Mobile Phone Usage Prohibited While Driving in Northern Cyprus

The Police Headquarters of Northern Cyprus has implemented a ban on drivers using mobile phones while on the road.

The department stressed that the prohibition encompasses not just physically holding the phone for calls, but also extends to the use of speakerphones, headphones, or Bluetooth for making calls, sending texts, viewing content, and similar activities.

The police pointed out that the distraction caused by mobile phone usage while driving results in drivers missing about a third of road signs and signals, leading to accidents.

In an official statement, the TRNC Police Headquarters highlighted the multitude of traffic violations committed by drivers, as identified during regular traffic inspections across the country. It was recalled that from April 15 to April 21, inspections targeting minor violations were conducted with the aim of preventing traffic violations and accidents, and the findings were shared with the public.

The statement further indicated that, in addition to the nationwide traffic checks conducted by traffic teams at district police headquarters from April 22 to April 28, particular focus was placed on drivers using mobile phones while driving. It was reported that 957 drivers were found using mobile phones while driving.

The police statement underscored that in 2023, 12,322 drivers were reported for using mobile phones while driving, and from January 1 to April 28, 2024, another 5,906 drivers were reported for the same violation. The statement emphasized that the primary rationale behind the phone ban is accident prevention.

The statement concluded with a reminder that police traffic checks will persist in all aspects, and it called upon all drivers to contribute to accident prevention by adhering to traffic rules.