Greek Cyprus registered cars being impounded again

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
25/09/2011 22:31

It's been a bit quiet on this subject lately but today one guy had his and his wife's car impounded and also his mate's who was visiting him.



The former has properties on both sides, the latter now only has one this side.



Be aware.

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
25/09/2011 22:47

It must be human nature trying to be clever..........................then again,what does that make me and the likes?

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
25/09/2011 23:34

Yorguzlu;



I'm not talking about the rights and wrongs merely pointing out what is happening.



For what it's worth, I've been warning these people about the possibilities for ages.



But they 'knew better'

padisha


Joined: 09/07/2011
Posts: 131

Message Posted:
26/09/2011 00:31

seems pretty simple really...............follow the rules (as best you can)...........(as they keep changing)..........pay what they want and get on with it......................

Warbabies


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 165

Message Posted:
30/09/2011 16:13

Friends, who stay first in Pafos when arriving on the island, then drive their own Greek Cypriot registered car to the north, where they have an apartment in Lapta, have had their car impounded. When they queried this action and said they thought the car could be here for the length of their stay, 3 weeks, they were told a new law came in 12 months ago, which limits the time a GC registered car can be here to ONE DAY!!! The car will remain in the pound for a maximum of seven days,- they then have to pay a considerable sum to have it released, and are then escorted across the border

Presumably N. Cyprus is so wealthy that it doesn't need the revenue spent by visitors on homes, contents, entertainment and daily living!!

Warbabies


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 165

Message Posted:
30/09/2011 16:25

Can this go to the top on main page,please

minertor



Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 1238

Message Posted:
30/09/2011 16:41

if the GC's reciprocate, what happens to friends and family flying into Larnaca, Paphos, or us just shopping at Ikea? Will the time limit be reduced to one hour? Just how many feet can we shoot ourselves in?



T

philbailey


Joined: 17/01/2011
Posts: 3534

Message Posted:
30/09/2011 17:45

Sounds very strange

0maintenance


Joined: 22/09/2010
Posts: 2179

Message Posted:
30/09/2011 17:52

Oh well ,the coffers may need topping up again i suppose.



My friend will be glad he does not have his UK Reg car no more,anyway he had it on UK plates for almost 4 years ,must be a numbers game or lucky dip !



Better to always pay i think and have no worries !

bondyboy


Joined: 15/05/2009
Posts: 67

Message Posted:
30/09/2011 19:12

What about hire cars you see loads of them they stay for a week what if people come for the weekend sound like a load of crap to me

Warbabies


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 165

Message Posted:
30/09/2011 19:32

It may sound like a load of C... to you bondyboy, but it happened,-- and this morning the friends went to Lefkosa to complete all the paperwork needed to release the car when they return to the south, under escort!!

bondyboy


Joined: 15/05/2009
Posts: 67

Message Posted:
30/09/2011 19:43

When you got through the border why don't they tell you I got told it was 2 weeks stay that was 2 weeks ago

bondyboy


Joined: 15/05/2009
Posts: 67

Message Posted:
30/09/2011 21:00

Thay still sell you 3 day insurance

Jetski


Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 584

Message Posted:
30/09/2011 22:39

Being mildly and probably (?) incorrectly cynical about this, are we now now likely to see extended TRNC taxi ranks at the major border crossings here in the North?.... I wouldn't be surprised. Our highly experienced and insightful politicians could take this opportunity to encourage cross-border business and build on the success of TRNC taxi companies. There may even be the opportunity for a tax bonus!



I'll get me coat.

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
30/09/2011 22:46

Jetski, message 14.



Do you know, your post would be even funnier if there wasn't more than just the possibility of it happening

Panchocat


Joined: 29/11/2009
Posts: 1333

Message Posted:
30/09/2011 22:53

Every other car on drives round about Sadramaskoy seems to be GC plated, we thought they had moved back to their properties there.

Will they be impounded? I think not! But who can say?........................................................................

Erkin


Joined: 15/06/2011
Posts: 339

Message Posted:
30/09/2011 23:43

Where on gods earth do you people come from, GC cars are permitted to stay in TRNC for the duration of your visa,

I am T.Cypriot and live in Kyrenia, I work on the Greekside University and drive a Greek registered car everyday from home to work, During the summer i was on holiday for 3 months and only went over to the greekside twice and no problems what so ever with Tc or GC polis.

There is no such law, I have check both with customs on the Tc side and the Police HQ in Lefkosa as long as all the documents are in the drivers own name, then the car can not be impounded.The only warning given to me by the police is that if you drive someone elses car it must be noterised that the car is on loan to you and permission to take across from the Greekside to the Turkish side.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
01/10/2011 06:42

Erkin,



With respect to yourself, lots of strange things happen in the TRNC that appear even stranger when you do not have full language skills. It is a lot easier to have a "discussion" with customs and Police HQ in Lefkosa if you know the language, understand the body language, have no fear of deportation because you are a citizen and have rights and more importantly have lived here for many, many years and understand the system. So in answer to your question of where on gods earth do you people come from, "Abroad" is the simple answer - but we are trying to fit in!!!



One of the strange things that I do not understand is how you can have a Greek registered car yet live in Kyrenia? If we could all do that I am sure we would as car prices on the Greek side are normal prices.

Agobard


Joined: 20/08/2008
Posts: 271

Message Posted:
01/10/2011 07:12

Message 16: you will see a lot of GC registered cars around Sadrazamkoy and especially Korucam. No problem with this as they belong to the Maronite population who live in that area.

