Cyprus Police have announced a large-scale campaign to enforce speed limits. Increased checks will take place across the island from 3 to 9 August 2026. Officers will pay particular attention to high-risk accident zones, motorways and popular tourist routes.
The campaign is being conducted as part of the Europe-wide ROADPOL initiative, coordinated by the European Roads Policing Network, which organises similar operations simultaneously in many European countries. The main goal of the campaign is to reduce the number of serious accidents and improve driver discipline.
According to police data, one in ten fatal road accidents in Cyprus over the past four years was linked to speeding. For this reason, speed enforcement remains one of the main priorities of the traffic police.
What Penalties Do Offenders Face?
In Cyprus, speeding offences are punished under a progressive system: the greater the speed, the higher the fine and the number of penalty points. The main penalties are:
- speeding by up to 30% above the permitted limit — €2 for every kilometre per hour over the limit and 1 penalty point;
- speeding by up to 50% — €3 for every additional km/h and 2 penalty points;
- speeding by up to 75% — €5 per km/h and 3 penalty points;
- speeding by more than 75% is referred to court, where significantly more serious penalties may be imposed.
During the campaign, police will also focus on other offences:
- failure to wear a seat belt or use a child safety seat — approximately €150;
- using a mobile phone without a hands-free system — approximately €150 and 1 penalty point;
- driving through a red light or ignoring road signs — usually from €100;
- driving under the influence of alcohol — from €200, while serious cases may result in prosecution and imprisonment;
- driving without compulsory insurance — €200;
- driving without a valid roadworthiness certificate (MOT) — €150.
The authorities remind motorists that fine amounts and enforcement procedures may be revised, so drivers are advised to monitor official changes to the law.
Road Safety in Cyprus Remains a Serious Concern
Despite a long-term improvement in the statistics, road safety remains a pressing issue on the island. According to the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), the number of road deaths in Cyprus fell by 21.1% between 2015 and 2025, slightly above the European Union average of 20.2%. The number of people seriously injured declined by 29.2% over the same period.
However, following a record low in 2023, when 34 people were killed on the roads, the situation worsened again. In 2025, the fatality rate increased to 46 deaths per one million residents, compared with 42 a year earlier. Experts attribute this to the growing number of vehicles, heavier traffic and a decline in driver discipline.
Police Urge Drivers to Follow the Rules
The number of road patrols will increase significantly over the coming week. Checks will be carried out both during the day and at night, including in resort areas where traffic is particularly heavy during the summer season.
Police remind drivers that obeying speed limits not only helps them avoid substantial fines but also significantly reduces the risk of serious accidents. Motorists are advised to pay particular attention to maintaining a safe distance, avoiding mobile phone use while driving and strictly following all road signs and traffic signals. This is especially important in August, when the influx of tourists and the increased number of journeys traditionally place the greatest pressure on Cyprus’ road network.
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