Cyprus will sharply increase penalties for serious deadly traffic violations, following a unanimous decision by the Road Safety Council on Wednesday.
Fixed penalties for three offences proven to cause road fatalities will increase by 50 euros, following a proposal by Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis based on police recommendations.
Under the new measures, riding without a helmet will cost 250 euros, up from 200 euros, with repeat offences within three years drawing a 500-euro fine, doubled from the current 250 euros.
Mobile phone use while driving will incur a 200-euro penalty, up from 150 euros, rising to 400 euros for repeat offenders within three years, currently set at 300 euros.
Seatbelt violations will cost 200 euros, increased from 150 euros, with repeat offences within three years drawing 400 euros, up from 300 euros.
The changes also affect motorcyclists riding without number plates, with fines rising from 80 to 100 euros for first offences and doubling to 200 euros for repeat violations.
Traffic police data presented at the meeting revealed that fatalities among unbelted vehicle occupants have doubled year-on-year, while mobile phone use has become the leading cause of road deaths.
The government is targeting deliberate violations that cost lives, not speed camera offences or general careless driving, Hartsiotis told philenews.
Read more:
