A GREAT WAY TO EXPLORE CYPRUS
NO TRAINS IN CYPRUS
As there are no trains in Cyprus, the only way to get around is by road. Buses offer the most economical way of travelling around the island, but they are not very flexible and they follow a regular schedule and a reduced service at night. Taxis are another option, but they tend to be expensive and at times unreliable.
A PREFERRED CHOICE
With all of this in mind, car hire is the preferred choice for most. Hiring a car offers visitors a great independent way to explore the island’s major attractions, cities, towns and villages. Cost-effective car hire also allows visitors to travel around the island at their own pace. Car hire overall offers visitors both freedom and flexibility.
CAR HIRE OPERATORS
Arranging car hire is relatively easy. Several options are available and all car hire companies accept online bookings. All hired vehicles come with a fully personalised services that offer a range of tailored booking conditions.Â
ADDITIONAL EXTRAS
Additions, such as child seats are readily available for a small additional fee. Adding additional drivers is easily arranged. All vehicles are normally supplied with a full tank of fuel.Â
AGE REQUIREMENTS
Minimum and maximum age requirements are applicable. The minimum driving age for car hire is currently 21. Drivers over the age of 70 may require additional medical certification proving fitness to drive. Â
DRIVING LICENSES
A full valid driving license is required for car hire. However, new licenses under a year old are not accepted. Drivers from the European Union and the United Kingdom do not have to acquire any additional driving permits. Drivers from other parts of the world, however, will need to obtain an international driving permit. Obtaining a permit is a relatively easy process. These drivers are obliged to obtain one from their home country before travelling to Cyprus.
SEAT BELT REGULATIONS
The use of seat belts is mandatory for all passengers. Failure to comply may result in fines.Â
NO MOBILE PHONES
Regulations that prohibit the use of a mobile phone, as well as eating and drinking at the wheel, are in place to minimise distractions and to enhance safety on the roads.Â
ALCOHOL
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence! A legal blood alcohol limit of 0.5 g/l is in place for most drivers. A zero-tolerance policy is in place for novice drivers and for those operating commercial vehicles. Penalties for violations include fines, license suspension, and in serious cases, imprisonment, underscoring the importance of responsible driving behaviour.
RIGHT-HAND DRIVEÂ
All vehicles in Cyprus drive on the left-hand side of the road. This means that all vehicles are right-hand drive. All road signs are in English and all speed limit signs are measured in kilometres.
In summary
- All vehicles are right-hand drive.
- All vehicles drive on the left side of the road.
- Roundabouts are common and the driver must yield to the right.
- Overtaking occurs on the right.
INSURANCE & DEPOSIT OPTIONS
There are different options available for excess insurance liabilities. These options directly effect deposit requirements. A valid credit card and a driver’s passport is also required for all deposit payments. Deposits are then returned in full after a satisfactory inspection of the hire vehicle is carried out.
MEET & GREET SERVICE
All car hire operators offer a tailored service. This includes a valued meet-and-greet service for all visitors at all of the island’s international ports of entry. Most car hire companies operate a fleet, offering a good range of both economy and luxury cars. Hire vehicles can also be collected and then returned directly to and from international airports, instead of the operators office.
DRIVING IN CYPRUS
Driving regulations in Cyprus are no different from most other European countries. The rules and regulations, currently in place, promote safety on all Cyprus roads. Understanding and adhering to these regulations is fundamental for anyone seeking to drive on the island responsibly. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in serious repercussions. Several cameras, all over the island, track most traffic violations and will issue fines along with photographic evidence to registered vehicles owners.
UNDER-AGED PASSENGERS
Smoking in a car with under-aged passengers is strictly prohibited. Children under five cannot travel as front seat passengers.
SPEED LIMITS
Sign-posted speed limits in Cyprus are strictly enforced. Urban areas are typically subject to a limit of 50 km per hour. Rural roads and urban dual carriageways allow for speeds up to 80 km per hour. The maximum speed limit on motorways is set at 100 km per hour. Surveillance measures, including both static and mobile SPEED CAMERAS, are in place to deter speeding.
VEHICLES SAFETY
Vehicle owners must ensure that their vehicles are properly insured and registered. The Road Transport Department also mandates that all vehicles undergo regular inspections to guarantee roadworthiness.
TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS
Cyprus roads operate with several TRAFFIC CAMERAS. Authorities enforce a strict policy for traffic violations. Instant on-the-spot fines of up to €300, for most traffic violations, are in place. Static TRAFFIC CAMERAS are installed at the most busy traffic light junctions all over the island. These cameras fine drivers for not only going through a red light but also for stopping on or passing any white stop lines. Mobile SPEED CAMERAS also operate all over the island. They regularly change their location and are very hard to spot. Several drivers use a phone application, such as WAZE, to keep themselves updated as to when and where SPEED CAMERAS are.
