Inside

Driving in Cyprus

An overview of the rules of the road, parking and petrol, car roadworthiness and other aspects important to a driver in Cyprus.

Car drivers must be at least 17.5 years of age; mopeds may be driven at age 17; motorcycles may be driven from the age of 21 (note that some changes are being introduced)
Drive on the left in Cyprus (as in the UK, unlike the rest of western Europe)
Seat belts for driver and passengers are compulsory
It is obligatory for all children under the age of five to sit in the back, strapped into a proper child car seat Children from five to ten years of age may occupy the front passenger seat provided a child's seat belt has been fitted
Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless using a "hands-free" unit.
Smoking in a vehicle which is carrying a passenger under the age of 16 is prohibited
Motorcyclists and passengers must wear a helmet
Motorcycle/moped/scooter passengers must be over the age of 12 and sit astride the seat
Road signs are in English and Greek
Distances are marked in kilometres
Road speeds are marked in kilometres-per hour (Km/h)
All roads on the entire island are toll free
Horns should not be used between 22:00-06:00. Honking near a hospital is forbidden at any time
Third party liability insurance is obligatory
For emergency assistance call 112 or 199

Items to Carry in the Car

It is compulsory to carry two red warning triangles in the vehicle and use them to warn other traffic when involved in an incident, breakdown or accident.

If stopped, driver's should be able to show their valid driving licence (if it is not an EU-issued licence, it should be accompanied by an International Driver's Permit/Licence (IDP/IDL), vehicle registration documents, proof of insurance, proof of roadworthiness.
Note: UK licence holders are generally only required to present the card section of the license.

Driving Licences

See AngloINFO INFOrmation Page, Getting a Driving Licence in Cyprus
See also the AngloINFO INFOrmation Page, Exchanging or Using a Foreign Driving Licence in Cyprus

Driving licences from EU countries

Any person with a valid driving licence issued by an EU Member State may drive legally with it in Cyprus until it expires as long as the driver meets the minimum age requirements in Cyprus. Licences issued by another EU country remain valid until expiry.

Driving licences from non-EU countries

Most foreign driver's licences are valid for driving n Cyprus, though validity periods vary depending on the issuing country (for those with a US license the period is six months). Consult the relevant Consular authority for regulations.

Road Conditions

In recent years, Cyprus has ranked among the top three European countries (per capita) for traffic fatalities. Common causes of traffic accidents include speeding, tailgating, overtaking and a disregard for traffic lights.

Driving in Cyprus is almost a necessity as public transport services are not available to all areas or at all times. Well-maintained, good-sized roads connect the villages and the towns, with four lane motorways connecting the main towns of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Ayia Napa and Paphos. Minor roads and forest roads are usually kept in good condition although they may be un-surfaced. Many mountain roads may close in the winter.

Drivers should always have sunglasses available as the glare of light can be dangerously blinding, particularly in summer or when driving westward in the late afternoon.

Road Tax

An annual circulation tax (road tax) is payable for vehicles in Cyprus. This is calculated based on engine capacity and charged per calendar year (1 January to 31 December).

The following are required to obtain a road tax disc:

A valid Department of Road Transport Vehicle Test Certificate
Auto insurance
The registration document (log book)

After the initial road tax payment on a newly purchased vehicle is paid at a DoRT office or Citizen's Service Centre (CSC), the road tax can be paid online and a task disk with bar code can be printed on a home printer and placed in the vehicle.

To pay road tax online at the Ministry of Communication and Works, Road Transport Department website: Click here
To find the nearest Citizen's Service Centre, see the AngloINFO INFOrmation Page, Cyprus Administration
Payment can also be made at the Co-Operative Bank regardless of whether an account is held at the bank. Take the Vehicle Registration Document
Road Transport Department
At: 17 Vasileos Pavlou, 1425 Engomi
Tel: 22 807104
Fax: 22 807105
e-mail
Website

Speed Limits

The speed limit on motorways is 100 Km/h
Rural roads: 80 km/h, unless otherwise indicated
Developed areas (towns and villages): 50 Km/h, unless otherwise indicated
Speeding is penalised with a fine

Speed checks are frequent as the police try to curb the high death rate on Cyprus' roads. Some traffic cameras now operate in Cyprus, set mainly at traffic lights to catch drivers jumping the lights, using mobile phones while driving, not wearing a seatbelts etc. More will be rolled out over time, including fixed speed cameras on the Nicosia to Limassol motorway.

Police may use mobile cameras during their speed checks.

Drink Driving or Driving under the Influence of Alcohol

It is illegal to drive a car or motorbike - or even pedal bicycle - while under the influence of alcohol. A driver is considered to be driving drunk in Cyprus if:

The breath/alcohol level equals or exceeds 22 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath
The blood/alcohol level equals or exceeds 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (0.5 grams per litre)

A holder of a Cypriot driving licence could have from 3 to 6 points deducted from the licence for drink driving. The fine will be determined by the court. Foreign licence holders not living in Cyprus can be imprisoned or fined on the spot.

For information about EU law regarding driving under the influence of alcohol: Click here

Car Insurance

Third party liability insurance is compulsory under Cyprus law. Third party insurance is readily available from all insurance brokers and formalities are straightforward.

Cyprus is signatory to the Multilateral Guarantee Agreement (MGA). Vehicles legally registered and insured in signatory states (which includes all EU countries) are automatically legally insured in Cyprus. The MGA, also known as the "Registration Agreement" and "Number-Plate Agreement", replaces the requirement to carry the Green Card.

For further information, see the AngloINFO INFOrmation Page, The Green Card Insurance System

Vehicle Roadworthiness

The Department of Road Transport (DORT) roadworthiness test must be carried out on any car older than four years and then at two year intervals thereafter. The roadworthiness tests are not required for motor bikes.

The test includes an emissions check and checks of suspension, brakes, steering, lights and tyres.

For further information, see the AngloINFO INFOrmation Page, Vehicle Roadworthiness Tests in Cyprus

Parking

Municipal and private parking places and garages are widely available. Pay parking on the street is available in the town centres (there is usually no fee on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, or public holidays).

It is illegal to park or wait at a double yellow line
Short stops to load or unload may be made at a single yellow line (although parking is prohibited).

Parking for the disabled

There are generally a few parking bays marked for disabled drivers in municipal car parks.

The blue badge is recognized in Cyprus. It is a standardised European Community disabled person's parking permit which provides parking entitlements to badge holders in all complying European countries - a blue badge from one country is valid in another. A person coming to Cyprus from another EU country can apply in their home country for this universal badge which allows the use of reserved parking.

For more information, see AngloINFO INFOrmation Page Notes for the Disabled

Petrol & Fuel

All petrol (gas) stations sell premium and unleaded petrol (super and 95) and diesel
Petrol is measured by the litre
Many petrol stations in urban and coastal areas operate with self-service machine taking payment by credit card or bank notes. These are usually available 24 hours a day
Petrol may not be available inland or in rural areas on weekends or public holidays.
Note: many rural petrol stations may be closed for the month of August

Traffic Offences & Penalties

If a traffic offence is committed, a fixed penalty and a ticket will be issued. If the ticket is not accepted by the offender, a court summons will be issued. The penalties are issued in conjunction with penalty points. The courts have the power to disqualify drivers when they have 12 points on their licence; when the disqualification is removed, the offender will be able to drive again, but the points will remain for another three years.

Points and fines for traffic offences:

Causing death through dangerous driving: min 5, max 10
Hit and run: min 5, max 10 (The fine will be determined by the court)
Thoughtless or dangerous driving: min 3, max 6 (fine will be determined by the court)
Careless driving: min 2, max 4 (fine will be determined by the court)
Driving under the influence of alcohol: Min 3, max 6 (fine will be determined by the court)
Ignoring traffic lights: min 2, max 4 (and a fine)
Motorcyclists without helmets: in built-up areas - min 1, max 4 (and a fine)
Not wearing a seat belt: min 2, max 4 (and a fine)

Accident & Breakdown

In case of accident or breakdown: note that while there are SOS phones on the motorways these rarely work. It is recommended to carry a cellular/mobile telephone.

The Cyprus Automobile Association is a non-profit organisation providing 24-hour emergency service to members and members of affiliate organisations.

CAA 24-hour emergency service: 22 313 131
Website

There are several other private 24-hour breakdown service and towing companies in Cyprus.

Related Information

Department of Customs & Excise website
Ministry of Transport
At: 28 Acheon Street, Nicosia
Tel: 22 800 102
Fax: 22 776 248
Department of Road Transport (DoRT), Limassol Branch
At: 106 Nicos Pattichis Street, Limassol
Tel: 25 305 668
Fax: 25 305 674
The Cyprus Automobile Association (CAA)
At: 12 Chrysanthou Mylona Street, Nicosia
Tel: 22 313 233
Fax: 22 313 482
e-mail