Driving in Cyprus: the rules and tips

In Cyprus you drive on the left and overtake on the right; the steering wheel is on the right. Rental cars are the same. Take a few minutes in a quiet street first if you are used to the right, and take extra care when you pull out of a junction or a petrol station: that is when people drift to the wrong side.

Unless a sign says otherwise, the limit is 100 km/h on motorways, 80 km/h on other roads outside towns and 50 km/h in built-up areas. Motorways also have a minimum speed. Signs show limits in kilometres per hour, and lower limits near schools, junctions and works are common.

Fixed and mobile speed cameras are in use across the island, as well as cameras at traffic lights.

You go round a roundabout clockwise and give way to traffic already on it, coming from your right. Signal before you leave it. At junctions, follow the signs and the road markings, and stop where a stop sign or a solid stop line tells you to.

Everyone in the car wears a seat belt, front and back. Children travel in a child seat that suits their height and weight; ask for one when you rent a car. Holding a phone while driving is not allowed: use a hands-free set or stop first.

Cyprus has a legal limit for alcohol, lower for new and professional drivers, and the Police carry out breath tests, often at night and at weekends. The only safe amount before driving is none: take a taxi home.

A licence from an EU country is valid in Cyprus. Visitors from elsewhere can usually drive on their own licence for a limited time, and some need an international driving permit as well. If you come to live here, check with the Road Transport Department whether and when you must exchange your licence for a Cypriot one.

A car on the road needs valid insurance, its road tax (the yearly licence) paid, and, once it is old enough, a valid roadworthiness test (MOT). A rental company takes care of these; with your own car, keep the dates in a calendar.

Town centres have municipal car parks and paid street parking. Yellow lines at the kerb mean parking is restricted there: follow the signs, and never park on a pavement, at a bus stop or across a ramp.

Petrol stations are everywhere in towns and along the motorways; many have automatic pumps that take cards at night. Prices differ from station to station, so it pays to compare. Electric cars can charge at public charging stations in every district.

If anyone is hurt, call 112 (or 199). Make the place safe, switch on the hazard lights, and call your insurer or the rental company: most policies include road assistance and tell you what to do. For a breakdown, call your road assistance number or a towing service.