Driving in Cyprus, the rules and what to watch for

For British drivers, Cyprus is one of the gentlest introductions to driving abroad. The car’s on the familiar side of the road and you’ll be at home on the roundabouts. What does deserve attention is the switch to kilometres, the drink-drive limit and gov.uk’s blunt warning about local driving standards. This is the gist, drawn from official sources I can cite. If you haven’t booked a car yet, start with car hire in Cyprus.

Left-hand traffic, but metric

You drive on the left, gov.uk and the Spanish foreign ministry confirm, a legacy of British rule that ended in 1960. So the big adjustment isn’t the side of the road but the numbers. Signs are in km/h, and 100 on a motorway sign means roughly 62 mph, not 100.

On day one, glance at the speedometer more than usual, above all on the motorway, until kilometres stop feeling odd. For a trip that includes the mountains it’s worth the effort, because the Troodos without a car only half happen.

Speed limits and drink-driving

The European Commission publishes Cyprus’s road rules as supplied by the national authorities. Unless signs say otherwise, it’s 100 km/h on motorways and expressways, 80 on other roads outside towns, 50 in built-up areas and 30 in pedestrian zones. Alcohol is capped at 0.5 g/l in general and at 0.2 for drivers in their first three years, riders and those who drive for a living.

Seatbelts and child seats are compulsory, helmets too on motorbikes, and phones may only be used hands-free. Gov.uk warns of heavy fines for breaking any of these rules or for drink-driving, and the Commission notes that driving under the influence of drugs is prohibited.

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Is it dangerous?

Gov.uk doesn’t mince its words. It says driving standards are poor and that there’s an increased risk of road deaths compared to the UK. The Spanish foreign ministry adds that road accidents are very common across the island. That’s no reason not to drive, but it is a reason to drive defensively, keep your distance and take your time, especially at night and on mountain roads.

Licences and paperwork

Your UK photocard licence is accepted, according to gov.uk, the old paper one may need an International Driving Permit, and a car from home must carry a UK sticker. Hiring? Don’t leave your passport as security, which is illegal, and check what a hired bike or quad covers, often third party only, gov.uk warns.

If you would rather have a local show you round, book a guided tour in Limassol and choose by the reviews.

Driving into the north

Insurance from the Republic doesn’t apply in the north, as gov.uk and the Spanish foreign ministry both point out. Policies for the north are sold at some crossings, Agios Dometios among them, gov.uk notes. Ask your rental company first whether it allows the crossing, and read crossing to northern Cyprus. For stages and distances, see my Cyprus road trip and the overview in getting around Cyprus.

A car frees you from timetables: search car hire in Limassol on DiscoverCars and compare companies.

Once your dates are set, check which hotels are still free in Limassol before prices climb.