Sharp increase of traffic offences in Cyprus has been noted since the beginning of the year when the photo-marking system using mobile traffic cameras was implemented on the roads of Cyprus. Even more cameras, fixed and mobile, will be added to the roads by the end of 2022. What should you be aware of in case you are notified of receiving an out-of-court fine?
The procedure should be followed by the “offender” when notified of an out-of-court fine from traffic cameras is simple. Specifically, the owner of the vehicle will be notified by the post office to go there and receive a registered letter in his name.
Once the owner goes to the post office to collect the letter, an identification of the owner will be made immediately. Upon receiving the letter, it will automatically be converted to an out-of-court fine and within 45 days of the receipt, the recipient will have to pay the out-of-court fine. If the out-of-court fine will not be paid within 45 days, then a court case file will be opened and filed before the relevant District Court.
If the owner of the vehicle claims that he/she is not the person who violated the traffic code, then he/she should return the letter to the camera management company and inform them accordingly.
If the letter is not received by the post office within 45 days, the camera management company will make three attempts to find the owner. If the owner is still not found, then the letter will be sent to the Police who continue the process of locating the owner of the vehicle. In this case, the Police has the discretion to extend its search for the owner/offender by carrying out checks at the points of entry to the Republic, such as airports, ports, and barricade.
Once a period of 180 days has passed and the owner/offender has not been found yet, the fine is converted into a court case file and filed before the Court. If the owner/offender is still not located, then an arrest warrant is issued against the owner/offender which is executed upon his/her arrest once he/she is found.
The above is for informational purposes only. Our law firm undertakes cases of traffic violations of all kinds, and is able to represent clients in all Districts of the Republic of Cyprus. You can contact us for your cases by calling +357 24 727313 or by sending an email to info@vasiliou.law