Erkin


Joined: 15/06/2011
Posts: 339

Message Posted:
01/10/2011 08:10

Msg 18, I have not lived all my life in this country, I have only been here for 19 months, I am london born turk. Ok to answer your question, You can buy a car on the greekside as long as you show a registered adress thier and use the car on the turkish side.There is no problems as long as you have 2 insurance, my car for example is registered at the University of Nicosia where i work, so the log book shows that, but I live in central Kyrenia every morning I cross from Metehan to the greek side and back in the evening.I have been doing this for the last 19 months and have never had one single problem with the police or the customes men on the border.if you need help on the this topic, you can email me.

fiendishpaul


Joined: 18/05/2008
Posts: 1720

Message Posted:
01/10/2011 09:44

Erkin



The difference is you are a TC. Simples !!!!



I had 2 x south plated cars and both myself and my wife work in the South but had both of our cars impounded. This has also happened to a significant number of other expats.



As to whether it has happened to other TC's is anyones guess - however, judging by your post I suspect that it is unlikely. !! I hope to be proven wrong.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
01/10/2011 11:23

Erkin,



Thank you for your reply, good information indeed. From your reply it seems that you only have to have the Greek registered vehicle registered to an address in the Greek side - that makes sense and as you work in the South I would have no moans or groans about you using the system that is in place to your best advantage. Buy fuel both sides and insurance for both sides provides income for both sides and we are an Island after all, good for you. When I take my car South I have to have a tax doc from the South police, its free by the way. Do you have to have the same sort of doc when you come across to the North - just interested?



Big question of interest to me is which driving license do you drive on in both the North and the South - do you use an EU or TRNC driving license - two questions in one really because if you live here you should be driving on the TRNC one but to go South you need the EU one. Rules, politics and people, none will understand the other!

bondyboy


Joined: 15/05/2009
Posts: 67

Message Posted:
01/10/2011 11:39

Just have two sets of plates

tattlad


Joined: 13/12/2008
Posts: 479

Message Posted:
01/10/2011 11:41

The GC's arrested my Northern reg car in the south, I in Limassol and turned up to find it surrounded by Customs officers and police, they then proceeded to tell me it was an illegal vehicle in the south, I pointed out that I had driven across the Metahan border crossing where thousands do it every day, showed them the paper work I had, and after lots of humming and harring they photo copied my TC log book and passport then let me go, now that was back at the beginning of August, so are the TC government just reciprocating the actions of the south ???

baxi7


Joined: 23/09/2008
Posts: 130

Message Posted:
01/10/2011 12:53

erkin , perhaps you could explain to me why my car was taken & impounded by customs , after visiting friends in bellapais , i came over from paphos in my own reg car - on the 31 day customs came and demanded the keys or they would lift it with transporter at my cost , 54 uk reg cars were also in nicosia compound that day , (i have the reg no,s ) the owners were telling me that they were offered a choice , pay duty and reg or take cars of the island . can you convince me this did not happen ? . i can supply names and contact details of other owners if you wish . even to this day they will niot tell me what i did wrong , i was lucky i did get my car back after 6 visit,s to the british embassy .

baxi7


Joined: 23/09/2008
Posts: 130

Message Posted:
01/10/2011 12:57

roger let us know how much it cost,s them in fines ect to get there cars back ? .

Warbabies


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 165

Message Posted:
02/10/2011 14:37

Continuing this link and Erkin's 2 replies, we have checked the friends visas, they are for 30 days and do not expire until Oct.18th. The friends have been visiting their apartment regularly for 5 years, with the same vehicle. The car documents are all in the driver's name, and their insurance is in order. Erkin states that he has checked with both Customs and Lefkosa Police, and that there is no such law as the ONE DAY ONLY STAY.

If Elko is reading this perhaps he can advise what to do next,-- who should they contact? Their holiday is ruined, they are not young, and now have no vehicle.

Agobard


Joined: 20/08/2008
Posts: 271

Message Posted:
02/10/2011 15:43

Waddo message 22: in answer to your questions, no there is no equivalent 'tax' document issued in TRNC for GC registered cars. You only need the 3rd party insurance - cheap here, annual policy about 50 quid. As far as driving licences are concerned, GC cars should be driven here on EU licences although who would ever know what licence you were driving on is anybody's guess!

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
02/10/2011 18:04

Agobard,



Thanks, I have an ongoing query about driving licenses both North and South because neither side seem to make sense. I am told - By the police in Girne main police station, I repeat that as I can not find it written down anywhere - I am told, that:



a. You can not hold a TRNC license unless you are a temporary (or better) resident.

b. You can only drive on a UK/EU driving license in the TRNC for a maximum of 3 months.



This indicates that if you live here full time (Erkin lives in Girne) then you must have residency of some sort and therefore have a TRNC driving license. I fail to see how repetitive crossing to the South for a new 90 day visa would let you beat the 3 month rule on driving on a UK/EU license - but then again!



c. If the UK, which I am led to understand is in the EU, will accept the TRNC driving license held by an EU citizen for up to 1 year, why can the RoC demand an EU citizen drive on an EU license?

Erkin


Joined: 15/06/2011
Posts: 339

Message Posted:
02/10/2011 23:34

msg 25 and 27 contact me on 0533 842 1052 or +357 96787973 greekline and I will go with you to Nicosia police st or to Metehan and find out why they impounded your car.



In the south I use my UK license and in the north my TRNC but again i have today checked with Metehan and no such rules.

The only thing they mentioned to me today was, if the car first arrived in the north then you are liable to pay duty if you have exceed the visa rq.

But if the car is greek registered and all documents in your name then they can not touch it, as i said if you call me i will try and assist you with the police and border police.



