A GREAT WAY TO EXPLORE CYPRUS
NO TRAINS IN CYPRUS
Cyprus has no trains, so the only way to get around is by road. Buses offer the most economical way of travelling around the island, but they follow a rigid timetable and a reduced service at night that may not suit all. Taxis are available at any time, but they tend to be expensive and at times, can be unreliable.
A PREFERRED CHOICE
With all of this in mind, car hire is the preferred choice for most visiting the island. Hiring a car is relatively easy and, when combined with airport meet and greet services, can work out quite economically. Cost-effective car hire also allows visitors to travel around the island at their own pace, as well as both the freedom and flexibility to explore the island’s major attractions, cities, towns and villages.
INSURANCE & DEPOSIT OPTIONS
There are different options available for excess insurance liabilities. These options directly affect deposit requirements. A valid credit card and a driver’s passport are required for all deposit payments, which are then returned in full after a satisfactory inspection of the hire vehicle is carried out.
ADDITIONAL EXTRAS
Arranging car hire is relatively easy, and all car hire companies accept online bookings. Most car hire companies operate a fleet, offering a good range of both economy and luxury cars. They also offer fully personalised services that come with a range of tailored booking conditions that include different insurance liabilities. Several additional extras can also be added to each hire agreement. Additional drivers can easily be arranged, and all vehicles are usually supplied with a full tank of fuel. Other additions, such as child seats, are also readily available for a small additional fee.
MEET & GREET SERVICE
All car hire operators offer a fully tailored service. This includes a valued meet-and-greet service for all visitors at all of the island’s international ports of entry. Hire vehicles can also be collected and then returned directly to and from international airports, instead of the operator’s office.
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 their fitness to drive.
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, across the island, track most traffic violations and will issue fines along with photographic evidence to registered vehicle owners.
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.
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.
VEHICLE 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.
SEAT BELT REGULATIONS
The use of seat belts is mandatory for all passengers. Failure to comply may result in fines.
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.
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.
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.
RIGHT-HAND DRIVE
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 are driven on the left side of the road.
- Roundabouts are common, and drivers must yield to the right.
- Overtaking occurs on the right.
A SUMMARY OF FACTS
- Cyprus has well-maintained, good-sized roads and motorways.
- The minimum age for drivers is 17 years of age.
- Valid driving licences issued by European Union Member States are readily accepted.
- Motorists drive on the left as in the UK, and there are English road signs with all distances marked in kilometres.
- All fuel stations operate 24-hour self-service machines that sell fuel by the litre.
- All roads are toll-free
- There are usually no parking charges on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, or public holidays.
- It is illegal to park or wait on a double yellow line
- Speed limits are strictly enforced by police who use mobile speed cameras that penalise speeding drivers with on-the-spot fines.
- The speed limit on motorways is 100 Kilometres per hour
- The speed limit on dual-lane carriageways is 80 kilometres per hour
- The speed limit on roads in developed areas is 50 kilometres per hour
- In case of accident or breakdown, there are several SOS phones on the motorways.
The Cyprus Automobile Association is a non-profit organisation providing 24-hour emergency service to members of affiliate organisations.
CAA 24-Hour Emergency Service
Tel: 22 313 131
CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Road Transport Department
Tel: 22 807 104
