Unpaid traffic fines for rental cars reach millions in Cyprus

Transport Minister Evanthia Tsolaki revealed that the traffic camera system in Cyprus faces significant enforcement challenges regarding rental vehicles. In a response to DISY MP Prodromos Alambritis, the minister reported that out of 68,173 traffic violations recorded by rental cars, only 3,428 have been paid. While some sources report the total value of these outstanding fines reaches approximately 7.4 million euros, the ministry faces technical difficulties in tracking specific rental vehicle data since plates no longer use the distinct 'Z' prefix.

The data shows that in 41,114 instances, the driver could not be identified, while in 15,118 cases, no individual was named. Only 8,501 cases involved a formally identified driver, and 12 cases have proceeded to court. Tsolaki noted that rental cars are now registered alongside company vehicles under legal entities, complicating data extraction. The Ministry has referred questions regarding exact revenue collection and specific outstanding debts to the police, who maintain the primary payment records.