Driving in Cyprus

Driving in Cyprus is by far the best way to get around the Island.

Most of the roads linking villages and places of interest are classed as fairly good. Four Lane motorways link all major towns with the Capital Nicosia.

Minor roads such as forestry roads are still largely unsurfaced but are considered to be in fairly good condition and passable for most of the year without 4 wheel drive vehicles. Having said that great care should be taken due the number of vehicles travelling along them.

Visitors wishing to bring their car to Cyprus can do so for a period of up to 3 months, provided the car has a valid registration licence of its country of origin. This period can be extended at the discretion of the Department of Customs and Excise.

Road Rules

Traffic moves on the "LEFT" hand side of the roads in Cyprus. International Traffic signs are displayed along the roads as per European standard. These are in English. Distances and Speed Limits are posted in both KM and Miles.

Speed Limits.

The maximum speed limit on the motorway is 100km hour the lower speed limit on all other roads unless indicated otherwise is 65km hour. On all other roads the general speed limit is 80km hour. In built up areas the maximum is 50km hour unless otherwise indicated.

General

Seat Belts are compulsory for all passengers and drivers. No child under the age of 5 may sit in a front seat passenger position. Children between the ages of 6 and 10 may only occupy the front passenger seat in the event that a Child's seat belt has been fitted.

Rush Hours. The rush hours during built up areas are as follows: 0730 - 0800 & 1300-1330 & 1700 - 1800 during weekdays and on weekends during the summer months.

Sun Glare. The sun is very intense and it is highly recommended that those intending to drive use appropriate eye protection in the form of sunglasses, even on occasions when the sun is not bright the light can make things very difficult to drive safely.

Important !

Should you be involved in an ACCIDENT you must not move the vehicle until the police have arrived at the scene.

Driving Licences

Drivers visiting Cyprus can drive using a valid International driving licence, or their national driving licence, provided it is valid for the class of vehicle that they intend to drive.

Cyprus driving Licences can be purchased for the sum of CY£35.00.

Car Insurance

Cyprus has become a member of the Green Card System and has signed the uniform agreement with all countries of the European Union and Switzerland as of the 7th August 1997. All Other countries are also included with the exception of the following, which are suspended: Turkey, Yugoslavia and Iraq.

Fuel

Is readily available from all corners of the Island. It is possible to get fuel 24 hours a day. Filling stations are manned during the day and have facilities for payment by credit card or notes through dispensing machines during silent hours.

All grades of fuel are readily available.

Parking facilities

Well positioned in all major resort areas, many of these are free. Within the Capital and town centres there is ample parking in the form of meters or car parks. The average cost is 20 cents for 1 hour and the average cost of parking (Municipal and Private) is around CY£1.00 for half a days parking.