Can I drive after drinking in Cyprus?
It depends: allowed below the limit, an offence above it. The general limit for experienced drivers is 22 micrograms per 100 ml of breath (about 0.05% blood alcohol). A stricter 9 µg limit applies to new/novice drivers (licence held under 3 years), young drivers and professional drivers. Penalties escalate by breath-alcohol band and combine a fine and penalty points. Points are erased after 3 years; at 12 points the court suspends the licence. Police run roadside breath tests. In short: below your limit, yes.
📋 The rules
- General limit: 22 µg / 100 ml breath
- New/professional drivers: 9 µg
- Penalties: fine + penalty points
- Points erased after 3 years
- At 12 points: licence suspension
🔓 Exceptions
- Professionals/young can exceed 9 µg while under 22
- Over 71 µg: imprisonment possible
- Refusing the breath test: separate consequences
⚠️ Penalties & fines
By breath band: 23–35 µg: €100 fine + 0–2 points; 36–55 µg: €200 + 2–4 points; 56–70 µg: €300 + 3–6 points; over 71 µg: imprisonment or a €150–€400 fine + 3–6 points. The licence is suspended at 12 points; points expire after 3 years. Beware a myth: "one drink is always fine" — not for everyone; new, young and professional drivers are held to 9 µg (roughly zero tolerance), so even a single drink can put them over. Tip: if you've been drinking, don't drive.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
What's the alcohol limit for driving?
The general limit for experienced drivers is 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 ml of breath, equivalent to about 0.05% blood alcohol. For new, novice and professional drivers a stricter limit of 9 micrograms applies.
Does the same limit apply to everyone?
No. New and novice drivers with a licence held under three years, young drivers and professional drivers are held to the stricter 9-microgram limit. So such a driver can be over their limit while still under the general limit of 22.
How big are the fines?
By breath band: 23–35 µg a €100 fine and 0–2 points, 36–55 µg €200 and 2–4 points, 56–70 µg €300 and 3–6 points, and over 71 µg imprisonment or a €150–€400 fine and 3–6 penalty points.
When do I lose my licence?
Penalty points accumulate and are erased after three years. When you reach 12 points, the court orders suspension of the driving licence. So even repeated lower-level offences can lead to suspension.
What if I refuse the breath test?
Refusing or failing the breath test has its own consequences and is treated seriously by the police. It isn't a way to avoid liability. The safest course is not to drive if you've consumed alcohol.
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