As for msg 29. Yes the police are correct without a temp or full residence you are not allowed to obtain a TRNC licence, as for TRNC licences being allowed to be used in the UK sorry u are mistaken, DVLC in swansea or the police are making a mistake by allowing you to even use it a car in the UK. The police are making a mistake simply because most people in the UK are no

Erkin


Joined: 15/06/2011
Posts: 339

Message Posted:
02/10/2011 23:40

not aware of the difference between TRNC and ROC, so when they look at the licence and see Cyprus they assume One country.

Last year when I went to rent a car at Gatwick, The guy dealing with happened to have worked in cyprus afew years ago and knew the difference between TRNC and ROC licences and refused to rent the car as he put it we can not except a licence from an illegal state, so I had to use my british one, and for those woundering why i tried to use the TRNC, simple incase I got any fines. for speeding or parking.

Erkin


Joined: 15/06/2011
Posts: 339

Message Posted:
02/10/2011 23:53

msg 25 as for the number of Uk registered cars in the pound of the police st, let me say this in referenace to that, a lot of people drive from the UK into TRNC and exceed the duration of their visa or when they go to get the car registered in the TRNC, the duty tax actually is far to high for them to pay, so they end up loosing the car, those are more than likely TRNC ex pats living in the uk and come back home without checking first, most Tc living in the Uk think that they can bring a car and just re register in the TRNC but do not stop to think of one simple fact.

The tax system in the TRNC is not simple. for example i bought my car on the greekside for 1500Euro if I want to register it in the north, the tax man will want to charge me the cost of the car value in the north, when i bought my car at the TL value of 3150TL but the same car in the north is 7000TL so the tax is charged on the 7000TL value not the 3150TL that I paid. All stupid but we live in TRNC

baxi7


Joined: 23/09/2008
Posts: 130

Message Posted:
03/10/2011 16:42

erkin , yes & no , customs give a person a value which they have to pay to keep the car in trnc , if rules , age conditions okay , when a person then comes with that amount of money to pay , the figure changes , and not just currency fluctutions either , the car is now in trnc , pay latest amount or take car of island , (say,s the spider to the fly ) .

Erkin


Joined: 15/06/2011
Posts: 339

Message Posted:
03/10/2011 17:30

Well folks, I have today been to the police hq in nicosia and spoke with the chief of traffic department, as soon as the person in question whose car has been impounded gives me the info, i will pass it onto him and once and for all clarify the situation with both the police and customs department, I have also sent an email to the Goverment today asking for the rules to be made public so that we can all be clear.

will keep you all posted.

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
03/10/2011 17:53

Luckily I have no problems with vehicles as both ours are TRNC registered, however I just wanted to say a BIG THANKS to Erkin for taking the time to try and clarify things once and for all.

tomsteel


Joined: 22/06/2009
Posts: 482

Message Posted:
03/10/2011 17:54

msg 34 - well done Erkin. Look forward to seeing the definitive chapter and verse answer.

Carndi


Joined: 12/06/2009
Posts: 613

Message Posted:
03/10/2011 18:23

Erkin very big of you to go to the trouble of helping people on here. As tomsteel said '' well done ''.

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
03/10/2011 19:21

The main issue here that you all seem to be forgetting,is the fact that,as much as trnc is a complicated place to live in,it does not help the fact that some of you tries to use this complicity in their favour.







the rules are simple,use trnc reg cars whilst living in trnc.







a greek CYPRIOT friend of mine has a black nissan navara,2006,outlaw for sale at 12.500 euros.......anyone up for it,in trnc?.............or would you rather have mine (same car,year younger) in trnc,at £20.000?

Marion


Joined: 06/03/2011
Posts: 1816

Message Posted:
03/10/2011 19:59

ah, but the couple in question do not LIVE here. They own an apartment here which they use as tourists for a holiday during the year, for about 3 weeks at a time, and fly into the south, collect the car they own in paphos where they USED to have a property, and then drive ovder here as holiday makers. They were told if they stayed in a hotel all would be well but because they are in private property , then no. Qyite understand any of us with residency visas must comply with vehicular requirements , both of registration and driving licences, but I repea,t these people are holiday makers.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
03/10/2011 21:28

Erkin,



This just copied from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driving_licence_in_Cyprus and am now trying to find the links via DVLA (some hope that) to prove that the TRNC license is valid in the UK. All good information this and well worth the thread. Many thanks for all your work in trying to help others with their Greek registered vehicles, its nice to see co-operation like this and what this site was originally intended for.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
03/10/2011 21:50

Straight from the DVLA email answering system - "If you are a visitor in Great Britain (GB) and have a full valid non GB driving licence you may drive in GB for a period of 12 months from when you last entered the country, as long as your driving licence remains full and valid."

"• driving licences issued in Northern Ireland (NI) or an European Community (EC) / European Economic Area (EEA). If you hold a valid licence gained through passing a test in a country belonging to the EC/EEA you can drive any category of vehicle shown on your driving licence as long as your licence remains full and valid the full entitlement for the vehicle you wish to drive must be shown on your licence." - This is not applicable to TRNC!!!!

"• driving licences issued in any other country you can drive any small vehicle e.g. cars and/or motorcycles, shown on your driving licence." - This is applicable and is the law, you can drive in UK on a TRNC issued license for 1 year only!

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
03/10/2011 21:54

Waddo, the TRNC is in the EEA. This was confirmed to us by UK authorities so it's a bit odd that for driving purposes it's not applicable.

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
03/10/2011 23:23

Marion



see,you are already twisting the situation when I had put it quite clear.





exp.

