Cyprus police authorized to implement immediate license suspension for impaired drivers

Starting April 6, 2026, the Cyprus Police have been granted authority by the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, acting as the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, to immediately suspend driver's licenses for safety concerns. Officers performing roadside checks may now serve an immediate notice of suspension to drivers who test positive for drugs via saliva samples or alcohol via final breath analysis. The specific offenses triggering this measure include driving or attempting to drive under the influence of drugs, refusing to provide a saliva sample for a drug test, and refusing to provide a breath sample for an alcohol test without reasonable cause. Furthermore, suspension applies to drivers caught driving under the influence of alcohol for the second time within 12 months in cases too serious for out-of-court settlement. All cases involving these offenses will be forwarded to court as soon as possible. Previously, authorities noted that for standard alcohol violations between 22mg and 70mg, out-of-court fines remain applicable, while higher levels or repeat offenses trigger the stricter judicial and suspension procedures.