Police and Fines

📌 1. TRNC Police – Basic Information
The Police of Northern Cyprus (Kıbrıs Türk Polis Teşkilatı) fall under:

The Ministry of Interior of TRNC, but are administratively and financially managed by the Turkish Armed Forces.

Main police responsibilities:

• Maintaining public order.
• Preventing and investigating crimes.
• Traffic control and road safety.
• Border control at TRNC entry points.

📌 2. Traffic Police and Fines
✅ Most common fines:

Speeding:

• Fines from 600 TL (approx. 20 EUR) for minor violations up to 2,000+ TL for major violations.

Not wearing a seatbelt:

• Fine approx. 300–400 TL.

Using a phone while driving:

• Fine approx. 600 TL.

Drunk driving:

• Alcohol tolerance: 0.0‰ for professional drivers, 0.5‰ for regular drivers.
• Above the limit: high fines, license suspension, and in severe cases, imprisonment.

✅ Paying fines:

• Fines can only be paid at the police station by the given deadline.
• Unpaid fines may cause issues with:
  • Renewal of residence permits.
  • Leaving the country (especially if the fine is old and registered in the system).

📌 3. Police Authority
✅ The TRNC police have the right to:

• Stop a vehicle and check documents.
• Conduct a breath test for alcohol and drugs.
• Enter premises with a court order or in case of suspicion of a crime.

In case of an offense or crime:

• Detain a person at the station for questioning.
• For foreigners, residence may be restricted or expulsion may occur in serious criminal cases.

📌 4. Guidelines for Communicating with Police
✅ In TRNC, police are generally:

• Professional and helpful if communication is polite.
• Most officers speak basic English, especially traffic police in tourist areas.

⚠️ Recommendations:
Always carry:

• Passport or TRNC ID/permit.
• Driver’s license (international or TRNC) and vehicle documents.
• Car rental documents (if applicable).

Important rules:

• Do not attempt to settle fines “unofficially” – TRNC has strict anti-corruption laws.
• If involved in an accident, call the police – insurance companies will not cover damages without a police report.

📌 5. Police Emergency Contacts

• TRNC Police – general line: ☎️ 155
• Traffic Police: ☎️ 199
• Emergency number (all rescue services): ☎️ 112

📌 6. Important Notices
⚠️ Fines may vary depending on the police officer’s decision, location of the offense, and legislative updates.
⚠️ For serious offenses (alcohol, accidents with consequences), a foreigner may face:

• Temporary or permanent revocation of residence permit.
• Denied re-entry into TRNC.