Newsroom
The Cyprus Police have issued a clarification on the delivery of traffic fines, following public discussion about how and where notices can be served.
According to the Police, traffic fines issued either by officers on duty or through the island's camera enforcement system are delivered in line with existing legislation.
The statement explains that police officers are legally allowed to hand a fixed-penalty notice to a driver anywhere within areas controlled by the Republic of Cyprus. The authority to do so is provided under current criminal procedure laws.
Police also reminded motorists that the deadline before court action can begin has changed. If a fixed-penalty notice remains unpaid, legal proceedings may be launched 105 days after the notice is delivered to the recipient. Previously, the relevant period was 45 days and was calculated from the date the fine was issued.
Authorities stressed that the important date is when the notice is actually served on the driver, not when it is created or printed. This date is used when calculating the period before criminal proceedings can be filed.
Changes have also been made to late-payment penalties. A surcharge of 50 per cent will now be added only if the fine remains unpaid for 90 days. Under the previous system, the surcharge was applied after 30 days.
The Police said these procedures apply to fines issued directly by officers as well as offences recorded by traffic cameras.
