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Driving in Cyprus can be an experience. Having said that, the island is well covered by a motorway network, linking all the major towns with very good road surfaces. Vehicles are right hand drive the same as in the U.K. with the same traffic rules. The traffic signs are as per European standard and in English. Distances and Speed Limits are posted in Km. Maximum speed limit on motorways is 100km hour (unless otherwise indicated). The lower speed limit on all other roads (unless otherwise indicated) is 65km hour. On all other roads the general speed limit is 80km hour and in built up areas the maximum is 50km hour unless otherwise indicated.

Driving License Requirements & Insurance

You can drive using a valid British or international license and can also purchase a Cypriot license if your stay is for a long period of time for CY£35.00 which is valid for life and can be used in the UK. Car insurance is compulsory but it is worth noting that should you be involved in an accident, no matter how small, the vehicles must be left as they are and the police called, otherwise, if you move your vehicle , you will be considered at fault even though you may not be. Minimum age for driving a car is 18.

Fuel Availability

Since joining the EU on May 1st. only unleaded fuel is available in 98 and 95 octane grades and where vehicles are over 5 years old an additive is available to enable smooth running of the vehicle. Fuel is readily available across the Island 24 hours a day with attendants during the day and dispensing machines when the petrol stations are closed. The automatic machines accept both cash and credit cards. When using the dispensing machines, make sure you know the pump number before you go to deposit the money or credit card. Notes and credit cards have to be placed the right way up, there are usually pictures to show you the right way. Once the machine has accepted the money, you have to punch in the pump number where you wish to draw the fuel from. Punch in the number and the pump will be ready to use. Please make sure you pick the right fuel as once you have lifted the pump you cannot change it. If by accident you pick up the wrong pump, replace it, go back to the cash machine and print a receipt, you can return to the fuel station when it is open and get a refund for the unused fuel. Please note that no change is given by these machines so make sure you don't put in a large note and have no room for the fuel.

Seat Belts & Road Safety

Seat belts are also compulsory, and in the case of children, no child under the age of 5 may occupy a front seat. Children between the ages of 6 and 10 may occupy the front seat if a child seat belt is fitted. Road safety is of course very important and great care has to be taken when driving in Cyprus. From experience, take extra care on roundabouts. The main problems here are people on your left, who are in fact going to turn right. MAKE SURE YOU LOOK!!! I can guarantee this will happen. Overtaking on your left is also very common, and with the large number of mopeds and small motorcycles on the roads you have to be very vigilant. There is also the problem of sun glare, especially in the early evening as the sun is setting, so take extra care there and also when it rains heavily. The drainage is not very good and pools of water form on the road surface. This year it got so bad on a roundabout here in Limassol, a friend’s car floated across!!! Drinking and driving laws are the same as in the U.K. You will also encounter the hooter of the vehicle behind you. This is very common as patience is not something that Cypriot drivers have. Dare I say it? Taxi Drivers are usually the most impatient.

Driving with Pets

Under new EU regulations if you are taking your dog in the car, the dog must be secured safely so that you are never distracted when driving. There is a special harness available that is attached to the seatbelt It is both comfortable and effective with easy to fit instructions included.

Car Hire

When hiring a car, make sure you go over every detail before you commit yourself. There are very many car hire firms on the island offering cheap hire rates, make sure you are properly insured and that the vehicle is road worthy. Don’t look at a cheap price only to find that this is added and that is added which will pump the price up. Reputable car hire firms vehicles always have a red plate and a green license on view which means they are approved.