If left-hand traffic means driving on the “wrong” side for you, then you will need to get used to the fact that your steering wheel is on the right side and that you need to change gears with your left hand in Cyprus. First, you might find it very confusing that the traffic on the right side of the road has the right of way... But you will adjust soon.
Traffic regulations
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Traffic regulations in Cyprus are pretty much like in any other European country:
- The speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas and 80 km/h outside built-up areas. On motorways the maximum speed limit is 100 km/h, the minimum speed limit is 65 km/h.
- Driver and passengers must wear seat belts.
- Kids smaller than 150cm must travel in a proper child restraint.
- It is not allowed to eat, drink or hold your phone while driving.
- The maximum permissible alcohol content in exhaled air is 22 µg/100 ml; for young drivers (with less than 3 years of experience) and motorcyclists, maximum permitted is 9 µg/100 ml.
If your car is stationary with the engine running, you are in motion according to the local law. If the police give you a ticket for water and sandwich, they will have every right to do so according to the local law.
Driving in Cyprus
Rental cars can be easily distinguished by bright red license plates, so all the road users, including police officers, will see from afar that you are a tourist unfamiliar with the local specifics of driving. For that reason, you will be forgiven minor mistakes. Just keep calm and be polite at all times.
Rule of the road
There are no road signs regulating traffic directions in Cyprus, road marking does the job. It is highly visible and clear, be sure to keep an eye on it! If an additional lane appears unexpectedly before the traffic lights, you will be able to use it only to turn right or left. So, if you need to go the other way, you should not change to the outer lane.
If the traffic lights arrow goes out, leaving only a green light
Give way to oncoming traffic and turn.
Roundabouts
Driving in roundabouts is not often regulated by road signs, so the vehicles that are already within the roundabout have the right of way. Use your right turn signal when entering a roundabout. When you exit the roundabout, make sure to use your left turn signal.
The most popular cities for car hire in Cyprus
Fines
Please note that Cyprus uses a penalty points system. Drivers that receive 12 penalty points have their driving license suspended by the court. Penalty points expire in 3 years.
The following are only indicative fines. The severity of the penalty always depends on the driver’s behaviour, with serious and repeat offenders receiving more severe punishment.
Within towns, the maximum permitted speed is 10% above the speed limit plus two kilometres.
I.e.:
- With the speed limit of 30 km/h, the maximum permitted speed is 35 km/h. Fines are imposed from 36 km/h.
- With the speed limit of 50 km/h, the maximum permitted speed is 57 km/h.
- With the speed limit of 65 km/h, the maximum permitted speed is 73 km/h.
On motorways and intercity roads, the maximum permitted speed is 20% above the limit.
- With the speed limit of 100 km/h, the maximum permitted speed is 120 km/h.
- With the speed limit of 80 km/h, the maximum permitted speed is 97 km/h.
Fine amounts:
| Offense | Fine, € | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Exceeding the speed limit up to 30% | €2 per km/h | 1 |
| Exceeding the speed limit by 30-50% | €3 per km/h | 2 |
| Exceeding the speed limit by 50-75% | €5 per km/h | 3 |
| Exceeding the speed limit by more than 75% | The penalty is determined by the court | |
| Failure to wear a seat belt | €150-300 | 3 |
| Transporting children without a child safety seat | €150-300 | 3 |
| Driving with non-free hands (mobile phone) | €150-300 | 2 |
| Driving with non-free hands (coffee, water, ice cream, etc.) | 85 | 1 |
| Smoking in a car with minors onboard | €300 | |
| Overtaking where it is prohibited | €150-200 | |
| Driving through a red traffic light | 300 | 3 |
| Drink driving: | ||
| 23-35 µg/100 ml | 125 | 1 |
| 36-55 µg/100 ml | 250 | 3 |
| 56-70 µg/100 ml | 500 | 4 |
| more than 71 µg/100 ml | The penalty is determined by the court | |
| Driving under the influence of drugs | 8000 | driving licence suspension for 3 years imprisonment for 3 years |
Young drivers (with less than 3 years of experience) and motorcyclists have stricter penalties.
The Cyprus Police can let you go without punishment for:
- Wrong-way driving, especially if the vehicle has “red” license plates. No accident, no problem. The police understand that guests might need time to adjust to the local traffic.
- Driving without documents. Many Cypriot drivers do it. All license plate numbers are in an electronic database, and the theft rate is meager in Cyprus, so chances are you will never be asked to show your documents. But that does not mean that you should not have them with you.
How to pay the fine
The fines issued by a police officer can be paid:
- at a bank
- at the town hall
- at a police department
- online on jccsmart.com.
If you can’t pay the fine yourself, you can contact your car rental company. This can be a paid service.
Never offer the police officer to “sort it out on the spot without a ticket”. Attempted bribery is a punishable offense.
The fine must be paid within 15 days.
If the fine is overdue, the amount will be doubled. If the fine is not paid within 30 days after the date of the notice, the penalty will be determined by the court.
Fines from cameras are mailed to the rental company and may be delivered with a delay. Such offences can be paid in two ways:
- The rental company contacts the customer and provides all the details, the customer covers the costs, the rental agent pays the debt.
- The rental company sends the customer’s details to the police. The police send a notice to the driver, the driver pays the ticket on jccsmart.com or at a bank (depending on the fine).
What if you don’t pay the fine?
Information on unpaid tickets is referred to the court. When you cross the border next time, you will have to pay not only the fine, but also cover other costs.