If you had owned a 'holiday home'in Australia,would you buy a car in New Zealand just because it is cheaper?





you own a house,apartment in trnc,how often you accupy it is not and cannot be made relevant.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
03/10/2011 23:23

Groucho,



Sorry I was not aware that the TRNC was in the EEA. That being the case then the TRNC license is valid for all types of vehicle on the license and I was incorrect to say that it did not apply.



Happy days, have sorted out one part of the puzzle - now to find out from the EU why the RoC will not let me drive there on my TRNC license, it could be that I never held a GB license and only have the TRNC one, what then??

carian


Joined: 13/03/2009
Posts: 336

Message Posted:
04/10/2011 09:28

When we wouldn't be allowed through the border with our TRNC licences a couple of years ago, we went straight to the British High Commission and one of the ladies there said its not the licence that is the problem , its the fact that it says TRNC across the top. Tend to agree with her.



We had hired a car in the UK with our TRNC licences but the GC's told us we couldn't have so more or less calling us liars. We will not go across now unless we walk through the Ledra St. crossing.

Clara


Joined: 26/02/2009
Posts: 136

Message Posted:
04/10/2011 09:41

Someone on this forum has got the correct facts,miracles never cease!

baxi7


Joined: 23/09/2008
Posts: 130

Message Posted:
04/10/2011 19:12

so are the maronites , who drive around in g/c reg cars except ? .

Warbabies


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 165

Message Posted:
04/10/2011 19:27

Erkin received further conflicting versions today from Customs and Police. I hope he will post it because he is certainly going to a great deal of trouble on behalf of other people. He hopes to have a definitive answer by Thursday lunchtime.

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
04/10/2011 20:03

The Maronites are exempt.



They have always been allowed to travel freely north and south.

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
04/10/2011 20:17

Yep, the TRNC authorities really go out of their way to make non citizens, especially tourists welcome. That really helps the economy.

Warbabies


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 165

Message Posted:
06/10/2011 08:12

With reference to Messages 5 and 27, the friends with the GC Reg.car who have been coming here for years, got their car back yesterday. They went to Lefkosa and on being told that the "Big Boss" was out, said they'd remain there until he returned. Surprisingly, he came back soon after, and they were called to his office, where they said how furious they are that their holiday has been ruined,-that they've been coming for years and have spent a great deal of money here, but now can't wait to get out. I guess a great deal more was said, but they were given the necessary paperwork to release the car and collected it shortly afterwards without any charge!

I think Erkin had a great deal to do with this result, and wait to hear if others also get their cars returned.

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
06/10/2011 09:33

glad to hear they got their car back.

However,I find it amazing to see people getting excited,happy when something illegal goes in their favour just because they may have 'spent a great deal of money here'.



damn,why didn't I think to use that line with uk authorities..............!

Marion


Joined: 06/03/2011
Posts: 1816

Message Posted:
06/10/2011 12:31

so how many people on this forum know that the law changed on 1st January 2011. Obviously Yorgozlu does, so maybe he can quote it!

But it is better that the person who found out exactly what the ruling is posts it on here and that is the wonderful man who has spent hours these last few days trying to get to the bottom of it all.



as to the couple getting their car back, seeing that they were in total ignorance of this change in the law, it is surely only right and fair not to start with Zero tolerance, but to advise people. Where are the notices at the crossing points? Where are the notices - full stop? And whilst ignorance is not acceptable, nor one might say are changes in the law with which people must conform when they are not told. So, a bit of TLC and understanding has been done by Customs. good on 'em.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
06/10/2011 13:28

All!!



As promised here is the reply I got from the DVLA reference renewing my UK license!



Dear Mr Waddo (name altered to protect the innocent - me!)







Thank you for your email received on 3/10/11. Your email reference number is 742219.







As you now live abroad, you will be unable to renew your British (GB) driving licence - DVLA issue GB licences to GB residents only.







Please check with the licensing authorities where you now live for further advice on driving there.



So - there you go, I am now well stuffed! I pay UK tax and can't even renew my license because I no longer live there - I am happy to live in the TRNC and am glad I moved here, after April 2012 I won't be allowed to drive in the RoC but its not my loss!

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
06/10/2011 15:24

Marion



The rule is simple to the ones that wants to understand and nopt the way it suits individulas.

You live,own a property in trnc,you have trnc reg. vehicle,ın RoC,..............



Accept of course ecceptionals.



However,my issue is with the attitude of 'have spent great deal of money here'.





in any case,we live and learn............

Agobard


Joined: 20/08/2008
Posts: 271

Message Posted:
06/10/2011 16:22

Waddo: I don't understand why you don't just use a friend/relative's address in UK like most Brits have done since time immemorial when they've lived abroad. It has never been possible to renew a Brit licence from an overseas address as far as I know, this is nothing new. Alternatively, if you can't do this why not go across the border and get an RoC (EU) licence? You can certainly 'trade in' a Cypriot licence for a UK one so why not the other way around. Sure, you may have to provide a south address but this is not difficult.

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
06/10/2011 16:30

Agobard



to register as resident in the RoC you'd need a RoC address, and phone number, then go to immigration to get a yellow slip ( EU citizen) and prove that you are self sufficient - if retired..



THEN - and only then can you apply for a CY driver's licence.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
06/10/2011 18:19

Agobard,



The answer to your question is quite simple - I tell the truth! I told the UK Government the truth and filled in the paperwork when I left so they know I have moved abroad on a permanent basis. I phoned DVLA before I left and asked the same question I have just asked them in email - now they have changed their minds (bit like here that) and won't let me have a license. I should care - but I don't - I should now lie about where I live, but I won't! If the UK don't want my money for a license re-newal then I will spend it here, their loss.



