Drunk Drivers in TRNC to Face Immediate Court Proceedings

In Northern Cyprus, new amendments to the road traffic safety law are being prepared, which will see drunk drivers sent directly to court and the penalty for causing fatal accidents increased from 7 to 10 years.

The proposed "Road Traffic Safety Law (Amendments)" was reviewed by the Committee on Law, Political Affairs, and International Relations.

These amendments aim to reduce the growing number of road traffic accidents caused by intoxicated drivers.

Under the proposed changes, drivers found with a blood alcohol level of 150 mg/100 ml will be sent directly to court without being issued a fixed fine.

Moreover, drivers caught operating a vehicle while intoxicated could face fines of up to 15 times the minimum gross wage. Authorities are currently debating whether this punishment is too harsh or too lenient.

The amendments also propose increasing the penalty for causing death while driving from 7 to 10 years.

The bill is scheduled to be discussed at the next cabinet meeting.