Fines & Administrative Penalties in Cyprus

Fines in Cyprus come in several kinds: traffic camera fines for speeding or a red light, other out-of-court fines issued by the police (εξώδικο πρόστιμο), parking fines from local authorities, and administrative penalties imposed by a government department, for example in tax, labour or licensing matters. People search for a “Cyprus fines check” to see what they owe. Some older lists and lawyer pages call this service “Dealing with Fines & Administrative Matters”. English-speaking lawyers in Cyprus help residents, visitors and companies with all of them.

Who asks for help

• Drivers who received a camera fine for a car they had rented or borrowed, or one registered to an employer.
• Visitors served with old fines at the airport when leaving or arriving.
• Former residents who learn that an unpaid fine has become a court case.
• Businesses and individuals fined by a department and convinced the decision is wrong.

How it works in Cyprus

An out-of-court fine is an offer: paying it within the period stated closes the matter. If it is not paid, or the person disputes it, the case goes to the District Court as a criminal case, and the court decides on guilt and penalty. Camera fines that could not be delivered by post have been served on people at airports and crossing points. Administrative penalties of government departments work differently: they are decisions of the administration and can be challenged by a recourse to the Administrative Court or through a review procedure the specific law provides.

What to look out for

Ignoring a fine rarely makes it go away. A summons sent to an old address may never reach you, and a person who does not appear in court can face a warrant, see arrest warrant check. When a driving matter goes beyond a fine, the pages on drink driving offences and speeding and traffic fines go into more detail. This page is general information, not legal advice.

What a lawyer does

Finds out which fines and cases are open, obtains the evidence such as camera records, explains whether paying or contesting makes more sense in your situation, represents you in court and prepares the recourse against a department's decision. With a power of attorney much of this is done without you travelling.

Questions and answers

How can I find out whether I have fines in Cyprus?

A lawyer checks with the police and the courts which fines are outstanding and whether any of them has already become a court case.

Can I contest a camera fine?

Yes. If the out-of-court fine is not paid, the matter goes to court, where the defence is heard, for example that someone else was driving.

What if the car was a rental?

The notice usually goes to the registered owner, who passes on the driver's details; the fine then follows the driver.

How is a penalty from a government department challenged?

By the route the law sets for that penalty, often a recourse to the Administrative Court. Time limits are short, so the decision is best read carefully as soon as it arrives.