Marios Christofi
Drivers in Cyprus who refuse to move their vehicles after minor traffic accidents could soon face fines of up to €1,000 under a tougher new law aimed at reducing traffic congestion and roadside standstills.
The amendment to Cyprus’ motor vehicle and road traffic law was approved by parliament earlier this month following a proposal submitted by Dimitris Dimitriou of the Democratic Rally party.
The new rules focus on so-called “minor accidents," collisions involving only material damage and no serious injuries, where drivers often leave vehicles blocking roads while waiting for police or insurance procedures.
Under the legislation, drivers who are physically able to move their vehicles but refuse to do so, causing traffic disruption, can now be fined up to €1,000.
The law also targets people who pressure or encourage drivers not to move their vehicles. Anyone found persuading or forcing a driver to leave a vehicle blocking the road could face the same financial penalty.
Police are expected to begin enforcing the new measures in the coming months.
A push to keep traffic moving
The change is designed to make the handling of minor road accidents both more practical and stricter, especially during rush hour when even small collisions can quickly trigger major traffic jams.
Until now, many drivers involved in minor accidents preferred not to move their cars before police arrived, often out of fear it could affect insurance claims or responsibility for the crash.
The updated legislation removes the previous requirement for mutual consent between drivers before vehicles can be moved from the scene.
Officials say the goal is simple: if the accident is minor and the vehicle can safely be moved, drivers should clear the road as quickly as possible.
The law also formally criminalizes attempts by others to stop that from happening.
The amendment was officially published in the Republic of Cyprus’ Official Gazette under the 2026 Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Amendment Law.
For everyday drivers stuck behind long lines of traffic caused by small fender-benders, the government hopes the tougher rules will help prevent roads from turning into parking lots after every minor collision.