I only posted the information so that other people will know this situation and maybe steer clear of it if they wish. No moans and groans and I don't want CY license - I don't live there either!

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
06/10/2011 18:24

waddo



I'd take my hat off to you,but I don't have 1.

Erkin


Joined: 15/06/2011
Posts: 339

Message Posted:
06/10/2011 20:01

OK Folks the saga of the impounded cars is over

After a 3 day battle with customs office in Lefkosa, I have been given clear understanding on the rules.

As effect from the 1st of Jan 2011, this ruling only applies to non TRNC citizen, If you have been given a permission to purchase or you have already purchased a property in the TRNC, then sorry to inform you but you are no longer eligible to drive a non TRNC cars, so therefore irrespective on how long you intend to stay in the TRNC, it's either a TRNC registered car or u have to use a taxi or walk

As the goverment no longer sees you as a tourist. All the departments which were mailed have replied with an answer and all clearly state the same thing.

As for the owners of the 4x4 which started this episode, yesterday their car was returned to them and did not have to pay any fee for the impound (500TL) The nice Minister of Finance waved the fee but only on the condition that the car MUST leave the TRNC by midnight of the 31st O

Erkin


Joined: 15/06/2011
Posts: 339

Message Posted:
06/10/2011 20:02

So that’s that over and done with.



and some good news for people like me and other TRNC citizens who live in the TRNC but work in the south, we are exempt from this rule and can continue to use out Greek registered cars as long as we get the paper work from the customs office in Lefkosa, and in order to do this all that is required is a letter from your employer from the Greek side stating where you are employed and also must get a barcode from the Police headquarters.



END OF SAGA

aussiegirl


Joined: 08/10/2011
Posts: 15

Message Posted:
09/10/2011 00:53

wow, i have read the whole thing twice and am totally confused! With the final message from Erkin, does this mean that I can drive a GC reg. car if I am a 'visitor' (with a temp. 1 year 'resident permit') and my car is registered in my name in the sth at a southern address?



However if I am a (real) resident of the north (with house or permission to buy a house) and will stay here ,I cannot drive a GC reg car?



Would be happy to buy a nth car, if I was planning to stay and it was a reasonable price.



I got lost somewhere between 5 and 60

Erkin


Joined: 15/06/2011
Posts: 339

Message Posted:
09/10/2011 10:57

Msg 62, the answer is plane and simple yes u can use a greek car if you are planning to stay in a hotel but nit if you have purchased a house or planning to do so. The Greek car must be registered in the south.Unless u live in the north and work in the south then yes again u can use a greek car.

but since u have a temp visa then u have a house which means you can not.



clear as black and white

aussiegirl


Joined: 08/10/2011
Posts: 15

Message Posted:
09/10/2011 18:42

Hi Erkin, i am confused as i don't own a property here and don't intend to buy one either, nor have i applied to buy one or given permission to buy one.... your message 60 says - (As effect from the 1st of Jan 2011, this ruling only applies to non TRNC citizen, If you have been given a permission to purchase or you have already purchased a property in the TRNC, then sorry to inform you but you are no longer eligible to drive a non TRNC cars,)



My car is registered in the south, I am classed as a visitor according to the stamp in my passport. I understood from what was written in message 60 that one has to be a classed as one who has been granted permission to purchased a house or has purchased a house.



Or did you mean anyone who comes to live here for ANY length of time whether that be 3 months or 1 year cannot drive on foreign plates even though they are only "visitor" status, whether they buy or rent?



Sorry I can't seem to see the black and white! :-(((

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
09/10/2011 19:32

msg 64

Not allowed to stay more then 24 hours at each visit.



clear as black and white.

aussiegirl


Joined: 08/10/2011
Posts: 15

Message Posted:
09/10/2011 20:32

Um what about msg 17 ??? what does it actually mean?



...."..... police HQ in Lefkosa as long as all the documents are in the drivers own name, then the car can not be impounded."



message 27 ..... "Erkin states that he has checked with both Customs and Lefkosa Police, and that there is no such law as the ONE DAY ONLY STAY. .... "



so what do you mean about 'not allowed to stay more than 24 hours at each visit.? I am only trying to understand this whole thing not putting anyone down.



pink and purple are better... actually grey or gray depending on where you come from is probably a bit more like it.

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
09/10/2011 20:52

can't be asked to put anymore details...............I like simple,plain,black and white life.

aussiegirl


Joined: 08/10/2011
Posts: 15

Message Posted:
09/10/2011 20:58

No worries mate... but a black and white life is not all that simple... in a world where there is a lot of grey/gray areas, thanks for your efforts anyway.

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
09/10/2011 22:03

One law for them (TC's) one law for us? (foreign cash cows)



Seems a tiny bit racist.



Love to see them try that in the Uk, the human rights people would come down on it like the proverbial ton of bricks.

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
10/10/2011 08:45

newscoop



It'd be wrong to compare the 2!



UK is not devided,Cyprus is.

People in uk have have not had to live away from there birth places.homes for the past nearly 40 years.

Part of uk is not accupied,Cyprus is......................





the list goes on..............







I once bought an electrical something from southern part of MY island and was questined by custom officer on the way back.

my response was,I did not buy anything from a different country but my own and you did not ask me or my other fellow countrymen before you put a line and devided MY island.



now................lets talk about 'human rights'.

baxi7


Joined: 23/09/2008
Posts: 130

Message Posted:
10/10/2011 18:13

yorgoz , we are still on about a g/c reg car are we not , visiting from the south , so 24 hours is the limit , - does that still apply to g/c reg hire cars . ? .

aussiegirl


Joined: 08/10/2011
Posts: 15

Message Posted:
10/10/2011 19:02

bit like Australia and New Zealand i guess.... at least the Kiwis have a good rugby team even if it is too far to take a car...

