How much can you drink before driving in the Republic of Cyprus
In the Republic of Cyprus, the permissible alcohol level is measured in mg/l of exhaled air. For most drivers, the threshold is 0.22 mg/l. For certain categories (less than 3 years of driving experience, learner’s license holders, mopeds, quad bikes, professional drivers at work), the threshold is lower — 0.09 mg/l. Exceeding these limits results in fines starting from 125 EUR and penalty points, and in cases of high values, the matter may be referred to court.
- Alcohol measurement by the police in the Republic of Cyprus
- Permissible blood alcohol limit while driving
- Fines and sanctions for driving under the influence
- Glossary
- Frequently Asked Questions
Alcohol measurement by the police in the Republic of Cyprus
The police in the Republic of Cyprus use the measure of milligrams of alcohol per litre of exhaled air (mg/l). This differs from the promille measure, which in some countries reflects blood alcohol content (BAC). For reference: 0.3‰ roughly corresponds to 0.15 mg/l of exhaled air.
Permissible blood alcohol limit while driving
| Driver Category | Threshold (mg/l) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Most drivers | 0.22 | Threshold for exhaled air |
| Less than 3 years experience; learner’s license holders; mopeds; quad bikes; professional drivers at work | 0.09 | Stricter threshold |
Fines and sanctions for driving under the influence
Exceeding the permissible limits results in administrative fines and penalty points. In cases of high values, the matter may be referred to court.
Fines for drivers with more than three years of experience
| Level (mg/l) | Fine | Points / consequences |
|---|---|---|
| 0.22–0.35 | 125 EUR | + 1 penalty point |
| 0.36–0.55 | 250 EUR | + 3 penalty points |
| 0.56–0.70 | 500 EUR | + 4 penalty points |
| 0.71 and above | — | Referred to court |
Fines for categories with a 0.09 mg/l threshold
| Level (mg/l) | Fine | Points / consequences |
|---|---|---|
| 0.09–0.22 | 125 EUR | + 1 penalty point |
| 0.23–0.35 | 250 EUR | + 3 penalty points |
| 0.36–0.55 | 500 EUR | + 4 penalty points |
| 0.56 and above | — | Referred to court |
Glossary
- mg/l (exhaled air) — a measure of alcohol content in exhaled air, used in the Republic of Cyprus for breathalyzer tests.
- BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) — the alcohol content in blood; in some countries expressed in promille (‰).
- Penalty points — points assigned for certain traffic violations; accumulation may lead to further sanctions, including court proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to pay a fine online?
Fines can be paid online via the JCCsmart portal (Cyprus Police section). Step-by-step instructions: how to pay a fine online.
How many points can be accumulated before court?
Accumulation of 12 penalty points may trigger court proceedings for license revocation. Points are usually reset every three years.
I drank more than allowed — what should I do?
Do not drive. If you need to get somewhere, use a taxi or a sober driver.
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