Northern Cyprus Introduces New Traffic Fines and Penalties

New traffic laws have officially come into effect in Northern Cyprus, bringing stricter fines and penalties for road violations. As of 00:01 today, police inspectors across the region have begun enforcing these updated regulations.

According to the police press office, the changes were made to the Law on the Resolution of Road Traffic Offenses Without Legal Proceedings and Imposition of Penalties and were officially enacted following publication in the Official Gazette. The updated law includes both revised penalties and several newly defined violations.

Key Updates to Existing Fines and Penalties:

• Disobeying a police officer’s stop command:
  Fine increased from 10% to 100% of the minimum wage. Demerit points raised from 5 to 100.

• Using a mobile phone or electronic device while driving (talking, texting, browsing, or watching):
  Fine increased from 10% to 100% of the minimum wage. Demerit points raised from 15 to 50.

• Speeding:

  • Up to 20 km/h over the limit: Demerit points increased from 5 to 10.

  • Between 21–40 km/h over: Points increased from 25 to 30.

• Illegal parking:
  Fine doubled from 5% to 10% of the minimum wage.

• Not wearing a seatbelt / no child safety seat:
  Fine raised from 10% to 20% of the minimum wage. Now carries 10 demerit points.

• Driving passengers without proper authorization for passenger transport:
  Fine increased from 25% to 200% of the minimum wage. Demerit points raised from 20 to 50.

• Operating a business vehicle (Category A or B) without the correct permit:
  Fine increased from 10% to 50% of the minimum wage, with 10 demerit points.

Newly Introduced Offenses:

• Smoking while driving (includes cigarettes, tobacco products, and e-cigarettes):
  Fine set at 5% of the minimum wage.

• Driving under the influence of medication that impairs driving ability:
  Fine set at 50% of the minimum wage with 100 demerit points.

• Traffic violations detected by the electronic monitoring system — including:

  • Driving without valid inspection or registration

  • Running red lights

  • Using electronic devices

  • Eating or drinking behind the wheel
    These carry fines ranging from 10% to 100% of the minimum wage and 10 to 100 demerit points depending on severity.

• Renting out a vehicle without a proper rental permit (Permit Z):
  Fine set at 25% of the minimum wage with 20 demerit points.

Offenses That Will Be Taken Directly to Court:

Some violations are now considered too serious for fixed fines and will automatically be referred to court:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol (over 150mg) or drugs:
  Offenders will face court proceedings. If convicted, penalties may include a fine of up to 15 times the minimum wage, up to 3 years in prison, or both. The court can also suspend the driver’s license — including learner or commercial permits — for up to 6 months.

• Repeat offenses of dangerous driving:
  If a driver commits dangerous driving for a third time within 15 months (after being fined twice before), the case will go directly to court without an option to settle by paying a fine.

• Drivers involved in accidents causing bodily harm, who are found to be at fault, will be taken to court for all related violations, including drunk driving — regardless of whether fixed fines would otherwise apply.