Driving a car does not differ from county to country, but the rules of each country differ and that could be confusing. Even if you are Cypriot learning to drive for the first time this article can also be helpful for you. Here is a list of some of the most important driving rules and regulations in Cyprus that you need to know before driving a car.
The Traffic in Cyprus is on the Left
The standards of driving in most countries of the world are on the right-hand side but in Cyprus, just like in the UK, drivers need to drive on the left-hand side of the road. In this way, cars overtake on the right. This could be confusing for a driver coming from a country where traffic is on the right side, but they should just remember to follow the signs and be especially careful at the roundabouts.
Speed Limits
About the speed limits in Cyprus, you can find the signs on basically every road in Cyprus and follow the speed limit they confirm. But you can keep in mind the speed limits that apply to different kinds of roads and areas in Cyprus. For example, when driving in an urban area, the limit can be up to 50 kilometres per hour (31 mph), and sometimes it can be up to 65 kilometres per hour (40 mph) depending on the specific road and areas of driving. When driving on open roads, the limit can usually be up to 80 kilometres per hour (49 mph) and when driving on the highway the limit goes up to 100 kilometres per hour (62 mph). These can be the standard driving speed limits, but make sure to check the signs and know what the speed limit is for each road and area specifically.
Matters that are Prohibited
There are rules and regulations that are also applied in other countries of the world other than Cyprus. Make sure you know the following rules and actions that are prohibited to do while driving a car in Cyprus.
- Eating while driving is prohibited in Cyprus.
- Driving while having more than the maximum level of 0,050% of alcohol in your blood is also illegal.
- Having the spotlights on while driving is also prohibited.
- Using or talking on your mobile phone while driving is illegal and a serious offence.
- Children under the age of 5 years old need to be seated on a suitable child restraint car seat.
- Children under the age of 12 are also not allowed to sit in the front passenger seat.
Renting a Car in Cyprus
Especially for a tourist, renting a car in Cyprus can be the best option when wanting to drive around the different beautiful destinations Cyprus has to offer. Rented cars are marked with red registration plates. That makes driving for tourists safer since locals can identify the rented car and be more understanding and careful of the driver who might not be an experienced driver on the roads of Cyprus and the left-side driving system.
Driving in the Mountains:
When driving in the mountains in the winter it’s permitted for the car to have spiked tires and snow chains. Because of the snowy and slippery roads combined with the tilted roads of the mountain, it is safer for cars to be driven with the proper chains and tier equipment.
Parking in Cyprus:
There are places in Cyprus where you can find free parking spaces. Other times drivers will need to pay to park their cars in designed spaces available for car parking. The parking cost can be up to two to three euros depending on the area.
These are the basic rules and regulations that everyone needs to know when driving a car around Cyprus. Cyprus has to offer so many different beautiful destinations and locations to visit, so driving can be the best option for tourists and locals. If you are looking for a driving school to learn more about all the rules and regulations of driving in Cyprus, make sure to get in contact with Larnaca Driving School and learn everything you need to know about driving, from our professional instructors.
