Cyprus Police have clarified that the service of traffic fines for road offences identified by officers or recorded by traffic camera systems is conducted in a fully lawful manner under existing legislation.
According to an official statement, the process is carried out under the provisions of the Law on the Extrajudicial Settlement of Offences and the Road Traffic Offences legislation relating to the use of camera enforcement systems.
Service of notices can take place anywhere
Police stated that traffic fines may be served by officers at any location within areas controlled by the Republic of Cyprus.
Authorities said this procedure is fully supported from a legal standpoint and is also covered under the Criminal Procedure Law.
Deadlines for prosecution have changed
Police also reminded the public that criminal proceedings against individuals who fail to pay a fine can now begin after 105 days from the date the notice is served.
Previously, the relevant period was 45 days and was based on the date the fine was issued.
Authorities stressed that the date of service of the notice, rather than the issue date, is the factor used for calculating the period before criminal proceedings may begin.
Longer payment period before surcharge applies
Police further explained that an unpaid traffic fines notice will only become subject to an additional surcharge after 90 days.
Under the previous system, the surcharge applied after 30 days.
The penalty increase remains set at an additional 50% of the original amount if payment is not made within the required timeframe.
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