Whilst I totally agree with this post I have to tell you personally and I live here I have NEVER heard of any prosecutions, set fines of £500 seem the norm and a few spots on your licence, but be warned if you cause an bad accident it usually means a night in the cooler while it is sorted out, but red Z plates are not targeted by the local police, they usually go after normal white plated locals, so they tell me, I do not drink and drive these days.

What are red Z plates?

red z's identify the car as a hire car

When I was there in June last year we heard they were pulling the red plates but not the locals on the main road between Protaras and Kapparis near one of the Pernera turnings.

Cars and scooters were getting pulled over at all times of the day and night.

Not what I have seen Cardiff lad, normally they target the locals, what would be the point of taking a tourist to court? long gone before they would come to book! but as I said I have never heard or seen of any banning due to alcohol, and the ex-pats are as guilty as the Cypriots maybe worse, but at least the ex-pats have a little idea how to drive, the locals are just about the worst drivers I have ever come across, as a regulator here always post ''expect the unexpected'' and you just may survive driving here in one piece..

Thread edited, admin thought it was copyrighted, here is a link to the post I recommend any holiday maker to read it and digest what it says, for there own health and safety, something close to my heart!!

http://cyprusliving.netfirms.com/phpbb/nfphpbb/viewtopic.php?t=6896

A Zed car. Note the red number plate - ZNJC 881
Be advised, this is NOT your average Cyprus hire car.

NJC ???
How new is that ????

The picture was taken on the 15th of September 2004 at 11:33, so not that new.
The number quoted above was for example purposes only.
The vehicles real identity was concealed to protect the innocent.

Mark

The vehicles real identity was concealed to protect the innocent.

Like it Mark...I was certain that they weren't up to "N" yet

Ady

It's probably a 'K'. We had a ZK** Polo that year.

You'd want your identity concealed if you hired that monstrosity!
If Petsas ever offer me anything like that...........

Mark