The withdrawal of a driver's license as the main tool for enforcing traffic rules is applicable in all civilized countries of the world.
However, Cypriot restrictions cannot be considered extremely strict.
Many drivers, when getting behind the wheel, allow themselves to drink a little. The reason is that alcohol is permitted by law. The permissible alcohol content is 0.71 mg per 1 liter of the driver's exhaled breath. Thus, you can safely drink about 100 grams of strong Cypriot vodka, two pints of beer, or a couple of glasses of wine.
Well, where there are two glasses, there is a third, and the effect of the drink affects each individual's body differently. At the same time, people are accustomed to moving around in their own car and no other way. Even the development of the taxi market does not solve the issue on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Currently, the automatic measures for revoking driver's licenses introduced in the Cyprus Road Traffic Code in 2020 are relevant. The Chief Commissioner of Road Traffic set eight main conditions under which the traffic police are entitled to revoke licenses.
These decisions were made at the Road Safety Council by the Ministers of Transport and Justice. And how this will be implemented was thought out by the Department of Road Traffic in collaboration with the police.
No.1. If a driver is caught driving under the influence of narcotics for the second time within 12 months, confirmed by an analysis from the State Chemistry Department, their driver's license will be revoked.
No.2. Licenses will also be revoked for those caught driving under the influence (for the first time) and simultaneously exceeding the speed limit by 75% of the posted limit.
No.3. The procedure for revoking licenses will inevitably be initiated if the driver is found to be under the influence of both alcohol and drugs based on test results.
No.4. It is important to adhere to speed limits in urban areas and on highways. If a driver is caught speeding by more than 75% twice within 12 months and this violation is not settled out of court, their license will definitely be revoked.
It is worth noting that the permissible limit in Cyprus is 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h outside cities and villages, and 100 km/h on highways. It should be noted that police with radars appear unexpectedly, literally out of nowhere, and some road sections are already well equipped with cameras.
No.5. The same measures will apply to drivers caught twice under the influence. If the alcohol level exceeds 1.6 per mille instead of the permissible 0.22.
No.6. If a driver is caught with a deadly combination of speeding and being under the influence.
No.7. If someone causes a serious injury or material damage in a traffic accident, later it is found that the driver was drunk, and the issue is not settled out of court, the person will lose their driver's license.
No.8. If a person holding a professional driver's license for a taxi, bus, or truck is caught driving under the influence, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or speeding, and the offense is not challenged in court, they will have to part with their licenses, and they can only be restored after retaking the exam.
Car license plates of owners who have been deprived of their rights are entered into the road police database and inspected by special sensors, so it is no longer possible to go unnoticed behind the wheel. Cyprus has a well-established information system with detailed data on all vehicles in the country. Those who have lost their licenses undergo medical consultation, and the further plan for document restoration is determined after the expert's conclusion.
It should be added that refusing to undergo analysis for the presence of prohibited substances in the body is also heavily punished by the police. The issue will be referred to court regardless of the driver's actual condition. It is also not advisable to suggest paying the fine: if the police deem it necessary, they will issue the ticket themselves.
The "hunt" by the road police usually starts around 9 p.m. when slightly intoxicated drivers are heading home from restaurants and bars, and continues until the closing time of these places. The police chase on motorcycles, and sometimes even on bicycles. Spotting them in the darkness is simply impossible. Is it worth risking one's life and rights for the stubborn desire to get behind the wheel when one is not ready for it at all?
A distinctive feature of Cypriot rules is that they hardly ever punish for driving on the opposite lane. Traffic in the city is sometimes quite chaotic, drivers act on intuition. So don't be too surprised if someone persistently tries to cut into your lane in the city.
In general, the Cyprus police very rarely stop drivers. And the reason could be the most innocent. For example, forgetting to turn on the headlights in the evening. And the police never start a conversation by asking to show your license. They may not even ask for it at all. If necessary, all the data is in the system.
Take care of yourself!
Large selection of cars on the DOMCar portal.
Photos: DOM, Pixabay
