New Tiered Fines for Traffic Violations at Camera-Equipped Intersections Introduced in Cyprus

Since March 6, new rules for penalties for traffic violations at intersections equipped with stationary cameras have come into force in Cyprus. Now the amount of the fine depends on how serious the violation was. The authorities decided to more precisely distinguish situations when a driver simply crosses the stop line, drives onto a pedestrian crossing, or completely enters the intersection on a red traffic light.

The main goal of the changes is to increase road safety and reduce the number of accidents, especially in major cities of Cyprus such as Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos.

How running a red light is now punished

According to the new rules, if a vehicle crosses the mandatory stop line at an intersection where a camera is installed, the driver receives a fine of 25 euros. This option is considered the least serious violation, since the vehicle has not yet entered the pedestrian crossing or the intersection itself.

If the driver runs a red traffic light and the vehicle enters the pedestrian crossing, the punishment becomes more severe. In this case the fine is 85 euros, and the driver additionally receives 3 penalty points in the traffic violation system.

The most serious violation is when the vehicle crosses the pedestrian crossing and enters the intersection itself. In such a situation the driver faces a fine of 300 euros and 3 penalty points.

The same penalty is for intersections where there is no pedestrian crossing. If the vehicle crosses the stop line and enters the intersection on a red signal, the fine will also be 300 euros and 3 points.

Why control on the roads is being tightened in Cyprus

In recent years, a system of automatic road cameras has been actively introduced in Cyprus. It monitors running red lights, speeding, the use of mobile phones while driving, and other violations.

According to the police, the introduction of cameras has already helped reduce the number of serious road accidents at some intersections. This is especially true for busy urban highways and tourist areas where traffic intensity is significantly higher.

The authorities believe that the new fine system will make punishment more fair. Now a driver who only slightly crosses the stop line will not receive the same punishment as someone who fully enters the intersection on a red light and creates a dangerous situation for other road users.

How the camera system works in Cyprus

The cameras automatically record the moment of the violation, after which the data is transmitted to the fine processing system. The driver receives a notification with photographs of the violation and information about the amount of the fine.

The camera system in Cyprus is managed by a special operator responsible for data processing and interaction with drivers. If a person has questions regarding a possible violation, payment of a fine, or clarification of information about the driver of the vehicle, they can contact the system operator directly.

A consultation telephone line is available at 8000 8009. If the call is made from abroad, the number +357 22 712609 must be dialed. The postal address of the system operator is P.O. Box 17031, 2260 Latsia, Nicosia. Additional information can be found on the official website of the camera system www.CyCameraSystem.com.

New rules for drivers and tourists

It should be noted that the rules apply to all drivers, including tourists and car renters. In Cyprus a large number of vehicles are rented, especially during the tourist season, so cameras automatically record the vehicle’s number, and the fine may be transferred through the car rental company.

Road safety experts note that strict control at intersections is especially important for Cyprus, where left-hand traffic may be unfamiliar for foreign drivers. Therefore attentiveness on the roads remains one of the main requirements for all road users.

The authorities warn that in the coming years the network of cameras on the island will be expanded. This is part of a national road safety program aimed at reducing the number of accidents and increasing discipline on the country’s roads.

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