**Nicosia, Cyprus** – Vehicle owners across Cyprus are being urged to renew their annual road tax before the impending deadline of Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at midnight. The Road Transport Department (RTD) has officially opened the renewal period, signalling the commencement of a critical administrative process designed to ensure all vehicles operating on public thoroughfares are legally compliant and adequately insured. Failure to adhere to this deadline will result in the imposition of surcharges, adding a financial burden to those who delay.
The annual renewal process, a cornerstone of vehicle regulation in Cyprus, necessitates that owners present a valid certificate of suitability for their vehicle and documentary evidence of current insurance coverage. The RTD offers flexibility in renewal periods, allowing owners to opt for three, six, nine, or twelve-month durations, catering to a variety of circumstances and needs. Crucially, the renewal is not considered definitively complete until the confirmation screen, displaying the vehicle's registration number and the permit's expiry date, is visible. This visual confirmation serves as the definitive proof of a successful transaction.
For those vehicle owners who had previously renewed their tax for the year 2025 and do not intend to continue for 2026, a proactive step is required. These individuals must formally notify the department of their decision. Alternatively, vehicle owners can opt for immobilisation, a process that effectively exempts them from paying road tax for the period the vehicle is not in use. This can be conveniently managed online, offering a streamlined solution for those who temporarily or permanently remove their vehicles from public roads.
The RTD has invested in enhancing its digital infrastructure to facilitate online renewals, aiming to provide a user-friendly experience. However, for individuals encountering difficulties with the digital platform, assistance is readily available at district offices and designated citizen service centres (Kep/Kepo). These physical locations serve as vital support hubs, ensuring that all vehicle owners, regardless of their digital proficiency, can fulfil their obligations. The department's website, https://rtd.mcw.gov.cy, remains the primary portal for online transactions.
The consequences of missing the March 11th deadline are significant. A surcharge, comprising a fixed €10 fee plus an additional 10% of the current year's registration fee, will be levied on all late renewals. This financial penalty underscores the importance of timely compliance. Furthermore, the RTD has implemented enhanced controls within its computerised payment system. These advanced verification mechanisms ensure that payments are irrevocably processed before any registration permits are issued, thereby preventing potential discrepancies and ensuring the integrity of the system.
A critical point of consideration for vehicle owners, particularly those opting for immobilisation, is the necessity of formal declaration. Failure to properly communicate the immobilisation of a vehicle to the department will result in the 2026 registration fee remaining payable. This oversight can lead to unexpected financial demands and potential complications. The overarching objective of this rigorous process is to guarantee that every vehicle operating on Cypriot roads is not only registered but also insured, thereby contributing to public safety and the maintenance of the nation's infrastructure. While the system aims for efficiency, it is advisable for owners to complete their renewals well in advance of the deadline to mitigate the risk of potential system overloads or delays, which can occur during periods of high traffic.