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 the various villages.

Four lane motorways connect the capital, Lefkosia with the coastal towns of Lemesos, Larnaka and one part of 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.

Visitors wishing to bring their car to Cyprus can do so, for a period up to 3 months provided the car has a valid registration licence of its country of origin. The period may be extended accordingly, provided the person is considered a visitor by the Department of Customs & Excise.

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

Driving Licence

Visitors in Cyprus can drive using a valid International driving licence, or their National driving licence, provided it is valid for the class of vehicle they wish to drive.

A Cyprus Driving Licence costs under £50 and lasts for a lifetime.

European driving licenses are recognized officially by the law 94(1)/01. Driving licenses issued by Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Australia, Switzerland, Zimbabwe, United States of America, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and Russia, must be replaced after a period of six months. Non European citizens and citizens who come from the previously mentioned countries are allowed to drive holding their National Driving License for a period of about 30 days (this period is not strictly restricted). If they are holders of an International driving license they are allowed to drive provided their license is valid.

Insurance requirements for foreign motorists entering Cyprus

From 1st May 2004 when Cyprus joined the EU, all cars bearing EU plates are assumed to be insuranced in the country of origin.

All motorists from non-EU countries will need a green card.

Petrol

Motor fuel may be bought in unlimited quantities at Petrol stations. Brands available are: EKO, Exxon Mobil, Esso, Lukoil, Petrolina, Lina and Agip. Petrol is sold by the litre and 15% VAT is included in all prices.

Petrol Stations Stay Open:

Monday - Friday: 06:00 - 19:00 (April 1 - September 30)
Monday - Friday: 06:00 - 18:00 (October 1 - March 31)
Wednesday: 06:00 - 14:00 (Lefkosia district)
Tuesday: 06:00 - 14:00 (Lemesos, Larnaka, Paphos and Ammochostos districts)
Saturday: 06:00 - 15:00

Petrol stations in Lefkosia and all seaside areas are equipped with petrol vending machines, accepting bank notes and credit cards. Vending machines operate during non-working hours, on weekends and on holidays. Petrol stations in rural areas may be found open on Weekends and on Holidays. A list of petrol stations can be found in the yellow pages of the Telephone Directory.

Parking

1. Parking places (municipal and private) are found in town centres, charging approximately CY£1,00 for a half day’s parking.
2. Parking metres in the centre of towns may be used on payment of 40 cents per hour, on week days, during office hours. Parking metres do not operate on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and Public Holidays.

Parking and waiting is prohibited along a double yellow line.

Along a single yellow line, loading and unloading is allowed but parking is prohibited at all times.

General information

Traffic moves on the LEFT hand-side of the road, NOT on the right.

International road traffic signs are in use, and placed along the roads and highways, on the left hand-side.

Distances and road speed limits are posted in kilometres and kilometre-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 50km/h, unless a different one is indicated.

The use of seat-belts is compulsory (front and back)

Children under the age of five MUST NOT, under any circumstances sit in the front passenger seat.

Children from five to ten years old may occupy the front passenger 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 18:00-19:00 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.

Driving under the influence of alcohol

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.