Many Cypriots choose Greece for their summer holidays each year, with several renting cars to get around. But what happens if a Cypriot driver commits a traffic offence and Greek authorities confiscate their licence?
As the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Athens explained to politis.com.cy, when a licence suspension is imposed, the document remains with the Greek authorities for the period set out in law, depending on the severity of the offence.
If the driver has already returned to Cyprus before the suspension period ends, the licence is sent via diplomatic pouch. It is then handed over to Cyprus Police and subsequently to the Road Transport Department (TOM), from where the holder can collect it.
New traffic code in force
Since last September, Greece has been applying a new Road Traffic Code, which significantly toughens penalties for a range of driving offences. The reform aims to curb road accidents and reduce casualties.
One of the most significant changes concerns repeat offences. The more times the same violation is repeated, the harsher the penalties become. As deputy transport minister Konstantinos Kyranakis has said, the philosophy behind the new code is that "after the second time, there is no forgiveness," since the driver is then considered dangerous.
The costliest offences
Mobile phone use while driving is a particular target of the new code. A first offence carries a €350 fine and a 30-day licence suspension. On repeat offences, the fine can reach €2,000, while causing an accident brings even heavier administrative and criminal penalties. Penalties for drink driving are also strict. Depending on the level of alcohol involved and whether it is a repeat offence, fines can reach €4,000, while licence suspension can last up to 10 years. Serious or fatal accidents carry additional criminal liability. Penalties have also been increased for not wearing a seatbelt or helmet. A first offence carries a €350 fine and a 30-day licence suspension, with both driver and passenger held liable. Heavy fines also apply to speeding, running a stop sign and red-light violations. Penalties for illegal street racing are stricter still, reaching up to €8,000, with a four-year licence suspension. Penalties for illegal parking in disabled spaces have also been tightened. On repeat offences, the fine can reach €2,000, alongside a one-year licence suspension.
The main fines at a glance
Some of the key penalties under the new code include:
- Mobile phone use: fine of €350 to €2,000 and licence suspension of 30 days to one year. Penalties increase significantly if an accident is caused.
- Running a red light: fine of €700 to €2,000 and licence suspension of two months to one year.
- Running a stop sign: fine of €350 to €2,000 and licence suspension of one month to one year.
- Speeding: fine of €700 to €2,000, with licence suspension of up to one year. A 30km/h speed limit has also been introduced in most residential areas.
- Drink driving: fine of €350 to €4,000 and licence suspension of one month to 10 years, depending on the severity of the offence.
- Illegal use of bus lanes: fine of €150.
- Not wearing a helmet: fine from €350 and a 30-day licence suspension on a first offence, rising to €2,000 and a one-year suspension on a third repeat offence.
The new code also provides for extensive use of digital cameras, mainly in Attica, so that offences are recorded automatically and fines sent electronically via the gov.gr platform.
What Cypriot drivers should know
No different regime applies to Cypriots travelling and driving in Greece. They are subject to exactly the same provisions as Greek drivers, and if their licence is confiscated, it remains with the Greek authorities for the period set out by law.
If the driver has already returned to Cyprus before the suspension period ends, the licence is transferred via the Greek embassy, Cyprus Police and the Road Transport Department, until it is returned to its rightful holder.
