Cyprus is a beautiful island country located in the Eastern Mediterranean. If you plan on driving in Cyprus, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the local driving laws and road conditions. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about driving in Cyprus.
Road Safety in Cyprus
Road safety in Cyprus is relatively good compared to other European countries. The country has a relatively low number of road accidents, but it’s still essential to exercise caution while driving.
The quality of the roads in Cyprus varies, with some major highways and city roads being well-maintained, while some rural roads may be narrower and less well-maintained. Local driving standards are generally good, but you may encounter some aggressive or impatient drivers.
Equipment Requirements in Cyprus
When driving in Cyprus, you must carry certain equipment in your car at all times. These include:
- A reflective jacket
- A warning triangle
- A spare tire and tire-changing equipment
- A fire extinguisher
- First aid kit
Road Accidents in Cyprus
If you are involved in a road accident in Cyprus, you are legally required to report it to the police immediately. You should not move your car from the scene of the accident unless it’s causing a hazard. If someone is injured in the accident, you must call an ambulance. It’s also advisable to take photographs of the accident scene and exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
Driving Rules in Cyprus
In Cyprus, you must drive on the left side of the road. The speed limit on highways is 100 km/h, on main roads 80 km/h, and in residential areas, 50 km/h. There are strict drink-driving laws in Cyprus, with a blood alcohol limit of 0.05%. It’s also illegal to use a mobile phone while driving unless you have a hands-free device.
Road Signs and Traffic Lights in Cyprus
The road signs in Cyprus follow the standard international symbols, and most are in both Greek and English. It’s essential to pay attention to the road signs, especially in rural areas, as they may not be as prominent as in urban areas. Traffic lights are also used in Cyprus, and they operate similarly to other European countries.
Road Traffic Info in Cyprus
If you need to get up-to-date road traffic information in Cyprus, you can visit the website of the Cyprus Police Traffic Department or tune in to local radio stations, such as Radio Proto and Radio Sfera.
Parking in Cyprus
Parking rules in Cyprus vary depending on the area you are in. In general, you cannot park on main roads, and it’s essential to pay attention to signs indicating where parking is allowed. In some areas, you may need to display a parking disc or obtain a parking permit.
In areas with high populations of expats, such as Limassol and Paphos, you can find many paid parking options, such as multi-story car parks and private parking lots. If you have a disabled parking permit, you can park in designated disabled parking spaces.
Driving in Cyprus can be an enjoyable and safe experience as long as you follow the local driving laws and road conditions. Always carry the required equipment in your car, be aware of the speed limits and drink-driving laws, and pay attention to road signs and parking regulations. By taking these precautions, you can explore all the beautiful sights Cyprus has to offer.