Key Takeaways
- Cyprus drives on the LEFT — a legacy of British rule, and a surprise for visitors from mainland Europe.
- Distances and speeds are in kilometres; motorways are the fastest roads and town limits are much lower.
- Seatbelts are compulsory, handheld phone use is banned, and the drink-drive tolerance is low.
- EU licences are fine; non-EU drivers should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their licence.
- Mountain and village roads are narrow and winding — slow down, and always confirm current limits and penalties before you travel.
Cyprus is one of the easiest places in the Mediterranean to explore by car. The island is compact, the motorways are modern, and within a single day you can drive from a coastal town up into pine-covered mountains and back. But a few things catch newcomers off guard — chief among them that Cyprus drives on the left. Whether you are hiring a car for a holiday or settling in for the long term, a little preparation makes the roads feel familiar fast. Here is a practical, honest run-through of the rules, habits and quirks worth knowing, with a reminder to confirm the current official limits before you set off.
What to Know Before You Drive
1. They drive on the LEFT
Cyprus keeps to the left, with the driver seated on the right. If you have only ever driven on the right, give yourself the first day to adjust — roundabouts, in particular, run clockwise and you give way to traffic coming from your right. The first few junctions feel strange; by the afternoon it is second nature.
2. Licences: EU vs non-EU and the IDP
If you hold a full EU or EEA licence, you can drive in Cyprus on it. Drivers from outside the EU are generally fine for short visits but should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their home licence, as car-hire firms and police may ask for it. If you move here long term, check whether and when you need to exchange your licence for a Cypriot one — the rules differ by country, so confirm your situation with the official authorities.
3. Speed limits and signs (km/h)
Everything is metric: distances in kilometres, speeds in km/h. Motorways carry the highest limits (around 100 km/h), open roads sit lower, and built-up areas lower still — often around 50 km/h in towns and less near schools. Signs follow international conventions and many also appear in Greek and English on main routes. Treat these figures as a general guide and read the posted signs, which always take priority — and confirm the current official limits before you rely on them.
4. Seatbelts, phones and alcohol
Seatbelts are compulsory for everyone in the car, and young children need an appropriate child seat. Using a handheld phone while driving is illegal — use a hands-free setup or pull over. Cyprus enforces a low drink-drive limit and runs roadside breath tests, so the safest approach is simply not to drink before driving. Penalties for these offences can be significant, so check the current rules and thresholds, which are periodically updated.
5. Mountain and rural roads
The drive up into the Troodos mountains is one of the best in Cyprus, but the roads are narrow, steep and full of switchbacks. Take the bends slowly, sound your horn on blind corners, and use a low gear on long descents rather than riding the brakes. In winter, higher routes can see snow and ice. Village lanes are often single-track, so be ready to reverse to a passing point and wave a thank-you — courtesy goes a long way here.
6. Parking and town driving
Old-town streets in Nicosia, Limassol and Paphos are tight, one-way and busy, so a smaller hire car pays off. Look for marked municipal car parks and pay-and-display bays; watch for lines and signs that restrict parking, and avoid blocking narrow lanes. Many towns offer cheap or free parking just outside the centre, which is often faster than circling for a space — confirm local parking rules on the signs you see.
7. What to watch for
Local driving can be assertive — expect close following and the odd impatient overtake, and leave a generous gap. Watch for goats, sheep and stray dogs on rural roads, and for cyclists on coastal routes at weekends. Summer brings sudden heat and glare, so carry water and sunglasses; rare winter downpours can flood dips quickly. Fuel up before long mountain stretches, where stations are sparse, and keep your hire-car paperwork and emergency triangle to hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which side of the road does Cyprus drive on?
Cyprus drives on the left, with the driver seated on the right side of the car. This is a legacy of British administration and differs from most of mainland Europe. Give yourself a little time to adjust to roundabouts and junctions on your first day.
Can I drive in Cyprus on my home licence?
Full EU and EEA licences are valid in Cyprus. Visitors from outside the EU can usually drive on a valid home licence for a short stay but should carry an International Driving Permit as well. If you relocate long term, check whether you need to exchange your licence with the official authorities.
What are the speed limits in Cyprus?
Speeds are posted in km/h. Motorways carry the highest limits (around 100 km/h), with lower limits on open roads and lower still in towns (often around 50 km/h). Always follow the posted signs, which take priority, and confirm the current official limits before you travel.
How strict are the drink-driving rules?
Cyprus enforces a low blood-alcohol limit and carries out roadside breath tests, with significant penalties for offences. The thresholds and fines are updated from time to time, so the safest approach is not to drink at all before driving, and to confirm the current limits if in doubt.
Is it easy to drive in the Troodos mountains?
The mountain roads are scenic but narrow and winding, with steep gradients and tight bends. Drive slowly, use a low gear on descents, and be ready for single-track village lanes. In winter, higher routes can have snow or ice, so check conditions before heading up.
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