Driving In Cyprus

Driving in Cyprus is most advisable, as regular transport service is not available to all remote areas where many places of interest are to be found.

Fairly good surfaced roads complying with international traffic requirements link the towns and various villages.

Four lane motorways connect the capital , Lefkosia with the costal towns of Lemesos, Larnaca and Paphos.

Minor roads and forest roads are still largely unsurfaced but in good to fair condition. Appropriate care should be taken when using these roads, especially during wet weather.

Important note: It is advisable to avoid driving on to these roads as insurance cover might not apply.

Driving Licence

Visiotors in Cyprus can drive using a valid international driving licence, provided it is valid for the class of vehicle they wish to drive.

Parking Facilities

  • Parking places (municipal and private) are found in town centres, charging approximately 50 cents for half-day's parking.
  • Parking meters in the centre of towns may be used on payment of one 20 cents coin per hour. Parking meters do not operate on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and public holidays.
  • Tickets issued for offences commited whilst the car is on rent to you are your responsibility. Unpaid tickets result in penalties.

    Parking in no circumstances is allowed along a double yellow line.
    Along a single yellow line, loading and unloading is allowed but parking is prohibited at all times.

    Safety Tips

  • Traffic moves on the LEFT side of the road.
  • International road traffic signs are in use and are placed along the roads and highways, on the left hand-side.
  • Distances and road speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour (km/h) respectively.
  • The maximum speed limit on the motorways is 100 km/h and the lower speed limit is 65 km/h. On all other roads the general speed limit is 80 km/h, unless a lower one is indicated. In built up areas generally, the speed limit is 50 km/h, unless a different one is indicated.
  • The use of seat belts is compulsory.
  • Children under the age of five must not, under any circumstances sit on the front passenger seat. Children from five to ten years old may occupy the front passanger seat only if an appropriate child's seat belt has been fitted.
  • Rush hours in the towns are approximately between 07:30-08:00/13:00-13:30 and in late afternoon 17:00-18:00 in winter or 17:00-20:00 in summer.
  • It is advisable to avoid, if possible, driving due West in the late afternoon, as the glare of the setting sun can be unpleasant and potentially dangerous.
  • Because of the sometimes intense brightness of the clear Mediterranean sky, drivers are advised to wear sunglasses.

    Main Traffic Signs


    Loose stones
    DANGER!
    No U-turn
    Petrol Station
    Road Works
    drive carefully
    Roundabout

    Slippery when wet
    Stop sign
    Two way traffic
    Winding road
    Zebra cross

    Hands free driving is mandatory

    During driving, driver should take all the necessary measures, so that his/her hands are free at all times in order to have full control of the vehicle. Therefore the use of a mobile phone is strictly prohibited.

    Don't Drink When Driving

    Driving or being in charge of a motor vehicle or pedal cycle with alcohol concentration in breath or blood above the prescribed limit, is an OFFENCE.

    The predescribed limit in breath is 39 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. The predescribed limit in blood is 90 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.

    Security Of Your Vehicle

  • Always lock your vehicle when unattended, ensuring also that windows and sunroof are secure.
  • Do not leave personal belongings when they can be spotted by a potential thief.
  • At night, always park in a well lit area.

    In Case Of Emergency/Accident

    In case of an accident please offer your help to any injured persons. You should then notify the police and your Car Hire Company's emergency service number before you leave the area. Please also make sure to take the other party's name, vehicle registration number and insurance policy number.

    Petrol Station

    Petrol stations in Cyprus are open from 7:00am to 18:00 every day except Tuesday afteeernoon and Sunday aftzernoon. In addition, petrol stations are closed on Sundays and all Public Holidays. Still ATM machines are available and accept cash & credit cards.

    Important Note for North Cyprus

    Please note that few passages to the Northern Occupied side of Cyprus have been opened recently. We strongly advise you not to travel there by car as insurance companies do not offer any cover. Driving into areas occupied by the Turkish army is done on your own risk.

    • please send email for more info

    no responsibility is taken for the correctness of this information