Points for fines in Cyprus: threshold, validity period and impact on rights

Cyprus has a complex system of fines for traffic violations, including not only monetary penalties but also a system of penalty points, which are recorded on driver’s licenses. This system is designed to motivate drivers to comply with the rules, reduce accidents, and prevent repeat offenses.

Points are used alongside monetary penalties for fines in Cyprus. They are not awarded for all violations, but only for those deemed particularly serious from a road safety perspective. Points are recorded in the traffic violations registry and influence subsequent penalties, including possible license suspension or revocation.

How are penalty points calculated?

In the Republic of Cyprus, penalty points are assigned for specific traffic violations. The main types of penalty points include the following:

Speeding:
• up to 30% over the limit – 1 point,
• 30–50% over the limit – 2 points,
• 50–75% over the limit – 3 points.

Not wearing a seat belt – 3 points.

Transporting children without a special restraint device – 3 points.

Talking on a mobile phone while driving without hands- ‑free devices – 2 points.

Driving with an object in your hands (food, water, etc.) – 1 point.

Driving through a red light – 3 points.

Drunk driving.

Blood alcohol:
• 23–35 mcg/100 ml — 1 point,
• 36–55 mcg/100 ml — 3 points,
• 56–70 mcg/100 ml — 4 points.

These categories are also reflected in official traffic police tables, which link fines to points to create a comprehensive penalty system.

Threshold for suspension of rights

Previously, the system stipulated that if a driver accumulated 12 penalty points, their case would be referred to an administrative court for consideration of suspension or revocation of their driver’s license. This rule remained in effect for many years.

However, effective February 1, 2025, the legislation was amended: the point threshold for driver’s license revocation was increased to 16. This change was made to account for the increase in automated violations recorded by cameras and to give drivers a better chance of avoiding license revocation ‑for a few minor violations.

Validity period and “burnout” of points

Penalty points don’t remain on a driver’s record forever. Until February 2025, points automatically expired three years after they were accrued. With the new law, this period has been reduced to two years. This means that after two years without any new violations, the points will be cancelled, and the driver will receive a clean record.

What happens when you accumulate points?

When points accumulate, the consequences can be as follows:

• If a driver scores less than the threshold (up to 16 points), he continues to drive, but risks coming under stricter police control, especially if the violations are frequent.
• Reaching 16 points leads to a court hearing, which can suspend the driver’s license for a certain period or revoke it. This isn’t automatic, but court proceedings almost always lead to sanctions.

The court may impose additional penalties depending on the severity of the violations, the driver’s history, and the circumstances under which the offenses were committed. For example, for certain violations, the court may impose a license revocation for a period ranging from several months to several years .

Points and car rental

For tourists or drivers with foreign licenses, the penalty point system in Cyprus works differently. Penalty points are not assigned to foreign licenses if the vehicle is rented and a local tenant is listed. However, the penalty remains the responsibility of the vehicle owner or tenant, and the violation will be subject to payment.

However, serious violations such as driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other substances or severe speeding can also have consequences for foreigners, including fines, legal proceedings and temporary driving bans within the country .

Important conditions for accrual of points

Points are awarded only for certain violations specified by law. Some violations may not incur points but may result in significant fines or administrative penalties, such as insurance denial or vehicle impoundment.

Paying a fine does not cancel the accumulated points. Even if the driver pays the fine in full, the points remain in the database and are counted towards the total accumulated points.

Practical recommendations

Adhering to speed limits, child safety regulations, mandatory seat belt use, and the ban on mobile phone use while driving helps avoid fines and points that can lead to more severe penalties.

Penalty points, combined with financial penalties, create a comprehensive incentive system for safe driving. Understanding how points are calculated and the consequences of accumulating them helps drivers plan their driving and avoid serious administrative consequences.