Cyprus Police have issued official clarifications regarding the new rules for paying traffic fines. The statement follows ongoing public discussions about the legality of notification delivery procedures and the process for imposing penalty charges.
The most significant change concerns payment deadlines. Drivers now have substantially more time to settle out-of-court fines, although the method used to calculate deadlines has also changed, potentially affecting thousands of motorists across the island.
Drivers Have More Time to Pay
Under the new regulations, traffic fines can be paid within 90 days of receiving the notification. Previously, motorists had only 30 days to make payment. This means drivers now have three times more time to resolve the matter without additional financial consequences. However, the key change is not merely the extended deadline.
In the past, the countdown began from the date the fine was issued by a police officer or recorded by an automated enforcement system. Under the new rules, the period starts only when the notification is actually delivered to the driver. In other words, the legislation now ties the beginning of the process to the date the notice is received rather than the date the offence was committed.
When the Fine Will Double
Police remind motorists that if payment is not made within the 90-day period, the amount of the fine will automatically double. Previously, this increase took effect after just 30 days, so the revised rules provide significantly more time to settle the matter without incurring additional costs.
At the same time, authorities stress that the longer deadline does not remove liability. Once the payment period expires, the collection process will continue in accordance with existing procedures. It is particularly important to note that the new provisions do not apply to cases that have already been referred to the courts.
When Criminal Proceedings May Begin
The timeline for initiating criminal proceedings over unpaid fines has also changed. Under the new rules, the process may begin 105 days after the notification has been delivered. Previously, this threshold was only 45 days. In effect, the state is granting drivers additional time to meet their obligations voluntarily before more serious legal procedures are launched.
In recent weeks, there has been considerable public debate regarding the legality of serving fines outside a driver's registered address. Cyprus Police have specifically clarified that officers are entitled to deliver fine notifications anywhere within the territory controlled by the Republic of Cyprus. These powers are provided under the Criminal Procedure Law (Chapter 155).
This means that a driver may receive a fine notification not only at their place of residence but also at any other location in the country where they are identified by law enforcement officers.
Traffic Cameras and New Parliamentary Requirements
Alongside the changes to fine payment rules, discussions continue regarding the operation of Cyprus’ traffic enforcement camera system. Parliament recently approved the installation of countdown timers at intersections equipped with traffic cameras. Lawmakers argue that drivers should be able to see how much time remains before traffic lights change, helping to reduce unintentional violations.
If system operators fail to install the required equipment within the specified timeframe, fines for red-light violations may be temporarily suspended.
What This Means for Drivers in Cyprus
The new rules provide motorists with more time to pay fines and reduce the risk of accidentally missing payment deadlines. However, experts note that delaying the receipt of notifications no longer offers any advantage, as the countdown now begins from the moment the document is officially delivered.
As Cyprus continues expanding its network of traffic cameras and strengthening enforcement of road traffic regulations, authorities are focusing not only on penalizing offenders but also on improving the transparency of the entire fine collection system. For drivers, this means paying closer attention to incoming notifications and responding promptly to any communication from the police.
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