Before hitting the road in Cyprus, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the local driving regulations and practices. Cyprus is a popular tourist destination, and for good reason: the island boasts numerous attractions and picturesque spots best explored by renting a car. This guide highlights essential aspects of driving in Cyprus, helping you ensure a safe and enjoyable journey while avoiding unexpected situations like accidents or fines.
Roads in Cyprus
Driving in Cyprus is no more difficult than in any other country. Most roads are in excellent condition, road signs include Latin script, and local rules are similar to general European standards. However, there is one major difference: Cyprus follows left-hand traffic, a legacy of British colonial rule, which lasted for over 40 years. If you’re used to driving on the right, it may take some time to adjust, especially at intersections and roundabouts.
Drivers in Cyprus tend to be spirited and prone to breaking traffic rules, earning a reputation as somewhat reckless. However, you should avoid mimicking such behavior since traffic fines in Cyprus are quite steep. Rental cars are easily recognizable by their bright red plates, so locals and police can spot tourists from afar. Minor mistakes are usually forgiven, but you should remain courteous and calm.
Key Traffic Rules
Most traffic regulations in Cyprus align with European norms, with a few exceptions:
1. Left-hand driving: Vehicles travel on the left, and cars are right-hand drive.
2. Right of way: At intersections and roundabouts (which are very common), vehicles approaching from the right have priority. Turn on your right indicator when entering a roundabout and your left indicator when exiting. However, locals do not always follow this rule, so proceed cautiously and yield when in doubt.
3. Highway lanes: Driving in the far-right lane on highways is prohibited unless overtaking. After overtaking, return to the left lane. Overtaking on the left is forbidden. The emergency lane, marked with a solid line, is reserved for emergencies and must only be used with hazard lights on.
4. Speed limits:
- Urban areas: 50 km/h
- Open roads: 80 km/h
- Highways: 100 km/h (minimum 65 km/h)
5. Seat belts: All passengers must wear seat belts regardless of their position in the vehicle.
6. Hands-free driving: Drivers are prohibited from using mobile phones or other devices unless they are hands-free. Eating and drinking while driving is also forbidden, as both hands must remain on the wheel.
7. Alcohol consumption: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.22‰ for drivers with over three years of experience and 0.09‰ for others. Avoid drinking entirely at least 12–15 hours before driving.
8. Child safety: Children under 5 must use appropriate car seats suited to their weight and age. If renting a car, make sure to request a car seat.
9. Parking rules: Do not park on sidewalks, yellow lines, disabled spaces, pedestrian crossings, or other prohibited areas.
10. Traffic lights: Cypriot traffic lights may have a green arrow indicating permitted turns. Even if the arrow disappears, you can still turn on a green light as long as you yield to oncoming traffic.
11. Road markings: Cyprus prioritizes road markings over signs. Yellow markings indicate upcoming intersections, while arrows show where and when to turn. Extra lanes at traffic lights are only for specific directions, so position your car carefully before turning.
Traffic Fines in Cyprus
Thanks to regular police patrols and campaigns, serious accidents in Cyprus are steadily declining. In 2020, the country introduced stricter penalties for traffic violations, including both monetary fines and penalty points. Accumulating 12 points results in a six-month license suspension. Points remain on your record for two years.
Common Traffic Violations and Fines
Speeding:
- Up to 30% over the limit: €2 per km/h exceeded + 1 point
- Up to 50%: €3 per km/h exceeded + 2 points
- Up to 75%: €5 per km/h exceeded + 3 points
- Over 75%: Case referred to court (up to €4,000 fine, one-year imprisonment, license suspension, and 4–8 points)
Driving under the influence (for drivers with more than three years of experience):
- 0.22–0.35 mg: €125 + 1 point
- 0.36–0.55 mg: €250 + 3 points
- 0.56–0.7 mg: €500 + 4 points
- Above 0.71 mg: Case referred to court.
Other violations:
- Running a red light: €300 + 3 points
- Driving under the influence of drugs: Case referred to court (up to €8,000 fine, three years' imprisonment, and three-year license suspension)
- Failure to wear a seat belt: €150 + 3 points (first offense), €300 for repeat offenses (applies to passengers too)
- Using a mobile phone: €150 + 2 points (doubles for repeat offenses)
- Transporting a child without a car seat: €150 + 3–6 points (doubles for repeat offenses)
- Crossing the stop line: €25
- Illegal parking: €100–€150; parking in disabled spaces: €300
How to Pay Fines
If issued a ticket, pay promptly to avoid additional penalties:
- Within 15 days: Pay the original fine.
- After 15 days: The fine increases by 50%.
- After 14 more days: The case goes to court, potentially complicating future visits to Cyprus or other EU countries.
For violations caught by cameras, rental companies are typically notified first and may forward the fine to you. Payment options include:
- Settling with the rental company, which pays the fine on your behalf.
- Paying directly through jccsmart.com, a unified payment system requiring an EU-issued bank card.
Driving in Cyprus is a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the island's diverse landscapes and rich history at your own pace. By following local traffic laws and driving courteously, you’ll ensure a safe and memorable trip in this beautiful Mediterranean destination.
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