Cyprus is a beautiful island that we encourage you to explore to the best of your ability! However, please keep in mind the following information before heading out to your chosen destinations to ensure your safety on the road.
First and foremost, drivers in Cyprus drive on the left side of the road. NOT on the RIGHT.
The national speed limit on the island’s major highways is a maximum of 100km/h and a minimum pf65km/h.
Unless otherwise stated, the maximum limit on urban or rural roads is 80km/h and 50km/h in built up areas. It is imperative to adhere to these strict limits as it ensures not only the safety of you and your loved ones but the safety of others on the road as well.
It is prohibited to drive if the alcohol levels of (a) the blood are higher than the admissible limit of 50 milligrams of alcohol (in 100 millilitres of blood) (b) the breath is higher than the admissible limit is up to 22 micrograms of alcohol (in 100 millilitres of exhaled air)
Seatbelts are obligatory for all passengers in motor vehicles; therefore backseat passengers are obligated under the law to wear their seatbelts. Children under the height requirement of 1.5m in height must wear a suitable safety belt or protected by a suitable child restraint system.
The use of handheld mobile phones is strictly prohibited while driving. If a driver wishes to use their mobile phone, a hands-free device may be used to facilitate this.
Please take the necessary steps to insure that you are covered for insurance in the event of injury or damages.
Highways
As vehicles move in the left lane, the use of the right lane is only permissible for over-taking another vehicle, when the left lane is not free and when the priority is to be given to a vehicle entering the highway. It is forbidden
- to stop and park on the highway unless in the case of an emergency
- for pedestrians to enter the highway and/or cross them
- for an agricultural machine, moped or bicycle to be driven
Licenses
EU citizens/visitors are eligible to drive with their national driving license. Non-European visitors are eligible to drive with their national driving license for a period of 30 days or on a valid international driving license.
Pedestrians
As traffic moves on the LEFT side of the road, pedestrians must walk on the pavement/sidewalk. In the event that there is no pavement present, a pedestrian may walk on the right side of the road i.e towards the oncoming traffic. In the dark hours of the day, the use of special florescent badges or light coloured clothes will allow a pedestrian to be more visible on the road.
In the event of an accident, dialing 199 or 112 gives you immediate correspondence with the police, fire or ambulance services. English is spoken.