Cyprus will automatically cancel MOT certificates for thousands of vehicles with incomplete airbag recalls from 3rd October 2025, following a Transport Ministry decree that enforces an eight-month deadline for mandatory safety repairs.
The regulation forms part of broader preventive measures aimed at avoiding tragic incidents, as manufacturer risk assessments indicate the affected airbags may explode dangerously, threatening passenger lives.
However, many vehicle distributors have reportedly failed to arrange appointments with owners who approached them for the replacement of the problematic components, creating market constraints that make completing required work before the deadline nearly impossible.
“The possibility of completing all recalls within eight months has never left our thoughts. We monitor developments daily and maintain continuous contact with those involved,” Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades stated.
Dealers struggle to meet recall deadlines
The situation has created significant pressure in the automotive market, with vehicles fitted with Takata airbags recording particularly high numbers of pending recalls.
The ministry conducted extensive awareness campaigns through television, radio and outdoor advertising, whilst the Road Transport Department intensified efforts to pressure distributors and workshops to expedite procedures.
A potential deadline extension appears increasingly likely, with the Transport Ministry not ruling out action as early as tomorrow given the practical difficulties in meeting current timeframes.
Road Safety Unit to be re-established
The Road Safety Council adopted recommendations from a Working Group report during Monday’s session, which examined findings from a Three-Member Investigative Committee on vehicle recalls and imports from EU and third countries.
Adopted recommendations include re-establishing the Road Safety Unit as an institutional coordination hub for information, supervision and implementation of measures.
The council approved creating a professional importers registry to strengthen industry standards and prevent “parachute” operators, alongside mandatory recall checks via VIN before vehicle registration in the Republic.
Enhanced supervision and corrective measures will extend to imported grey vehicles, whilst a VIN Portal platform will provide public access to recall information.
The report raises questions for the Legal Service regarding distributor and importer responsibilities for recall notifications and corrective measure implementation, including whether third-country vehicle importers qualify as manufacturers under Regulation (EU) 2018/858.
“The government is determined to proceed with targeted interventions, legislative regulations and institutional reforms in road safety. We will not leave gaps. We will not allow repetition of past mistakes,” Vafeades emphasised.
The ministry calls on all vehicle owners to visit the Transport Ministry website and check whether their vehicle falls under recalls, with the free procedure ensuring vehicle legality and safety.
Read more:
