What you need to know about driving in Cyprus:
- In Cyprus, we drive on the left-hand side of the road like in the UK and overtake on the right.
- UK national driving licences are accepted for visitors, the minimum age for driving is 18 years of age.
- The maximum speed limit on Highways is 100kmh and other main roads 80kmh. The maximum speed limit in built up areas is 50kmh
- Speed restrictions are normally signposted.
- Cyprus has fixed and mobile speed camaras.
- Wearing of seat belts is compulsory for all occupants.
- Children under five cannot travel as a front seat passenger. Children over five and under ten must use a suitable child restraint system.
- Using a mobile phone whilst driving is a serious offence and fines will be imposed.
- Eating and drinking whilst driving is prohibited.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offence. The maximum legal level of alcohol in the blood is 0.049 per cent.
- Vehicle lights must be used between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise.
- Smoking in a car with a person under 16 years is prohibited; a fine is imposed for anyone who does not comply.
- It is prohibited to use the horn between 2200 and 0600 hours, and in the vicinity of hospitals.
- Unleaded petrol (95 and 98) and diesel is available. It is forbidden to carry petrol in a can in a vehicle.
- 4 X 4 vehicles, spiked tyres and snow chains are sometimes required on mountain roads in winter.
What you will need:
- UK driving licence
- Passport
- Proof of Insurance (in the car)
- Two warning triangles are compulsory
- Vehicle registration information
Breakdown and collision advice
If you are in a rented car, contact the rental company, giving them details of what has gone wrong, as well as your location. If you are travelling in your own car, and do not have breakdown recovery insurance, then you can request assistance direct from a recovery firm.
You will have to pay for this service.
If you are involved in a serious or slight road traffic collision, while driving on a road in Cyprus, the police should always be contacted. When you call the emergency number (112 or 199) it is directed to the Police in the first instance. The Police will call an ambulance or the fire service to the scene, if required. At the same time, you should contact your insurance company, in order to visit the scene of the collision.
If you are involved in a road traffic collision, with material damages only, while driving on a road in Cyprus, the police should be contacted if these damages are serious or if driving offences occurred or under special circumstances, where, for example, the road is blocked.
