Top lawyer explains legal implications of unpaid fines

Drivers across Cyprus are in a rush to pay their overdue traffic fines following a stern warning from the police.

Legal proceedings are set to begin on March 31 for those who fail to settle their debts, triggering a massive rise in payments. Since the announcement, daily transactions on the police’s online platform have soared by an incredible 500 per cent.

Speaking to the Sunday Mail, Yiannis Polychronis, a well-known lawyer in Cyprus, delved into the legal complications surrounding the issue and emphasised the critical importance of ensuring fines are delivered correctly.

“Fines must be served properly, meaning drivers should personally receive their notices to make sure they are aware of their offence,” he said. “This is a matter of fairness and transparency for all involved.”

His comments underscore the need for a transparent and accurate process.

Mistakes in the delivery of fines have been a persistent issue, leaving many drivers confused or completely unaware of their outstanding penalties. This has led to delays and frustration, with some drivers only realising the severity of the situation when faced with the looming threat of court action.

Before the police’s announcement, the daily number of fines paid through the online platform was around 1,000 a day. Now, that figure has climbed to an estimated 5,000 as drivers scramble to avoid legal repercussions. This last-minute rush has placed considerable strain on the system, which is struggling to cope with the surge in demand.

In a bid to assist drivers, authorities have introduced a new initiative allowing individuals to check for unpaid fines via the website of the company managing the system. This move provides those who may have missed or never received their notifications an opportunity to settle their dues ahead of the March deadline.

Despite the increased payments, the problem remains widespread. Over 250,000 fines are still unpaid, while more than 100 traffic cameras continue to issue new citations daily. The mounting backlog highlights the scale of the challenge for both drivers and authorities.

Debate continues over whether unpaid fines become void if left unresolved for more than 12 months. However, Polychronis cautions that the risk of severe penalties, including up to a year in prison, makes it unlikely that drivers can evade responsibility.

“The risk of imprisonment or heavy fines is real,” Polychronis explained, adding that the legal process could become complicated if fines are not correctly served. 

“If the notice is sent to the wrong address, the driver may never receive it, which could lead to legal disputes and delays.”

This issue is particularly pressing as authorities gear up to enforce stricter measures. Drivers who ignore their fines could soon find themselves facing additional complications, including unexpected confrontations with police.

To tackle the growing number of unpaid fines, police have developed a “photoradar list” identifying individuals with outstanding penalties. This list will be distributed to officers stationed at airports, ports and checkpoints across Cyprus. Drivers flagged on the list could be fined on the spot, even while preparing to travel.

Turkish Cypriot drivers, who account for approximately 25,000 of the unpaid fines, will also be targeted as part of the enforcement effort. The new system is expected to go live in February, pending approval for handling personal data. This move marks a significant step in addressing the backlog and ensuring accountability.

However, it has not yet been implemented that fines will be issued from cameras in ports, airports, and checkpoints. Authorities are currently providing notifications about warrants, and if the amount due is significant, a payment may be required.

For many drivers, the experience has been stressful. Some have expressed frustration over unclear or delayed notifications, while others worry about the financial burden of paying multiple fines at once. Authorities are urging individuals to act now, not only to avoid legal trouble but also to reduce the risk of added complications as the deadline nears.

With just weeks remaining before the March 31 deadline, authorities are urging drivers to settle their fines promptly. The message is clear: pay now or face the full consequences of legal action, including potential court appearances and severe penalties.

For drivers across Cyprus, the next few months represent a critical window of opportunity to clear their names and settle their dues. The clock is ticking, and the stakes could not be higher.