Cyprus increases fines for mobile phone use while driving

In a move to curb road fatalities, the Road Safety Council of Cyprus has unanimously decided to sharply increase penalties for serious traffic violations, effective immediately.

Following a proposal by Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis, and based on police recommendations, fixed fines for three major offences linked to deadly accidents will rise by €50. The new measures target behaviours that significantly contribute to road deaths, with the aim of discouraging reckless actions on the road.

Key Penalty Increases:

- Riding Without a Helmet: The fine for motorcyclists caught without a helmet will now be €250, up from €200. Repeat offenders within three years will face a fine of €500, double the current penalty of €250.

- Mobile Phone Use While Driving: Drivers caught using a mobile phone will be fined €200, an increase from the previous €150. For repeat offenders within three years, the fine will rise to €400, up from €300.

- Seatbelt Violations: The penalty for not wearing a seatbelt will increase from €150 to €200, with repeat violations within three years resulting in a €400 fine, up from €300.

In addition to these changes, penalties for motorcyclists riding without number plates have also increased. The fine for a first offence will rise from €80 to €100, and repeat violations will now incur a €200 fine, double the previous penalty.

The Rationale Behind the Changes

The decision comes after traffic police data revealed a disturbing trend: fatalities among unbelted vehicle occupants have doubled in the past year, and mobile phone use has now become the leading cause of road deaths. The government is focusing on deliberate violations that cost lives, rather than on speed camera offences or general careless driving, Hartsiotis explained to Philenews.

By increasing penalties, the government hopes to send a strong message about the dangers of these actions, aiming to reduce road fatalities and improve overall road safety across the island.

As the penalties for these critical offences rise, authorities are hoping that these stricter measures will act as a deterrent and encourage safer driving habits in Cyprus.