Checks in Cyprus starting today. Police will check drivers using their phones.

Today, Monday, October 5th, a nationwide driver inspection campaign begins in Cyprus. Police officers will be paying special attention to those using handheld phones while driving. They will also check for behaviors related to holding other objects that impede safe driving.

The campaign will run until Sunday, October 11, and will cover all districts of the Republic of Cyprus. Using a handheld phone while driving carries a €150 fine and two to four penalty points. Repeat offenses within three years will double the penalty.

Driver checks in Cyprus all week long

The police have announced a week-long information and enforcement campaign on distracted driving. Officers will focus primarily on drivers who use their phones instead of focusing on the road.

It's not just about phone calls. Texting, browsing social media, or checking navigation on a handheld phone can also result in a fine.

The checks will also cover driving with other items occupying the hands and impeding the steering. Police have not announced a detailed list of locations or times of the operations.

The campaign is organised in cooperation with the European traffic police network ROADPOL, as part of the “Focus on the Road” campaign.

A phone in your hand can cost 150 euros

According to the official Road Safety Cyprus report, driving with a phone in your hand is punishable by a fine. 150 euros and 2 to 4 penalty points.

If the driver repeats this offense within three years, the fines are doubled. This means 300 euros and 4 to 8 penalty points.

Driving with another object occupying your hand is a separate offense. A fine is provided in such a case. 85 euros and 1 to 3 penalty points.

Drivers don't have to be engaged in a conversation to face consequences. Using a hand-held phone while driving also distracts attention from the road and limits their ability to properly steer the vehicle.

Distraction leads to serious accidents

According to data provided by the police, careless driving and distraction were responsible for 22.1% of fatal accidents in 2023–2025.

In the case of accidents resulting in serious injuries, the share of this category was 29.4 percent The data shows how serious a threat a lack of concentration while driving is.

This doesn't mean that all of these incidents were caused by phone use. Distraction is a broader category and encompasses a variety of driving behaviors.

However, a phone can also occupy your hand, distract your eyes, and make it difficult to concentrate on the road. It only takes a moment to notice a braking car, a pedestrian, or a changing traffic light too late.

Set up your navigation before you start driving

Before setting off, it's a good idea to set a route, activate the necessary functions, and place your phone in a stable holder. However, a holder alone doesn't make operating the screen while driving safe.

If you need to write a message or change settings that require attention, it's best to park the car in a safe and authorized location. You can also entrust a passenger with navigation assistance.

The campaign does not introduce new fines. Police officers will enforce existing regulations, and the ban on using hand-held phones will remain in effect after the campaign ends on October 11th.

Sources: Cyprus Police, Road Safety Cyprus.