Drive more than twice on a route in north Cyprus and go to prison for 6 month, according to new proposed bill

The "Passenger and Goods Transport by Motor Vehicles (Supervision) (Amendment) Bill" proposes up to six months of imprisonment or a fine for individuals traveling on certain routes three times a week. 

The Passenger and Goods Transport by Motor Vehicles (Supervision) (Amendment) Bill criminalizes frequent travel by private vehicles on certain routes.

The bill aims to prevent illegal transportation; however, it has also been criticized for potentially causing significant problems.

According to the bill, individuals traveling in the same direction three times a week could face up to six months in prison or a fine. While the bill aims to curb illegal transportation, critics argue that it imposes severe restrictions on freedom of movement.

Concerns have been raised about the bill's provisions, which allow authorities to track vehicle routes through traffic surveillance systems and encourage informants to report suspected illegal transportation activities. This could pose significant risks to travel freedom.

Under the bill, private vehicles without a passenger transport license will be prohibited from making more than two round trips per day or more than three round trips per week on the same route, particularly near air, land, or sea border crossings. Since most roads in the country lead to these checkpoints, anyone reported to the police for alleged illegal transportation could be treated as a suspect.

Six Months in Prison

The bill explicitly states that anyone traveling on the same route with a passenger twice a day or three times a week will be considered a criminal. Offenders may face a fine of up to two months’ minimum wage, up to six months in prison, or both.

Key Amendments in the Bill:

• Article 1: Defines the short title of the bill.
• Article 2: Revises the interpretation section by introducing the definition of an Electronic Monitoring System.
• Article 3: Amends Article 12(1) by adding a new subsection (C).
• Article 4: Introduces a new subsection (11) to Article 18.
• Article 5: Revises subsections 1 and 7(C) of Article 24.
• Article 6: Regulates the bill’s enforcement process.

This proposed legislation has sparked controversy due to its broad scope and potential impact on everyday travel.