The main feature of traffic rules in Cyprus is left-hand traffic. It’s confusing at first, but it’s very easy to adapt. Just be careful at intersections, especially when turning right, and watch for left signs. And don’t forget to rebuild after coming home.
Basic traffic rules in Cyprus
Driving a rental car in Cyprus is quite easy. Basic rules:
- The maximum permissible speed in the settlement is 50 km/h, outside the settlement is 80 km/h.
- Seat belts must be fastened by both the driver and passengers.
- For children up to 150 cm tall, the device must be held;
- Eating, drinking and holding the phone in your hands while driving is not allowed.
- The permissible level of alcohol in the blood is 0.21 ppm.
If your car is stationary, but the engine is running, then according to local laws you are moving. And if the policeman issues you a fine for water and a sandwich, then according to local laws, he is right.
Features of driving in Cyprus
- In Cyprus, there are no signs regulating lane traffic, their role is performed by markings.
- If an additional lane begins in front of the traffic light, it will be possible to move only to the right or left. So, if you are in the other direction, you shouldn’t move to the extreme row.
- If the arrow on the traffic light has gone out and the green signal is on, let oncoming cars pass and turn.
- Roundabout traffic is not regulated by signs. Cars already moving in a circle have an advantage.
- When entering a circle, signal with the right turn signal. Leaving the circle – on the left.
Fines in Cyprus
Rental cars in Cyprus are easily distinguished by their bright red license plates, so that everyone on the road, including the police, can already see from afar that you are a tourist. So you will be forgiven for small mistakes. The main thing is to be polite and calm.
As of October 1, 2020, the permitted speed limit in populated areas has been reduced from 20 to 10% plus two kilometers.
That is:
- With a limit of 30 km/h, you can drive at a speed of up to 35 km/h. Fines start at 36 km/h.
- With a limit of 50 km/h, you can drive at a speed of up to 57 km/h.
- The 65 km/h limit allows you to drive at a speed of up to 73 km/h.
On highways and intercity roads, the permissible limits did not change and remained within 20%.
- Limitation of 100 km/h – maximum permissible speed up to 120 km/h.
- The limit is 80 km/h – the permitted speed is up to 97 km/h.
Fines for speeding :
- excess up to 30% – 2€ for each kilometer;
- 30-50% – 3 € for each kilometer;
- 50-75% – 5 € for each kilometer;
- if you exceeded the speed by more than 75% of the limit, the amount of the fine will be determined by the court.
An unfastened belt “costs” 150 €.
Transportation of children without a car seat – 150 €
Talking on a mobile phone while driving without a special device – 150 euros.
Overtaking in an unauthorized place – 150-200€.
Driving through a red traffic light – 300 €.
Drunk driving:
- 0.22-0.35‰ — €125;
- 0.36-0.55‰ — €250;
- 0.56-70‰ — €500;
- more than 0.71 ‰ – the case is referred to the court.
The Cyprus police can release just like that for:
- Driving into the oncoming lane, especially if the car has a “red” license plate. Did you manage without an accident? Well, good. The police are sympathetic to tourists’ adaptation to local traffic.
- Driving without documents. Cypriots themselves are sinning with this. All car numbers are entered into the electronic database, the percentage of car thefts in Cyprus is abnormally low, so you may never be asked for documents. But this does not mean that they should not be taken with you.
How to pay a fine in Cyprus
In no case “in the hands of a policeman”. This can be seen as an attempt to provide a bribe. The policeman issues a receipt, and you pay the fine within 2 weeks:
- in the municipality;
- in the police;
- in the bank;
- online through jccsmart.com .