The Parliament of Cyprus, by majority vote, rejected the bills on introducing a zero-tolerance alcohol regime for new drivers. Nine MPs voted in favor of the initiative, 22 voted against. The proposals concerned introducing a complete ban on driving after consuming even a minimal amount of alcohol for persons who have held a driving license for less than three years.
The initiative was put forward by DIKO party MP Chrysanthos Savvides. His proposals were supported by representatives of DIKO and DIPA, however the remaining parliamentary forces spoke out against them.
Essence of the proposed changes
The bills provided for the introduction of an effective “0” limit for novice drivers. This would mean that holders of driving licenses for up to three years would be prohibited from getting behind the wheel after consuming any amount of alcohol, regardless of breathalyzer readings.
The initiator emphasized that the measure was aimed exclusively at young and inexperienced drivers, and not at all road users. According to him, over the past five years more than 15 thousand drivers were detained for operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The main goal of the initiative was to form among young motorists a firm understanding of the inadmissibility of driving after consuming alcohol.
Savvides also noted that a similar approach is already applied in a number of European countries, including Serbia, and has received a positive assessment from the relevant ministries of Cyprus.
Arguments of the bill’s opponents
Despite support from part of the Parliament, the majority of MPs considered the proposed measures excessive. Representatives of AKEL recalled that current legislation already provides for a reduced permissible alcohol level for new drivers — 9 mg per 100 ml of blood compared to 22 mg for others. In their opinion, the problem of fatal road accidents is more often associated with high alcohol levels rather than borderline values.
DISY MP Dimitris Dimitriou stated that it is necessary to maintain balance and a rational approach. He stressed that excessively strict measures do not always lead to a reduction in accident rates and may have the opposite effect. Representatives of the environmental movement and independent MPs also pointed to possible difficulties in the practical application of a zero limit.
Even minimal breathalyzer readings may occur due to technical error, the use of mouthwash, consumption of sweets containing alcohol, or certain medical conditions. Under an absolute ban, this could lead to controversial and unfair accusations.
Context: road accidents and transport policy
The issue of road safety remains acute for Cyprus. Despite tougher fines and an increase in the number of inspections, the problem of accidents involving intoxicated drivers has not been fully resolved. Experts note that a significant portion of serious accidents occurs at night, when there are virtually no alternatives to public transport. The insufficient development of night bus routes regularly becomes a subject of public discussion.
According to the latest road police reports, the main factors in severe road accidents remain speeding, driving under the influence of strong alcohol intoxication, and the use of mobile phones while driving. In this context, some MPs consider strengthening control and prevention to be more effective than introducing an absolute ban for one category of drivers.
What’s next
The rejection of the initiative does not mean the issue is closed. The discussion on additional measures to reduce road fatalities, including possible tightening of penalties for serious exceedances of the permissible alcohol level, is likely to continue. In Parliament, proposals are being voiced to focus on educational programs for young drivers and modernization of the public transport system.
Thus, the Parliament of Cyprus decided to retain the current norms, considering them more balanced. However, the issue of zero alcohol for novice drivers remains on the agenda and may return for discussion in the future amid efforts to improve road safety in the country.
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