Alpha News

New Trouble Due to Takata: Thousands of Drivers Learn They Cannot Renew Licenses

Published January 19, 2026, 15:30

Approximately 7,000 vehicle owners in Cyprus are facing difficulties as they are unable to renew their driving licenses due to the Takata airbag recall. The Department of Road Transport informs owners during the vehicle suitability certificate renewal process that their vehicles are on the recall list. Communicating with all owners proved unfeasible, leading to their identification through the renewal process. Vehicle suitability certificates are cancelled for those exceeding the eight-month deadline for airbag replacement. Currently, around 10,500 vehicles are awaiting replacement, with 7,200 already immobilized. Despite 150,000 licenses being renewed out of 750,000 registered vehicles, the Takata airbag situation remains significant.