Miss_Daisy


Joined: 10/10/2011
Posts: 1

Message Posted:
10/10/2011 21:50

I know plenty of people in the RoC who come to the TRNC for a few days or even a week, especially at Christmas. They drive their cars registered in the RoC. Does this law now mean that people cannot come from the RoC and stay more than one day if they drive their RoC-registered cars to the TRNC?



If that is true, then the TRNC is going to loose out on some tourist business from the RoC.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
10/10/2011 22:01

I know people from the South come to stay at the Pia Bella for 4 days over Christmas, they live there so presume their car is registered there, are they ok?

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
10/10/2011 22:07

I hope so. The island needs to attract tourists not turn them away. What would happen if the ROC introduced similar rulings?

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
11/10/2011 00:03

RoC and trnc both have similar rules to comply with one another.The difference is only within the officers on duty on the day,which by the soung of it you don't deserve any flexibility.





give them an inch and they want the whole yard........springs to mind.

philbailey


Joined: 17/01/2011
Posts: 3534

Message Posted:
11/10/2011 00:14

One more step forward

or not by both sides

doddies


Joined: 16/02/2009
Posts: 102

Message Posted:
11/10/2011 01:08

yourgozlu

you seem to get your "knickers in a twist". you state in msg38 "trnc a complicated place to live"

then you start stating the"rules" in the trnc. (which change from day to day, month to month) then you start quoting about rules in the UK. Any law passed in the UK. ( and Europe, and the Western World) is well advertised months, maybe years before it is implemented. Why can`t your country do the same? It`s not "rocket science!0

trickydicky


Joined: 10/10/2011
Posts: 2

Message Posted:
11/10/2011 06:13

Fine, but what are the rules? Several of us with holiday homes in the south are thinking of spending a few days in the north - in our RoC registered cars, of course. Is this permitted or not? Does the north want tourists or not?

Erkin


Joined: 15/06/2011
Posts: 339

Message Posted:
11/10/2011 08:44

ok Once and for all, the rules are clear,



1.If you are a non TRNC national and you have a house or have been given permission to purchase a house in the TRNC then u CAN NOT use a Greek registered car in any shape of form. If you do have a house in the north or have been given permission to purchase and you retain a Greek registered car, it will be impounded and you will be fined 500TL plus the the cost of the duration the car remains in the pound.



2.If you are a non TRNC but have a house in the south and only visiting the North for a holiday, then the TRNC law allows you to drive in the North for the duration of the visa granted at point of entry, not 1 day or 5 days



3.If you have a TRNC nationality and work in the south then a special permission from the TRNC customs office in Lefkosa will issue you with a permit to continue using your car in the north, but as stated in my previous msgs clarification is required first by providing documents from your employer in the south.

aussiegirl


Joined: 08/10/2011
Posts: 15

Message Posted:
11/10/2011 10:08

If I RENT a place is this classified as "having a house or given permission to buy a house". For me there is a problem with the way some of the answers are worded. Don't mean to split hairs but the way something is worded is - and can make - legally - a big difference.



Erkin ALSO can I please ask according to para 3 in msg 80 do I have to have TRNC nationality ONLY to have special permission if I am working in the South OR as in your previous post ....



"and some good news for people like me and other TRNC citizens who live in the TRNC but work in the south, we are exempt from this rule " .................



does it mean anyone with a VISITORS (1 year) or Temp. residency (one and the same I think) who also work in the south, can have the same special permission?



I appreciate the time you have taken to help us understand this problem even though you are probably wishing you hadn't!

erolz


Joined: 17/11/2008
Posts: 3456

Message Posted:
11/10/2011 10:17

My understanding which may be wrong is.



You can use a foreign plated car in the TRNC if you are a tourist, for the lenght of your tourist visa or a maximum of 365 days total over multiple tourist visits.



If you are in the TRNC with temporary residency you are not conisdered a toursit visitor, but a temporary resident.



The special dispensation that allows use of a RoC registered vehcial in the TRNC, if you work in the RoC, is only available to TRNC citizens and not to non citizen residents.



Like I say this is just my undertstanding from what Erkin has posted and from the small article in Cyprus Today about this. It may not be correct.

aussiegirl


Joined: 08/10/2011
Posts: 15

Message Posted:
11/10/2011 10:46

Thanks Erolz, I really appreciate your comments, also your comment about the fact it may be wrong. It is all very frustrating.

aussiegirl


Joined: 08/10/2011
Posts: 15

Message Posted:
11/10/2011 10:58

by the way, what about cars older than 5 years?

Erkin


Joined: 15/06/2011
Posts: 339

Message Posted:
11/10/2011 12:53

ref Msg 81 regarding being a non TRNC national working on the Greekside, The rule ONLY applies to TRNC nationals only working in the south who have dual nationality of TRNC & RoC and get a special BARCODE Id card from the police, which allows you to pass the TRNC borders without filling out the white paper at the CHECKPOINTS.



msg 82 spot on. with your understanding.As a visitor for the duration of your visa, you are permitted to use a non TRNC car, but one thing you need to be aware of, even as toursit, if you rent a property in TRNC and doing border runs instead of getting a resident permit if the contract of the property is under your name, you can still loose your car.As customs will still class you as temp resident.



