Road Tax in Cyprus: A Detailed Guide

What is the road tax?

The road tax in Cyprus, also known as the transport tax, is a mandatory payment levied on vehicle owners whose vehicles are used on public roads. This tax is necessary to fund the maintenance and development of the country’s transportation infrastructure. Payment of the road tax is also a requirement for legally using a vehicle on Cyprus roads.

How is the road tax calculated?

The calculation of road tax in Cyprus depends on several factors, including engine capacity, the age of the vehicle, CO2 emissions levels, and the type of fuel used. The key parameters for calculation include:

Engine Capacity (cc)

The larger the engine capacity, the higher the tax. For example, for cars with an engine capacity up to 1000 cc, the tax is around €55 per year, while for vehicles with an engine capacity over 3000 cc, it’s €500 per year.

CO2 Emissions

Vehicles with higher CO2 emissions are subject to higher taxes, reflecting Cyprus’s commitment to reducing environmental pollution levels.

Vehicle Age

Older vehicles generally incur higher taxes, especially if they were registered before the introduction of stricter environmental standards.

Tax specifics for different categories of vehicles

Passenger Cars

The majority of road taxes in Cyprus are levied on passenger cars. As mentioned earlier, the tax depends on engine capacity and emissions.

Commercial Vehicles

Taxation for commercial vehicles also varies depending on their size and purpose. For instance, vans and trucks used for transporting goods may have different tax rates depending on their weight and emissions.

Motorcycles

The tax for motorcycles in Cyprus is calculated similarly to car taxes, taking engine capacity into account.

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

Tax rates for these categories are significantly lower to encourage the use of more environmentally friendly vehicles. For electric vehicles, the tax can be as low as €10 per year, which is a considerable advantage compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.

Payment of Road Tax

The road tax in Cyprus is paid annually, and there are several ways to pay it:

Online

The most convenient method is to pay online through the website of the Department of Road Transport. To make a payment, you need to enter the vehicle’s registration number and the last three digits of the owner’s document number, such as an ID card or passport. Payments tax online .

At KEP Centers

You can also pay the tax in person at service centers or branches of the Department of Road Transport. This option is convenient for those who prefer face-to-face interaction or have questions that need to be resolved on the spot.

List of addresses and contact information for all Citizen Service Centers (ΚΕP) in Cyprus:

Nicosia (Engomi)
Address: Georgios Seferis Street, 2415, Nicosia
Phone: +357 22446686
Email: kep@papd.mof.gov.cy

Nicosia 2 (Makarios Avenue)
Address: 36 Arch. Makarios Avenue, 1065, Nicosia
Phone: +357 22419189 / 22419190
Email: kepnicosia2@papd.mof.gov.cy

Limassol
Address: Spyrou Araouzou Street, 21, 3036, Limassol
Phone: +357 25829129
Email: keplimassol@papd.mof.gov.cy

Larnaca
Address: Spyrou Kyprianou Street, 42, 6051, Larnaca
Phone: +357 24815555
Email: keplarnaca@papd.mof.gov.cy

Paphos
Address: Eleftherios Venizelos Street, 62, 8021, Paphos
Phone: +357 26822400
Email: keppafos@papd.mof.gov.cy

Famagusta (Deryneia)
Address: Eleftherias Street, 83, Deryneia
Phone: +357 23300300
Email: kepammochostos@papd.mof.gov.cy

Polis Chrysochous
Address: Evagoras Pallikarides Street, 1, 8820, Polis Chrysochous
Phone: +357 26821888
Email: keppolis@papd.mof.gov.cy

Pelendri
Address: Archbishop Makarios III Street, 70, 4878, Pelendri
Phone: +357 25813400
Email: keppelendri@papd.mof.gov.cy

These centers offer a wide range of services, such as issuing documents, registering vehicles, processing benefits, and much more, making interactions with government services in Cyprus more convenient.

Through Banks

Some banks offer the option to pay the tax, often with additional bonuses for their clients.

Through Mobile Apps

In some cases, it is possible to use mobile apps to pay the tax, allowing for payment directly from your phone at any convenient time.

The vehicle owner must ensure that their vehicle has a valid insurance policy and an MOT certificate (technical inspection) before paying the road tax.

