How much you can drink while driving in Northern Cyprus
In Northern Cyprus, there is a blood alcohol level grading system: 0–50 mg per 100 ml — usually a verbal warning; 50–100 mg per 100 ml — a fine of 50% of the minimum wage; 100+ mg per 100 ml — a fine of 100% of the minimum wage.
Any amount of alcohol in the blood while driving can lead to serious consequences.
The calculation is based on blood alcohol content (per 100 milliliters), not breath alcohol (per 1 liter). Therefore, the figures for a breathalyzer will differ, and we will also indicate them.
- Blood Alcohol Levels
- Frequently Asked Questions about Traffic Violations in Northern Cyprus
- You May Also Be Interested In
Blood Alcohol Levels
- 0 — 50 milligrams per 100 milliliters
- 50 — 100 milligrams per 100 milliliters
- 100 milligrams and above per 100 milliliters
| Blood Alcohol | Breath Equivalent (Breathalyzer) | Consequences (as of January 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 — 50 mg per 100 ml | Up to 0.23 mg/l | Verbal warning |
| 50 — 100 mg per 100 ml | 0.23 — 0.47 mg/l | Fine of 50% of the minimum wage in Northern Cyprus before taxes |
| 100 mg per 100 ml and above | Above 0.47 mg/l | Fine of 100% of the minimum wage in Northern Cyprus before taxes |
0 — 50 milligrams per 100 milliliters
In this case, you will receive a verbal warning, but no penalties will follow. When measured by a breathalyzer per exhaled air, the reading should not exceed 0.23 milligrams per liter.
50 — 100 milligrams per 100 milliliters
At this level, you will be fined 50% of the minimum wage in Northern Cyprus before taxes. When measured by a breathalyzer per exhaled air, the reading should be between 0.23 and 0.47 milligrams per liter.
100 milligrams and above per 100 milliliters
Here, you will be fined 100% of the minimum wage in Northern Cyprus before taxes. When measured by a breathalyzer per exhaled air, the reading should exceed 0.47 milligrams per liter.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traffic Violations in Northern Cyprus
How is blood alcohol converted to breath alcohol?
Since the concentration of alcohol in the blood and in exhaled air is different, the figures differ. Simplifying the medical formula, you can multiply the milligrams in the breath by 2100 to get an estimated blood alcohol concentration.
What other fines exist in Northern Cyprus?
We published a collection of current fines in this article. Most fines are linked to the minimum wage in Northern Cyprus, so the amounts may change when it is revised.
If you have received a traffic report, a useful guide is available: where and how to pay a fine in Northern Cyprus.
To discuss automotive topics, you can visit the Northern Cyprus car forum. And if you want to stay updated on rules and fines, subscribe to our news channel.
You May Also Be Interested In
- Driver's licenses in Northern Cyprus — rates and rules
- How to drive from Northern Cyprus to the Republic of Cyprus (southern part)
- Car insurance in Northern Cyprus
- All checkpoints in Northern Cyprus on the map
- Kyrenia Passenger Port: ticket offices, parking, and other information
- What to do if you get into an accident in Northern Cyprus
Author
I am a person who is not afraid to change life when my heart tells me that something greater lies ahead. I am originally from Belarus. I have journeyed from pedagogical and economic education to the financial sector and many years of work in logistics — a world where everything moves, changes,…
You may also be interested in:
- Electric scooter and e-bike rental in Northern Cyprus
- Ada Kart in Northern Cyprus: How to Pay on Buses by Card or Smartphone, Where to Buy and Top Up
- How to Get from Kyrenia — Alsancak — Lapta and Back: Buses, Schedule, Price
- How to Get from Kyrenia to Karşıyaka, Geçitköy, Çamlıbel, Maviköşk and Back: Buses, Schedule, Price
- Driving licences in Northern Cyprus — fees and rules