As any person who has been granted a temp visa is no longer classed as a visitor you are not permitted to USE Greek registered cars or any other in that respect.



The customs office is preparing a leaflet and posters to be displayed at the car crossing borders

Marion


Joined: 06/03/2011
Posts: 1816

Message Posted:
12/10/2011 01:00

A huge thanks to Erkin for spending hours sorting this out. the fact that he is totally biglingual has meant that he has been able to get information that for some of us is exceedingly difficult to ascertain.

I hope that everyone is now clear as to what they may or may not do.

Incidentlaly, I hope that people realise that this is for ALL nationalities coming in via the south. whoever you are with whatever passport you may have, should you have any kind of residency visa here, or own a property here (even if you use it for only a short holiday) may NOT BRING IN a Greek registered car. This la\w came in force 1st January this year.

It would be good if there were messages at the border to tell everryone. Maybe someone will do something about that later. But thanks, so much Erkin. You are a treasure.

aussiegirl


Joined: 08/10/2011
Posts: 15

Message Posted:
12/10/2011 16:52

Someone has told me that there was an amnesty on Gk reg cars in the north during the summer, can anyone tell me about this? I have been away for 6 months and knew nothing of this whole thing - I wasn't even aware of the new law when i was here in Jan and Feb.

Erkin


Joined: 15/06/2011
Posts: 339

Message Posted:
12/10/2011 20:58

msg 87



what kind of amnesty are you talking about?

Marion


Joined: 06/03/2011
Posts: 1816

Message Posted:
12/10/2011 21:01

None of us seemed aware of the new law, which cam ein 1st jan. As to amnesty, what do you mean? Do you mean for those who had cars here that they might hav e been given extra time to get them registered? I know nothin,g but maybe erkin might be able to give an answer if you give fuller details.

I don't think there are any amnesties now, but that things are tighter than ever.

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
12/10/2011 21:07

http://www.cyprus44.com/forums/15531.asp

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
12/10/2011 21:10

http://www.cyprus44.com/forums/15531.asp

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
12/10/2011 21:12

http://www.cyprus44.com/forums/7857.asp

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
12/10/2011 21:14

http://www.cyprus44.com/forums/30238.asp



















for more info...................google!

doddies


Joined: 16/02/2009
Posts: 102

Message Posted:
13/10/2011 01:54

yorgozlu, come on, reply to my message 78. and all the other comments instead of quoting "go to www forums" etc. etc. etc.

anastacia


Joined: 21/05/2009
Posts: 14

Message Posted:
13/10/2011 03:57

Seems to me like the TRNC government do not want foreigners buying holiday homes and using them for just a few weeks at a time.

There are no flights to Ercan, now, north of the border from UK. If flying into Larnaca, does this mean you can no longer hire a car there and drive over the border?

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
13/10/2011 07:58

msg78,

doddles,

first of all,apologies for late reply,been very busy working this week and not on the ball............



second of all,everything I wrote is in black and white,not twisted at all..............



third of all,I've been writing on here regarding RoC and trnc for the past couple of years and you still don't get it????



















...................take it as you wish,I have no reason to justify your needs.

aussiegirl


Joined: 08/10/2011
Posts: 15

Message Posted:
13/10/2011 08:25

Erkin, Amnesty for Greek Cy registered cars to be imported to the north.

Erkin


Joined: 15/06/2011
Posts: 339

Message Posted:
14/10/2011 17:08

Hi,

Contacted customs today, there is no such amnesty for any imported cars, look lets get this out of the way for once and for all, The TRNC goverment is NOT STOPPING anyone from from using any overseas registered cars in the TRNC as long as you are on holiday, but if you have any kind of permit to remain in TRNC or have rented a home even though u are only usuing for few weeks of the year, you can not use other than TRNC plates. If you have a home in the TRNC and rent a car in Larnaca for the duration od your stay, Customs have no directive about this situation.

The only amnesty that the TRNC has had over the last 2 months applies to TRNC nationals working on the Greek side and have a Greek Cy plates. As stated in my previous messages, this MUST be registered with customs and a permit be issued so that at the border, the car is already on the police computer. No other amnesty is in force.

Lemtich



Joined: 15/02/2007
Posts: 1487

Message Posted:
14/10/2011 21:10

I rented a car from Andy's Motors in the south for a month during August, paid the insurance at the Metehan crossing, crossed over to the south on Larnaca airport trips during the month and finally left at the end of August. At Metehan as he stamped the passport with the exit the customs chap quoted the reg no of the hire car to me. I pointed to it and he said,"fine!" I have an apartment in the TRNC with kocan which I only use for holidays so I don't quite see what the problem is.

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
14/10/2011 22:33

when was the last time you've hired a car from none eu country and used it in uk?

Marion


Joined: 06/03/2011
Posts: 1816

Message Posted:
14/10/2011 23:33

Message 99 - I think the problem is the ownership of the car! You said you hired it - this thread is about owning cars which are registered outside of TRNC.

doddies


Joined: 16/02/2009
Posts: 102

Message Posted:
14/10/2011 23:34

yorgozlu.

message 100, who are you answering to?......no, i still don`t get it!

erolz


Joined: 17/11/2008
Posts: 3456

Message Posted:
15/10/2011 00:06

Marion msg 101, I think the 'problem' is partly people always trying to find 'clever' ways to subvert the spirit of the law and the reasons for it for personal advantage and I suspect this is the point yorgozlu is making.



