The House of Representatives has rejected four private members’ bills proposing a zero alcohol limit for drivers holding a licence for up to three years. The proposals were voted down with 22 votes against and nine in favour.
The bills were submitted by DIKO MP Chrysanthos Savvides and sought to introduce a “0” alcohol threshold for new drivers.
Content of the proposed legislation
The proposals provided that a driver holding a licence for up to three years would be prohibited from driving or attempting to drive after consuming any quantity of alcohol.
Supporters argued that the measure aimed to cultivate a clear understanding among new drivers that they should not drive after drinking. According to Savvides, data from the past five years show that more than 15,000 drivers were found not to be sober while driving.
He stated that the proposal did not introduce a blanket ban for all motorists but a specific regulation targeting inexperienced drivers. He added that a similar approach has been adopted in Serbia and noted that competent ministries and departments had expressed support. The priority, he said, was the protection of human life.
DIKO and DIPA – Cooperation of Democratic Forces MPs voted in favour.
Concerns over implementation
Charalambos Theopemptou of the Ecologists’ Movement – Citizens’ Cooperation referred to practical implementation issues. He noted that alcohol testing devices may register minor readings due to measurement errors, mouthwash use, consumption of sweets containing alcohol or medical conditions such as diabetes.
He warned that under a zero tolerance regime such cases could result in unjust accusations.
Reference to existing legal framework
AKEL MP Valentinos Fakontis said that concern over fatal road collisions is shared across the political spectrum. However, he pointed out that the current legal framework already sets a reduced alcohol limit of 9 mg for new drivers, compared with 22 mg for other motorists.
He argued that previous tightening of penalties and high fines had not led to a substantial reduction in fatal crashes and maintained that very high alcohol levels, rather than marginal readings, are typically linked to serious accidents. He also referred to the lack of adequate public transport, particularly after midnight.
DISY MP Dimitris Dimitriou acknowledged the intention behind the proposal but said proportionality and rationality must be maintained. He stated that the core problem concerns cases involving very high alcohol levels and not borderline indications. DISY voted against the bills.
Independent socialist MP Costis Efstathiou said the legislator’s duty is to observe proportionality, arguing that the proposal introduced unequal treatment without sufficient justification.
Stavros Papadouris, leader of the Ecologists, said that while the intention was positive, legislation must treat citizens equally. He added that fostering the correct driving culture is essential and again raised the issue of limited public transport alternatives.
Source: CNA