Police have been granted new powers as of Wednesday to immediately suspend driving licences in serious cases of drink and drug driving.

Under the new procedure, officers conducting roadside checks can issue suspension notices on the spot if a driver is found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol or refuses to provide a sample.

The authority follows a decision by the transport ministry to transfer powers to the police chief, allowing faster intervention where “it would be dangerous for public safety” for a licence to remain valid.

Police said the change eliminates delays in notifying drivers and removes individuals deemed high-risk from the roads without waiting for administrative processes.

“The procedure for the immediate delivery of the relevant suspension letter has been adopted and put into effect,” the announcement said, adding that the measure is intended to “benefit road safety” through swift enforcement.

The offences triggering immediate suspension include driving or attempting to drive under the influence of drugs, refusing to provide a saliva sample, repeat drink driving within 12 months in serious cases, and refusing to provide a breath sample without reasonable cause.

Authorities emphasised that these are criminal offences that will proceed directly to court rather than being settled out of court.

Upon the loss of their licence, drivers affected by the measure must submit a recent medical certificate to the road transport department (TOM) confirming they are fit to drive and will be required to appear before a medical board to assess whether they meet the necessary physical and mental standards.

Only after this process can a licence be reinstated.

The policy shift comes amid growing concern over the role of alcohol and drugs in road fatalities.

Transport minister Alexis Vafeades had announced that such factors account for around “24 per cent of fatal car accidents” in Cyprus.

“Every life lost in a car accident is a loss we must work to reduce through organised action,” he said.

Authorities argue that immediate suspension addresses a critical gap in enforcement, where previously drivers could remain on the road for days while procedures were completed.