If they (authorities) say its down to if you have a tourist visa, then some 'clever' expats will not get residency even though they are resident here, but just keep renewing thier touris visa, to 'get around' not beinag allowed to have RoC registered (cheaper) car. If they say its only for owned cars some 'clever' person will work out a leasing deal as means to live here but drive and use a RoC plated (cheaper) car. And so on and so on. Whilst undoubtedly there authorites here are terrible at having clear and consistent rules, part of the problem is that 'clever' people will always try and find 'clever' ways to exploit such clear rules to subvert the intention and point of a rule and regulation and this is also part of the problem.

aussiegirl


Joined: 08/10/2011
Posts: 15

Message Posted:
15/10/2011 18:40

I think in all fairness there are a lot of people who would be happy to buy a car in TRNC, but perhaps like me hate being ripped off. The cost of cars here is really a 'legal' crime. Thanks again for checking out these things. For those of us who will probably not spend more than a year as a temporary "VISITOR" - according to my passport, to have to pay such shocking prices is down right wrong. It is not just the Brits I guess, lets not forget those who are here from other countries too who are in the same boat... guess it is just one of those things, that is the price we pay for living here.



Has anyone following this thread actually imported your car with Southern Cyprus plates? I hear it is illegal in the south... ))

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
15/10/2011 20:34

aussiegirl



That's understandable,specially when compared with 'cheap' property prices...........

aussiegirl


Joined: 08/10/2011
Posts: 15

Message Posted:
15/10/2011 22:04

What's understandable yorgozlu? If you mean cheap houses? I guess you get what you pay for.... with houses anyway, unlike cars.

Marion


Joined: 06/03/2011
Posts: 1816

Message Posted:
15/10/2011 22:12

oH DEAR, just wrote a long reply and lost it. Fundamentally, i agree with Eroltz. Something about 'some people are too clever for their own good' comes to mind. Personally I am a great believer of 'When in Rome do as the Romans do'. I am living here so take the good and the bad as best I may. Cars maybe dearer than U.K, but I am not in U.K. Equally I rejoice that I am not in U.K and havinvg to pay high Council Taxes.

And why not hire a car here in the short term? And yes, I do know of people who have imported cars. The duty is high, but it is a choice whether one wishes to keep their own car, or sell and buy another. And while some aspects of the law here maybe frustrating, we are back to 'When in Rome' -- or if it is really intolerable, then move.

aussiegirl


Joined: 08/10/2011
Posts: 15

Message Posted:
16/10/2011 14:04

Hi Marion, thanks for your input. Yes I do agree when in Rome etc. However, I do feel though when people are 'legally' ripped off that it is wrong, morally and every other way.



Were the cars imported that you know about Greek Cypriot number plates or UK? (I ask that as some Tk Cy friends said you cannot import a car from the south unless you go via Greece and Turkey by ship - maybe they are living in the yesterday years!)



I am tired of the whole thing so I really don't care too much any more. Something will work out I am sure even if I have to leave. I have no problem with that, after all lets face it there isn't a country that doesn't have some kind of problem, wow look at Spain just now!



As for the laws, why are some laws flaunted and others strictly imposed...? Guess if things were consistent then it would be an easier pill to swallow! Note I said 'easier' not 'bitter'!

baxi7


Joined: 23/09/2008
Posts: 130

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 12:59

marion , with all respect , this is not rome , it is the trnc . not do as they do , - do as they say - everybody not treated the same ? .

Marion


Joined: 06/03/2011
Posts: 1816

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 18:05

O.K. baqx17, but the romans had to do as they were told too. St.ambrose came out with that statement to protect people who felt they did not have to obey local laws, and subsequently either got into trouble or were disliked. don't see much difference really.

As to people not being treated the same -0 never were and probably never will be. The differences in TRNC maybe different to the differences elsewhere, but equality is utopia, not reality.

PDMCyprus


Joined: 18/10/2011
Posts: 5

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 19:52

Hi Erkin,



I am the original person that this prompted this subject. I had TWO cars impounded, and I had to go to Lefkosia and visit the Customs office to secure their release. I was fined 500TL for each car, and a further 80TL for each car for the customs escort to the border. I also had to sign a declaration that I would never bring either car back into the TRNC. If this is illegal as you claim, I would be very interested in taking it further. The house I was staying in does not even belong to me, I tried to explain this (and I had a Turkish Cypriot with me) but they just would not listen. My friend, you was only visiting me at the time, and who is severely disabled had his car impounded also, but his car is 8 years old so he chose to pay the duty. By the way, the person who started this subject said that he had been warning me for ages, but I "Knew better" this is completely untrue, if he had EVER mentioned it I would have done something about it.

doddies


Joined: 16/02/2009
Posts: 102

Message Posted:
18/10/2011 20:27

PDMCyprus

Your disabled friend i believe owns a property in Lapta and drives a greek registered car as has done for a number of years?

You also "visit" the same property time and again.....but it`s "not yours"? I`ve seen your car.

Over the many years you and your friend have been coming from the south it`s been common knowledge about bringing none NC registered cars into the North. You should have listened to Newscoop.

If you want to reside in NC ,like the rest of us.......pay your dues.

PDMCyprus


Joined: 18/10/2011
Posts: 5

Message Posted:
19/10/2011 11:17

I don't want to reside in the TRNC, but just like to visit as my Sister-in-law lives there. Most civilised countries allow 180 days or more living there to be classed as "Resident" if I spent that much time over there, I would pay my dues, but I do not.

doddies


Joined: 16/02/2009
Posts: 102

Message Posted:
20/10/2011 21:03

msg 113

I think the USA would classify as a civilised country. As a visitor you will only get 90 days visa as most other "civilised" countries do. (Aussie, N.Z, Canada). To be classed as a "resident" is another "kettle of fish".