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What to Do If Another Car Blocks You in Cyprus: Official Police Procedure

Finding your car or private driveway blocked by another vehicle (double parking, blocked parking spots, or obstructed garages) is a common nuisance in Cyprus cities. Fortunately, Cyprus has a well-established, highly effective police procedure to resolve this without confrontation or costly private towing.

1. Step-by-Step Action Plan

  1. Check the windscreen & dashboard: Some drivers leave a temporary phone number or business card on the dashboard. Take a quick look before proceeding.
  2. Note the vehicle's registration plate: Write down or photograph the license plate (e.g. KYY 123) and note your exact location (street name, house number, nearby landmark or shop).
  3. Call the Cyprus Police Citizen Hotline at 1460:
    • Call 1460 (toll-free from any Cyprus mobile or landline) or your local district police station.
    • Tell the duty officer: "My car is blocked by vehicle plate [ABC 123] at [Street / Area]. I am unable to leave."
  4. Police Contact the Driver Directly:
    • The police duty officer immediately queries the national Road Transport Department (TOM) registry.
    • They locate the vehicle owner's registered mobile phone number and dial them directly, instructing them to move their car immediately.
    • In over 90% of cases, the owner arrives within 5 to 10 minutes apologizing and moving the car.
  5. What if the Driver Doesn't Pick Up or Refuses?
    • If the owner fails to answer after multiple attempts or refuses to move, the police will dispatch a traffic patrol unit.
    • The police have the legal authority to issue a parking obstruction fine and summon a municipal tow truck to impound the obstructing vehicle.

2. Important Rules & Tips

  • Never damage the vehicle or attempt to push it: Scratching paint or deflating tyres is a criminal offence under Cyprus law.
  • Emergency blocking: If the vehicle is blocking access to an emergency lane, fire hydrant, or medical emergency, call 112 directly.
  • Use CarCY SOS Drawer: Use the 1-tap SOS button in the CarCY header or mobile app to view your exact GPS coordinates and dial 1460 instantly.