In Cyprus people drive on the left hand side of the road. The road rules are similar to most EU countries.

Facts:

• Front seat belts for driver and all passenger are compulsory

• All children under five must sit in the back in a child car seat.

• Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited

• Motorcyclists must wear a helmet

• Road signs are in English and Greek

• Distances are marked in kilometers

• Road speeds are marked in kilometers-per hour (km/h)

• Third party liability insurance is obligatory

Helpful information

• It is advisable to avoid driving due West in the late afternoon as the glare of the setting sun can be potentially dangerous.

• Drivers are advised to wear sunglasses.

• The prescribed limit in breath is 39 microgram's of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath. The prescribed limit in blood is 90 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood.

• In most instances you may drive in Cyprus with your existing domestic driving licence.

• If you intend to stay in Cyprus for longer than six months at a time you are required by law to obtain a Cypriot licence.

Punishment

In Cyprus those who do not abide by the rules and regulations provided, two forms of punishment are enforced. Firstly a fine can be issued. Secondly in Cyprus points are taken off your licence.

Points:

Speeding: by 25 to 50 percent: 2 - 4 points
by 50 percent or more: 3 - 6 points

Causing death through dangerous driving: 5 - 10 points

Hit and run: 5 - 10 points

Thoughtless or dangerous driving: 3 - 6 points

Careless driving: 2 - 4 points

Driving under the influence of alcohol: 3 - 6 points

Ignoring traffic lights: 2 - 4 points

Motorcyclists without helmets: 1 - 2 points in built-up areas

Not wearing seat belt: 2 - 4 points

Fines:

Failing to display a valid tax disc 5 CYP

Being a slow moving obstruction 15 CYP

Parking on pedestrian crossing 15 CYP

Using a vehicle with a defective tyre 15 CYP

Not wearing a seat belt 100 CYP

Causing pollution via exhaust omissions 30 CYP

Not wearing a crash helmet 50 CYP

One way street - travelling the wrong way 15 CYP

Using horn unnecessarily 15 CYP

Fined per kph above the speed limit 3.00 CYP

Defective lights 15 CYP

Using a mobile phone whilst in driving 100 CYP

Failing to comply to traffic signals 50 CYP