Parliament passes new legislation to regulate illegal taxis

On March 2026, the parliament unanimously approved the Road Transport (Amendment) Law to combat illegal taxi services. Proposed by Nicosia MP Alekos Tryfonides, the legislation introduces stricter administrative and criminal penalties for unlicensed passenger transport. The Licensing Authority is now empowered to file criminal charges directly in court. Administrative sanctions no longer require proof of a repeat offense, meaning they apply from the first violation. Penalties include the suspension of Class B driver's licenses and vehicle registration certificates. Furthermore, the authorities are authorized to seize or immobilize vehicles. These sanctions remain in effect until the administrative fine is paid in full, replacing the previous three-month fixed duration.