In Cyprus, there is no effective public transport so using a car is the best way to get around this island.
The road traffic rules in Cyprus are:
- Traffic moves on the left side.
- The minimum driving age is 18.
- All occupants of vehicles must wear seatbelts.
- Children under 12 years and less than 1.5m must be ridden in special child seats.
- Children under 5 must not sit in the front passenger seat. Children from 5 to 10 years may occupy the front passenger seat fitted with appropriate child seat belt.
- Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited. Drivers may only use cell phones with hands-free device.
- Maximum speed limits are: on highway – 100 km/h (62 mph); on country roads – 65 km/h (40 mph); in build up areas – 50 km/h (31 mph); at road works – 30 km/h (18 mph). The minimum speed on motorways: 40 mph (65 km/h).
- Two reflective warning triangles must be in a car.
- The maximum legal blood alcohol level is 0.049 %.
- Vehicles driven in Cyprus must be insured for third party risks as a minimum.
- Along a double yellow line, parking and standing are prohibited.
- Along a single yellow line, loading and unloading is allowed but parking is prohibited.
- Lights must be used between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise.
- It is not permitted to carry any radar detection equipment.
- Using of horn is prohibited between 22:00 (10 p.m.) and 06:00 (6 a.m.).
- It is forbidden to carry petrol in a can.
- In winter, spiked tires and snow chains are permitted.
- Eating and drinking while driving is not permitted.
- Smoking in a car with a person under 16 years is prohibited.
- The emergence phone number is 112.
Additional information:
- Most road traffic signs conform to European Union standards.
- As a rule, information signs are in Greek and English, but some in Turkish.
- Distance and speed limit signs are measured in kilometers per hour (km/h).
- There are no toll roads in Cyprus.
- Foreign visitors can drive using a driving permit issued by any European Union country or an International driving permit.
- While driving, foreign driver must have a driving permit, International driver license (if it is required), passport, some proof of insurance (including third party fire and liability insurance) and vehicle registration papers.
- For renting a car, rental car companies require from drivers to be 21 years of age and a minimum of three years driving experience.
Cyprus Road Traffic Signs
Driving Overseas - Short Information