What Should You Do If You Are Involved in a Road Traffic Accident?

Your Safety and the Safety of Your Passengers Always Come First

Remain calm and follow the steps below:

1. Turn on your hazard warning lights.
2. Check for injuries. If anyone is injured, immediately call the Police and Emergency Services by dialling 112 or 199. Do not move injured persons unless there is an immediate danger.
3. If there are no injuries, ensure that all passengers have exited the vehicle and moved to a safe location.
4. Place a warning triangle a suitable distance before the accident scene to alert other road users.
5. Contact the Accident Care Service on 77 77 3001.
6. While waiting for the Accident Care Service, If possible, gather the following information:
   • Full names and contact details of all drivers involved.
   • Vehicle registration numbers (licence plates) of all vehicles involved.
   • Name of the insurance company covering each vehicle and, where possible, the insurance policy number.
   • Details of any witnesses.
7. • Take Photographs of the Scene
     • Photograph all vehicles involved from different angles.
     • Record and photograph any visible damage.
     • Photograph the position of the vehicles on the road.
     • Capture any road signs, traffic lights, road markings, or other elements that may assist in investigating the accident.

Important Information You Should Know

According to a recent amendment to Cyprus legislation, where a road collision occurs between motor vehicles on any road, including open spaces, squares, and public places, and:

1. (a) there are no apparent bodily injuries to any person involved;
2. (b) the intervention and/or presence of the Cyprus Police at the scene is not required;
3. (c) the vehicles involved can be moved without towing and without causing further damage to the vehicles or the road surface; and
4. (d) it is reasonable under the prevailing circumstances on the road and roadway;

then the vehicles involved, or any that can be moved, should be relocated to the nearest suitable location to avoid obstructing the flow of traffic.

Before moving the Vehicles, the drivers involved must:

1. (a) immediately notify their insurance companies about the collision;
2. (b) exchange information such as:
   
   • Full names;
   • Insurance certificate or policy numbers;
   • Driving licence numbers;
   • Vehicle details; and
   • Telephone numbers;
3. (c) promptly take photographs of the accident scene (while complying with the data minimisation principle under Article 5(1)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR);), including:
   
   • The final resting position of the vehicles;
   • Vehicle registration numbers;
   • The damage sustained; and
   • The surrounding area,
4. (d) exchange the photographs taken and send them to a person designated by their insurance company or its representative.

If any driver is unable to take photographs, they may request assistance from another driver involved, a trusted person, a representative of their insurance company, or any other person designated by the insurer.

The above procedure does not apply where:

• An uninsured vehicle is involved;
• A government vehicle is involved; or
• Any driver leaves the scene of the collision.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Under the law, any person who breaches these provisions commits an offence and, upon conviction, may be subject to a fine of up to €1,000.

The same penalty may be imposed on any person who encourages, coerces, or attempts to encourage or coerce a driver involved in a road collision to breach these legal obligations.

When Police Attendance Is Required

The Police must be called in cases involving:

• • • Injury or death;
    • Serious property damage;
    • Disagreement between the parties involved;
    • Suspected driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances; or
    • A driver leaving the scene of the accident.

A Final Reminder

Avoid admitting liability or assigning blame at the scene of the accident. The assessment of the circumstances and determination of liability will be carried out by the relevant authorities and the insurance companies.