Cyprus driver guide

Cyprus

This is a ROADPOL country driving guide to help drivers visiting Cyprus.

Visitor Information:

Cyprus has a population of around one million, comprised of two main ethnic communities, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
There are more than 801000 registered vehicles.
In this number, there are 550000 passenger cars, 134200 trucks, 1930 taxis, 52400 Motorcycles, 11000 hired vehicles without a driver, 3950 buses.
The island of Cyprus is situated at the north-eastern end of the Mediterranean basin, covering an area of 9,251 sq km.Greek and Turkish are the official languages. Also, English is extensively spoken, especially in tourist areas.
The international car ID code is ‘CY’

Collision & Breakdown Information:

Please give brief advice on what I should do if my vehicle breaks down, on the motorway and on other roads.

If you are in a rented car, contact the rental company, giving them details of what has gone wrong, as well as your location. If you are travelling in your own car, and do not have breakdown recovery insurance, then you can request assistance direct from a recovery firm.You will have to pay for this service.

Please give clear advice on what I am required to do if I am involved in a collision.

If you are involved in a serious or slight road traffic collision, while driving on a road in Cyprus, the police should always be contacted. When you call the emergency number (112 or 199) it is directed to the Police in the first instance. The Police will call an ambulance or the fire service to the scene, if required. At the same time, you should contact your insurance company, in order to visit the scene of the collision.
If you are involved in a road traffic collision, with material damages only, while driving on a road in Cyprus, the police should be contacted if these damages are serious or if driving offences occurred or under special circumstances, where, for example, the road is blocked. Otherwise, you should only contact your insurance company.

Useful Phrase 1 - English:

Call the Police!

Useful Phrase 1 - Destination:

Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!

Useful Phrase 2 - English:

Do you speak English?

Useful Phrase 2 - Destination:

Μιλάτε Αγγλικά;

Useful Phrase 3 - English:

My car has broken down.

Useful Phrase 3 - Destination:

Το αυτοκίνητό μου ακινητοποιήθηκε.

Useful Phrase 4 - English:

Where is the nearest fuel station?

Useful Phrase 4 - Destination:

Που είναι το πλησιέστερο βενζινάδικο:

Useful Phrase 5 - English:

I am lost!

Useful Phrase 5 - Destination:

Έχω χαθεί!

Useful Phrase 6 - English:

Thank you!

Useful Phrase 6 - Destination:

Ευχαριστώ!

Road Traffic Policing:

In Cyprus every uniformed police officer has a legal authority to carry out traffic checks. Cyprus Police, in line with ROADPOL policy, has recognised the value of moving from a ‘Traffic Policing’ model to a «Road Policing» model, where more effective and efficient use is made of specialist traffic police officers.
Cyprus Police is focused not only on traffic offences but also on criminal activities on the roads in order to secure the safety and security of European citizens and to deny criminals use of the roads. This strategy is in line with European Union Internal Security Strategies (ISS) and Transport policies.

Road Traffic Enforcement:

The use of hand-held mobile phones or other devices while driving is prohibited. Drivers wishing to use their mobile phone whilst driving must use a hands-free device. Nevertheless, this is not recommended.
Seatbelts are obligatory both in the front and back seats of motor vehicles.
Driving a motorcycle: If you are going to drive a motorcycle or moped you must have the following in mind: The law states that both the driver and passenger must wear a helmet. A passenger can be carried on suitable motorcycles/mopeds provided that he / she is over 12-years-old and sits astride the seat.
If you will be driving a motor vehicle during your stay, please note that a valid driving licence is required. Keep in mind the following: European citizens may drive using their country’s driving licence. Non-European visitors may drive using their country’s driving licence for a maximum period of 30 days or on a valid international driving licence.
In Cyprus, law enforcement officers are authorised to give on-the-spot fixed penalty fines. In certain cases where offences are not within the fixed penalty system, offenders receive a summons to court.

Individual limits and specific driving requirements:

For more information about driving in Cyprus please see the European Commission Road Safety Link - 'Going Abroad':