Fines increased in Northern Cyprus due to minimum wage hike

In July 2025, fines for administrative offenses in Northern Cyprus were once again increased. The reason was another rise in the minimum wage, which as of July 1 amounts to 51,202 Turkish lira per month (gross) and 44,546 lira (net).

The peculiarity of the fine system in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is that most penalties for traffic violations and other administrative offenses are calculated as a percentage of the minimum wage. Thus, any increase in the minimum wage automatically leads to a rise in fines.

The new fines came into force immediately after the government of Northern Cyprus published the decree on the minimum wage increase in its official gazette. This is already the second increase in 2025 — the previous one took place in January.

Human rights advocates and lawyers note that such a system of calculating fines may result in an excessive financial burden on citizens, especially under conditions of inflation and rising prices. Authorities, however, claim that the increase in penalties is aimed at improving road discipline and reducing violations.

Experts do not rule out that if the minimum wage is revised again in the fall, fines may rise once more.

Full list of fines:

Speeding up to 20 km/h — 5,220.20 ₺

Speeding by 20–40 km/h — 7,830.30 ₺

Reckless driving — 10,440.40 ₺

Careless driving — 10,440.40 ₺

Driving under the influence (50–100 mg) — 26,101.00 ₺

Driving under heavy influence (100–150 mg) — 52,202.00 ₺

Unauthorized use of a vehicle — 52,202.00 ₺

Dangerous parking — 5,220.20 ₺

Leaving car on roadside at night without reflectors — 7,830.30 ₺

Unauthorized vehicle modifications — 20,880.80 ₺

Failure to yield to emergency vehicles — 7,830.30 ₺

Driving an unregistered vehicle — 7,830.30 ₺

Using a vehicle for unauthorized or demo purposes — 2,610.10 ₺

License plate misuse — 5,220.20 ₺

Driving outside license conditions — 5,220.20 ₺

Driving without inspection — 7,830.30 ₺

Driving without plates — 5,220.20 ₺

Illegal use of disabled parking permit — 52,202.00 ₺

Driving with learner's permit without supervision — 52,202.00 ₺

Driving with learner's permit without “L” sign — 5,220.20 ₺

Using TRNC driver’s license with foreign plate — 52,202.00 ₺

Not carrying driver’s license — 2,610.10 ₺