Police Remind Cyprus Drivers of Duty to Give Way to Emergency Vehicles

On February 18, 2026, the Cyprus Police reminded drivers of their obligation to give way to emergency service vehicles when blue lights and sirens are activated. The message was published in an official police announcement.

It is noted that cases of inappropriate driver behavior are more frequently recorded at intersections with fixed photo-enforcement cameras, due to drivers' fear of being caught for a traffic violation.

According to current legislation, when an ambulance, Police vehicle, National Guard military police, Fire Service, Forestry Department fire truck, Civil Defence vehicle, or rescue craft approaches with sirens and lights on, drivers are obliged to give way.

Drivers must immediately pull over as close as possible to the edge of the roadway and stop until the service vehicle has passed. Failure to comply leads to penalties: imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to three thousand euros (€3,000), or both.

If a violation is recorded by a photo-enforcement system, the Police will take measures to remove the record upon the driver's request. The Police emphasize that the arrival time of emergency services is critical: a delay of even one minute can affect the outcome of a rescue operation.