Proposal to Suspend Driving Licenses for Two Years in Fatal Accidents in Cyprus

The authorities in the Republic of Cyprus have proposed a two-year suspension of driving licenses for those involved in road accidents that result in fatalities. The bill has been submitted for review by the parliament.

The legislative proposal, put forward by the opposition party AKEL, aims to give courts the power to revoke a driver’s license for up to two years if they are found guilty of causing a fatal accident. Alternatively, the court could deny the individual the right to obtain a driving license for the same period.

Currently, the courts can suspend a driver’s license for up to three months. However, lawmakers argue that this penalty is insufficient, stating that it "does not correspond with the legal consequences applied to other crimes."

The proposal further clarifies that a driver who accumulates 16 penalty points could face a license suspension of up to six months. Additionally, if a driver refuses to take an alcohol test, their license could be revoked for up to two years. A refusal to take a drug test could lead to a suspension of up to three years.

After reviewing the proposal, the Transport Committee of the House of Representatives will continue to refine the bill.