Traffic Fines in Cyprus: How Not to Ruin Your Vacation

Vacation in Cyprus is associated with sunshine, the sea, and the freedom of movement — especially if you rent a car. But even in a relaxed atmosphere, it’s important to follow local traffic rules. A violation can result in an unpleasant fine that may spoil your trip or even cause issues after you return home.

Common violations among tourists

Tourists in Cyprus often encounter the country’s strict traffic fine system, especially in resort areas. The most common violations include speeding, illegal parking, using a phone while driving, and not wearing seat belts.

Cameras are installed on highways and in cities, and the roads are regularly patrolled. Even exceeding the speed limit by 10–15 km/h can cost €25, while serious offenses — such as drunk driving — can lead to fines of €500 or more.

Parking requires extra attention. Temporary restrictions, such as those during market days, are often not obvious, but violations can result in fines starting at €50 and may lead to your car being towed (an additional €85–100).

Another frequent issue is ignoring “no U-turn” signs or driving in bus lanes. Such violations are recorded automatically, and a fine notification may arrive even after you’ve returned home.

What to Do if You Receive a Fine

If you find a fine notice on your windshield or receive a letter at your residence, don’t ignore it. Violations are linked to the car’s license plate, and in the case of rentals — to the contract and driver’s details.

First, check whether the notice includes the date, location of the violation, the amount, and payment instructions. If any information is missing, or if you doubt the fine’s validity, contact the municipality (details are provided in the notice) or the nearest police station.

You can pay the fine:

• online through the traffic police portal or the municipality’s website,
• at a bank by providing the case number,
• via the rental company (if it’s a rented car).

It’s important to keep proof of payment. If you return to Cyprus, an unpaid fine could result in a refusal to rent a car or even cause problems at the border.

Can You Avoid Paying — and What Are the Consequences?

Technically, fines are not collected from tourists outside Cyprus through international channels. However, this doesn’t mean they can simply be ignored.

If the violation occurred with a rental car, the rental company has the right to deduct the fine from your deposit or issue an invoice after your trip. In addition, information about violations may remain in local databases, which could result in a refusal to rent a car on your next visit or other administrative measures.

Repeat or serious offenses — especially drunk driving — may lead to criminal liability, including arrest and a driving ban within Cyprus.

How to Appeal a Fine Legally

Cypriot law gives the right to appeal traffic fines, including for foreign citizens. If you believe the violation was recorded by mistake, it’s important to act quickly: the deadline for filing an appeal is 15 days from the date of notification.

The procedure is as follows:

• Prepare a written statement (in English or Greek).
• Attach a copy of the fine and any supporting materials (photos, documents).
• Submit the appeal to the municipality or, through a lawyer, to the district court.
• In the case of a rental car, you may also request written confirmation from the rental company regarding the time and route of your trip.

Important: Filing an appeal does not exempt you from the obligation to pay the fine if it is not overturned. However, with convincing evidence, the penalty may be canceled.