New road collision rules have come into force in Cyprus following amendments to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Law aimed at easing congestion, particularly after minor traffic accidents.
According to a Police announcement, the amendment was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic on 21 April 2026 and requires drivers involved in certain road collisions to move their vehicles away from the scene.
Under the new legislation, drivers involved in a collision must move their vehicle off the road to the nearest safe location to avoid obstructing traffic, provided no visible injuries have been caused to any person.
The requirement applies when police intervention or attendance is not necessary, the vehicles can be moved without towing or causing further damage to the vehicles or road surface, and it is reasonable to do so under the circumstances.
Steps drivers must take before moving vehicles
Before relocating their vehicles, drivers are required to immediately notify their insurance company and exchange essential information, including their names, insurance policy numbers, driving licence details, vehicle information and telephone numbers.
They must also take photographs of the collision scene showing the vehicles in their final positions after the crash, registration numbers, visible damage and the surrounding area.
The drivers must then exchange the photographs and send them to the person designated by their insurance company.
Fines for non-compliance
Failure to comply with the obligations set out in the legislation constitutes an offence and may result in a fine of up to €1,000 upon conviction.
The law also makes it an offence for any person to encourage, force or attempt to persuade a driver involved in a collision not to move a vehicle or not to carry out the required procedures before relocation. Offenders may also face fines of up to €1,000.
Penalties for illegal parking after relocation
Once a vehicle has been moved, the owner, driver or any person responsible for it must not park or abandon it illegally, dangerously or in a way that obstructs traffic.
If this requirement is breached, authorities may remove the vehicle. The person responsible may be required to pay removal costs and could face court-imposed penalties, including imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to €3,000, or both.
The Police also advise drivers who have moved their vehicles following a collision without visible injuries to consult their insurance representatives before leaving the location where they have stopped.
Also read: Foot-and-mouth measures: Fines up to €250,000 as culling continues
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