce an EU driving licence and make certain of the more serious trafficoffences prosecutable across its borders. It may take some time to get agreement. |
 | Payment of Traffic Fines Traffic fines are not paid directly to the officer at the roadside. Fines can be paid at Police Traffic Bases and larger Police Stations throughout Cyprus. |
 | Offences and Penalty Points For some offences your licence can be endorsed with penalty points leading to a driving ban and revocation of your licence. Where penalty points apply the Police Officer is obliged to impose theminimum penalty in each case. For serious offences the driver will be reported and a summons to court will follow. In the main the offences in Cyprus are similar to those in the UK and Europe. |
 | The courts have the power to disqualify drivers for certain offences and those who have accrued 12 points. Points remain on a licence for 3 years. A court can impose afine or imprisonment on foreign licence holders. |
 | There is currently no official Cyprus Highway Code. There is one in the pipeline which has been agreed by Parliament and should be published at the end of 2008. It will besimilar to and have the same legal standing as the UK publication in that it will not in itself be an offence to contravene it, but can be used to assist a prosecution. If you drive according to the UK Highway Code you won't go far wrong. |
