These are the new hefty fines that apply from today

As of today, those who violate the traffic code are putting their hand deep in their pocket

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After various debates and then the green light of the Plenary Session of the Parliament on July 31, 2020, from today (1/10) the landscape in terms of fines and penalties for those who violate the traffic code, is changing. The fines and penalties for traffic offenses that have been characterized by many as serious are now being implemented and are coming into force without any grace period. The changes are drastic, while through "K", the Director of the Traffic Headquarters, Giannakis Georgiou, emphasizes that the increase of the penalties is aimed at the prevention of serious traffic collisions and mainly fatal ones.

"The complaint and the imposition of the fine is not an end in itself"

"The complaint and the imposition of the fine is not an end in itself but our goal that we hope to achieve is the universal reduction of traffic conflicts", notes Mr. Georgiou.

In fact, in the next period of time it is expected that an evaluation will be made in terms of the performance of the measure against the background of the new penalties. "In other countries where high penalties have been imposed, people seem to have calmed down. "Every fine touches the pocket of every citizen who is required to pay it", says Mr. Georgiou.

The categories of traffic violations covered by the penalties:

  • Speed
  • Alcohol
  • Ναρκωτικά
  • Reckless Dangerous Driving
  • Negative Driving
  • Driving under fatigue
  • Traffic lights
  • Helmet and Belt
  • Abandonment of a vehicle
  • Overtaking
  • Parking
  • Driving
  • Leaving the scene of an accident without assistance
  • Special treatment for anyone deprived of their license or earning twelve penalty points or more
  • Vehicle Retention
  • Vehicle movement

The strong fines

For driving without the use of a seat belt or with the use of a mobile phone or failure to use a child seat, the amount of the extrajudicial sentence is € 150 and 3-6 penalty points. If the violation is repeated within three years, the penalty is doubled and reaches € 300.

  • Non-use of helmet: € 200 fine and 3-6 penalty points
  • Traffic light violation: € 300 fine and 3-6 penalty points
  • Parking for disabled parking: € 300 fine
  • Parking in double yellow line: € 100 fine
  • Parking on sidewalk: € 100 fine
  • Driving with non-free hands (other object): € 85 fine and 1-3 Penalty Points
  • Driving without third party liability insurance: € 200 fine and 3-6 Penalty Points
  • Overtaking at a pedestrian crossing € 200.

What about alcohol:

Out of court

  1. Exhalation alcohol ratio 22-35μg / 100ml: € 125 fine and 1-3 penalty points
  2. Exhalation alcohol ratio 36-55μg / 100ml: € 250 fine and 3-6 penalty points
  3. Exhalation alcohol ratio 56-70μg / 100ml: € 500 fine and 4-8 penalty points

Court

  1. 22-35μg / 100ml: 1 month imprisonment and / or up to € 1.500 fine and deprivation of driving license up to 3 months
  2. 36-55μg / 100ml: 3 months imprisonment and / or up to € 3.000 fine and deprivation of driving license up to 3 months
  3. 56-70μg / 100ml: 8 months imprisonment and / or up to € 5.000 fine and / or deprivation of leave for up to 2 years
  4. > 70μg / 100ml: 2 years imprisonment and / or up to € 10.000 fine and / or deprivation of leave for up to 2 years
    In case of recurrence of the offense within 3 years the court may impose double penalties.
  5. > 70mg / 100ml: 5-10 penalty points
    Refusal to Provide a Sample: 2 years imprisonment or € 10.000 fine or deprivation of the right to hold or obtain a driving license for a period not exceeding 2 years

Vehicle retention

As of today, a member of the Police prohibits the continuation of the driving of the motor vehicle and can hold the vehicle until it can be legally driven by the person, in the case:

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol
  • Refusal to provide an exhalation sample for alcohol testing
  • Refusal or avoidance of going to the place where the final alcohol test is performed.

A vehicle that is detained may be transported by a person authorized by a police officer or supervisor or, following his instructions, to a suitable place at the discretion of the Chief of Police. If the vehicle is not received within 2 months it is available as unclaimed property. Any person who prevents a member of the Police or another person authorized by law from exercising the granted powers is guilty of an offense and in case of conviction is subject to imprisonment for up to 6 months and / or a fine of up to € 2.000.

Read all the penalties and fines in detail HERE

End to a tolerance of 20% at the speed limit

In the meantime, citizens should be aware that the 20% speed limit tolerance will no longer apply to residential areas. The limit is now reduced to 10% plus 2 km.

According to Mr. Georgiou, this will apply in urban and residential areas where the speed limits are 30, 50 and 65 km.

For example, where the speed limit is 55 to 58 km, the driver will be reported. On a road where the speed limit is 65 km, a driver will be reported at 74 km.

This will not apply to highways and interurban roads as explained to us by the Director of Traffic Headquarters where the tolerance limit of 20% will be maintained. That is, on a road with a limit of 100 km, a driver will not be treated as an offender if the speed of his vehicle is at 120 km. Also if the limit is eg 80 km, the speed that the driver can develop without being reported is up to 96 km.

Source: Famagusta.News / Daily