What are the speed limits and fines in Cyprus?
It depends: allowed within the limits, otherwise fines and penalty points. Limits: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 on rural roads and 100 km/h on motorways (with a 65 minimum). Fine bands: up to 30% over = €1 per km/h + up to 2 points; 31–50% = €2 + 2–4 points; 51–75% = €3 + 3–6 points; over 75% = mandatory court appearance. The points cap rose from 12 to 16 (1 Feb 2025); points expire after 3 years. A camera network (fixed/mobile, plus average-speed) operates. In short: stay within the limits.
📋 The rules
- Limits: 50 urban / 80 rural / 100 motorway
- Fine €1–3 per km/h over the limit
- Penalty points 2–6 per band
- Points cap 16 (since Feb 2025), expire in 3 years
- Camera network for speed/average speed
🔓 Exceptions
- Rentals: liability passed to the driver (+ admin fee)
- Foreign drivers get no Cyprus points, but pay the fine
- Over 75%: out of the fixed-penalty system — court only
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Fines scale per km/h over the limit (€1/€2/€3 bands) with 2–6 penalty points; the worst cases go to court. Camera fines are posted to the registered owner. The exact payment window is reported inconsistently (30 days vs ~90) — confirm the date on your own notice. Beware a myth: "the motorway limit is really 120 km/h" is false — the legal limit is 100; 120 is only an informal police tolerance, and exceeding it means you're fined against 100, not 120. Tip: average-speed cameras also operate on motorways.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
What are the speed limits?
The default limit is 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads and 100 km/h on motorways, which also have a 65 km/h minimum. Lower posted limits, for example near schools or roadworks, prevail and must be observed.
How big is the speeding fine?
The fine scales per km/h over the limit: €1 per km/h for up to 30% over, €2 for 31–50% and €3 for 51–75%, with corresponding penalty points. Over 75% the case goes mandatorily to court.
When do I lose my licence?
Penalty points accumulate and expire after three years. From 1 February 2025 the cap rose from 12 to 16 points. When you reach 16, the case goes to court, with possible licence suspension.
Are there speed cameras?
Yes. Since October 2021 a photo-enforcement network of fixed and mobile cameras operates, covering speed, red lights, seatbelts and mobile-phone use. Average-speed cameras also operate on inter-city motorways.
Is the motorway limit really 120?
No. The legal limit is 100 km/h. Police in practice tolerate roughly up to 120 before ticketing, but that's an informal tolerance, not a legal right; if you exceed it, you're fined against the 100 limit.
🔎 Common searches
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