With just days left before the payment deadline, only 24 per cent of traffic fines recorded by Cyprus’ photolabelling system have been settled. Authorities warn that offenders who fail to pay by Monday, March 31, will face criminal prosecution.

According to figures obtained by the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), the system recorded 250,000 traffic violations between January 1, 2022, and September 30, 2024. However, as of Friday morning, March 28, only around 60,000 fines had been paid.

The grace period for these unpaid extrajudicial fines began on January 8, and will expire on March 31. Police have reiterated that drivers must check whether their vehicle has been flagged by the system and settle any outstanding fines before the deadline.

Failure to pay will result in immediate legal action. A police statement confirmed that once the deadline passes, criminal files will be prepared, and offenders will be prosecuted without further delay.

Recent amendments to traffic laws aim to ease the burden of heavy fines. Under the new legislation, offenders now have 90 days from the date of fine presentation to make a payment before a 50 per cent surcharge is applied. If still unpaid, prosecution begins after 105 days. Penalty points will be removed from a driver’s record two years after they are issued.

Lawmakers have also approved the installation of countdown timers at traffic camera-controlled junctions. If authorities fail to install them within six months, penalties for red-light violations will be suspended.

The traffic camera system remains a contentious issue. Critics argue that its primary function is revenue collection rather than road safety. Edek MP Marinos Sizopoulos called the enforcement “predatory,” claiming that high fines have failed to significantly reduce fatal accidents.

With time running out, police urge vehicle owners to review their records and pay outstanding fines to avoid prosecution.