🇨🇾2026 Edition

The Ultimate Guide to Driving in Cyprus

Whether you are a visitor renting a car or a new resident, understanding the local traffic laws is essential. Cyprus employs a strict penalty point system and an extensive network of automated cameras to enforce road safety.

Drive on the LeftSpeed cameras on motorwaysStrict alcohol limits112 Emergency

The Basics

Driving Side: You drive on the left side of the road and overtake on the right.

Roundabouts: Vehicles approaching from the right (those already on the roundabout) have priority.

Unmarked Junctions: Vehicles coming from the right generally have the right of way.

Headlights: Must be on from 30 minutes before sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. Motorcycles must have daytime running lights on at all times.

Speed Limits & Enforcement

Speed limits are posted in km/h and strictly enforced by police patrols, mobile vans, fixed cameras, and average-speed cameras on motorways.

Road Type	Max Limit	Min Limit	Enforcement Tolerance
Motorways	100 km/h	65 km/h	20% — fines start at 121 km/h
National / Rural Roads	80 km/h	—	20% — fines start at 97 km/h
Country Roads	65 km/h	—	10% + 2 km/h — fines start at 74 km/h
Urban / Built-up Areas	50 km/h	—	10% + 2 km/h — fines start at 58 km/h

Traffic Lights & Filter Arrows

Traffic lights with secondary directional arrows (filter arrows) are common in Cyprus. Understanding them is critical to avoiding heavy fines.

Green Arrow ON: You have the absolute right of way to turn. Oncoming traffic has a red light.

Green Arrow OFF + Main Light GREEN: You can still turn. Move past the stop line, yield to oncoming traffic, and complete your turn when safe.

Clearing the Intersection: If you cross the stop line legally on green but get stuck, the light may turn red. You are legally allowed to complete your turn — cameras will not fine you.

The 3-Second Grace Period: When a green filter arrow turns off, there is a 3-second grace period. Cross within this window while the main light is still green and you will not trigger a ticket.

Green Arrow OFF + Main Light RED: Stop behind the line. Crossing will instantly trigger the cameras.

Red Light Cameras — Tiered Fines (March 2026)

A strict tiered fine system is in place depending on how far your vehicle travels past the stop line.

Violation Severity	Fine	Penalty Points
Crossing the mandatory stop line	€250	—
Entering the pedestrian crossing	€85	3
Entering the intersection itself	€300	3

Seatbelts & Child Safety

Seatbelts: Mandatory for all passengers in both front and back seats.

Child Restraints: Children under 12 or shorter than 150 cm must use an EU-certified child restraint appropriate for their height and weight.

Front Seat Rules: Rear-facing baby seats are strictly prohibited in the front seat unless the passenger airbag is completely deactivated.

Booster Seats: Required if the standard adult seatbelt does not sit properly across the chest and lap without crossing the neck.

Alcohol Limits

Cyprus conducts frequent random breath tests. The limits are strict and repeat offenders face immediate license revocation.

Standard Limit: 0.05% BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) or 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 ml of breath.

Novice Drivers & Motorcyclists: A stricter limit of 9 micrograms applies to those with less than 3 years of driving experience.

Strict Prohibitions

Mobile Phones: Holding a phone is strictly illegal (fines €150–€300). Upgraded cameras now automatically detect phone usage.

Eating & Drinking: Technically illegal — even drinking water. The law requires both hands on the wheel at all times.

Smoking: Illegal in a private vehicle if any passenger is under 16 years old. Fine: €300.

Parking on Yellow Lines: Double yellow = parking and waiting permanently prohibited. Single yellow = loading/unloading only, no parking.

Unnecessary Honking: Using your horn in residential areas is prohibited unless it is an absolute emergency.

Required Documents & Equipment

Valid Driving Licence: EU and UK licences are fully valid. Non-EU visitors can drive for up to 30 days but may require an International Driving Permit.

Vehicle Registration: If renting, your rental agreement and a copy of the registration are sufficient.

Valid Insurance Certificate: Third-party liability is the legal minimum.

Warning Triangles: Compulsory to carry two red warning triangles for use during a breakdown or emergency.

Emergency Contact: Dial 112 for all emergency services (Police, Ambulance, Fire).

Camera Fines: Fines are sent by post (or to your rental company who forwards them). Fines can be paid online at JCCsmart.com.

Important Disclaimer

This guide is provided for informational purposes only and reflects traffic laws as of 2026. Laws and fines may change. Always refer to the official Cyprus Road Transport Department for the most up-to-date regulations. Z&G Rental accepts no liability for actions taken based on this guide.

Ready to explore Cyprus?

Rent a car from Z&G Rental Paphos

Browse Our Fleet Book Now