In Cyprus, drinking water while driving is fined: what else is prohibited for drivers.

According to inkorr.com: In Cyprus, drivers can receive a fine of up to 4000 hryvnias for taking a sip of water while driving. If the driver tries to eat a sandwich or drink coffee at the wheel, the penalty will be the same. This was reported by the publication “Your CAR”.

The Cypriot police closely monitor compliance with this rule, emphasizing that any action that distracts the driver is considered a violation. The fine for such actions is 85 euros (approximately 3750 hryvnias).

Why even water is prohibited

Driving instructor Andreas Christofi believes that the main goal of this restriction is to reduce the risk of inattention.

“People underestimate how much time just taking a sip takes. In those seconds, the car can travel dozens of meters out of control,” explains the specialist.

According to the local road traffic code, a driver must keep both hands on the wheel, and any action that can distract — from drinking to using a phone or applying makeup — is considered a violation.

How drivers and other countries react

Alexander M., a Ukrainian who has lived in Limassol for a long time, notes:

“There, the police do not give warnings — they immediately issue a fine. Especially if this happens in the city.”

Similar rules are in place in other European countries. For example, in the UK and France, there are no separate fines for drinking water, but if the police can prove that the driver created a dangerous situation, the punishment can reach 100 pounds (approximately 5600 hryvnias).

Thus, Cyprus’s strict approach to enforcing traffic rules once again emphasizes the importance of driver attentiveness. Restrictions on even the smallest distractions aim to reduce risks on the road and ensure the safety of all road users.