Deadlines for Road Tax Payment in 2024

The road tax in Cyprus for 2024 must be paid within the specified deadlines to avoid penalties and other negative consequences. Tax payment begins in January and continues until mid-March. The usual deadline for tax payment without penalties is March 11. If payment is not made by this date, vehicle owners will face a fine of €10 plus 10% of the tax amount.

You can pay the tax for the entire year, half-year, or even for three months. However, it should be noted that if you choose to pay the tax in installments, the total annual tax amount may be slightly higher than if you pay for the whole year at once.

Tax Exemptions and Reductions

Various exemptions from road tax payment are provided in Cyprus:

Electric Vehicles

Full exemption from tax to support environmentally friendly transport.

Hybrid Vehicles

Significant discounts on tax for vehicles with combined energy sources.

Vehicles for People with Disabilities

Exemption from tax or significant discounts.

Vintage Vehicles

Special conditions for historical vehicles, considering their cultural and historical value.

Consequences of Non-Payment

Failure to pay the road tax on time may result in fines and other penalties. For example, the penalty for late payment is €10 plus 10% of the tax amount. In extreme cases, the vehicle may be impounded, and the cost of the insurance policy may be increased.

Renewal of Road Tax in Cyprus

Renewing the road tax in Cyprus is an important procedure that must be completed annually to legally use your vehicle on the country’s roads. On the official website of the Department of Road Transport of Cyprus, you can easily renew your road tax license by following simple instructions.

Key Steps for Road Tax Renewal

Required Documents

To renew the tax, you will need the vehicle’s registration number and the vehicle owner’s identification number (such as a passport or ID card number).

Selecting the Renewal Period

You can choose the period for which you want to renew the tax: three months, six months, or the entire year.

Online Renewal Process

Go to the Department of Road Transport website and enter the necessary data for authorization. Then, select the appropriate renewal period for you and make the payment using a debit or credit card.

Printing or Saving the License

After a successful payment, you can print the license or save it on your device for future use.

Additional Information

It is important to note that before renewing the tax, your vehicle must be insured and have a valid MOT certificate. Without these documents, renewal is not possible. If you recently obtained an insurance policy and the information has not yet been updated in the database, you may need to provide the insurance certificate manually.

Deadlines and Penalties for Late Renewal

The road tax must be renewed before the current license period expires. Otherwise, you will face fines and other penalties. It is best to plan the renewal in advance to avoid unnecessary problems.

By following these steps, you can quickly and easily renew your road tax in Cyprus, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

What to Do If You Are Not Using Your Vehicle

If your vehicle is temporarily not in use, for example, if you are going abroad for an extended period, you have the option to temporarily suspend the payment of road tax. To do this, you need to submit an application to the Department of Road Transport, specifying where the vehicle will be stored. It’s important to note that if the storage conditions are violated, fines may be imposed.

What to Do When Selling a Vehicle

When selling a vehicle, the road tax cannot be transferred to the new owner. The new owner will need to independently arrange and pay for a new tax. It is important to take this into account during the transaction to avoid legal misunderstandings.

The Impact of Road Tax on the Environment

Cyprus, like many other countries, places significant emphasis on environmental considerations when calculating road tax. This is part of the country’s broader strategy to meet its environmental commitments, including those within the European Union. Tax policy in Cyprus is aimed at encouraging the use of environmentally friendly transport, which is an important step in the country’s development.

Paying road tax in Cyprus in 2024 requires adherence to specific deadlines and rules. Using various payment methods, such as online payment, payment at branches, or through banks, makes the process more convenient for citizens. Following all procedures and paying the tax on time will help you avoid fines and ensure the legal use of your vehicle on Cyprus roads.

Understanding the specifics of road tax in Cyprus is important for every vehicle owner. Paying the tax on time not only ensures compliance with the law but also helps maintain the road infrastructure in proper condition.

This information will help you better navigate the road tax system in Cyprus and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for general information purposes. It is not a substitute for professional advice. You should not rely on the information in this article without obtaining independent advice that takes into account the specific circumstances of your case. The authors and publishers are not responsible for any losses that may arise from actions or inactions based on this article.