Cyprus (CY)
Cyprus is a Mediterranean island nation and EU member state situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa.
Driving in Cyprus
Licence exchange, road rules, fines, buying a car, and cycling.
Cyprus drives on the LEFT — a legacy of British colonial rule. This surprises many EU continental visitors. Vehicles have right-hand drive steering wheels. Roads are generally in good condition with a modern motorway network (A1–A6) connecting all major cities. A car is strongly recommended for daily life outside city centres. Driving culture is relaxed but can be unpredictable — local drivers use indicators inconsistently and sometimes ignore speed limits.
Driving Licence Exchange
EU/EEA licences are directly valid in Cyprus with no exchange required for the first 2 years of residence, then must be exchanged. UK licences are directly exchangeable since Brexit arrangements. Non-EU licences must be exchanged within 3 months of establishing Cyprus residence.
EU/EEA driving licences are valid in Cyprus for the term of their validity. After establishing residency, you may exchange for a Cyprus licence voluntarily or upon renewal. Submit to Department of Road Transport (Τμήμα Οδικών Μεταφορών — TOM) with passport, MEU1, and original licence.
No test required for EU licence exchange. Cyprus issues a right-hand-drive equivalent.
United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, USA, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, New Zealand
Countries with direct exchange agreements can exchange without a driving test. Submit to the Department of Road Transport with your passport, MEU1/ARC, original foreign licence, and applicable fee. Cyprus licence issued; original licence surrendered. Exchange typically takes 2–4 weeks.
UK licences have always been valid in Cyprus (left-hand drive legacy). For USA licences: note that some US states have their own state-level agreements — check with TOM. Verify your country's current status at the Department of Road Transport (transport.gov.cy).
Non-EU licences (except countries with specific bilateral agreements) must be exchanged within 3 months of establishing Cyprus residence. Most non-EU country holders must pass a theory test and practical driving test. Apply at the Department of Road Transport with passport, ARC, original licence and certified translation (if not in Greek or English).
Countries with direct exchange agreements (no test): Australia, Canada, USA (some states), Japan, South Korea — check Department of Road Transport for the current list. Without agreement: theory test + practical test required.
Road Rules
100 km/h on motorways (A1–A6). 80 km/h on dual carriageways and secondary roads outside built-up areas. 50 km/h in urban/built-up areas. 65 km/h on some rural roads where indicated. Speed cameras are present on motorways and urban arterials.
No autobahn equivalent. Maximum motorway speed: 100 km/h.
22 mg alcohol per 100 ml breath (0.22 mg/L breath equivalent — stricter than 0.5 g/L blood limit in many EU countries). Effectively zero tolerance for new drivers (under 2 years experience): 10 mg/100 ml. Roadside breathalyser checks are common, especially at night and on weekends.
Illegal to hold or use a mobile phone while driving. Hands-free is permitted. Fine: €150. Points added to licence.
Mandatory for all occupants including rear passengers. Fine for non-compliance: €150 per unbuckled passenger.
Children under 135 cm height or under 12 years old must use an appropriate child seat or booster. Children must not travel in the front seat if the rear is available.
No LEZ or ULEZ zones in Cyprus as of 2026. No emission sticker required.
Traffic Fines (Bußgeldkatalog)
Traffic fines in Cyprus are issued by the police on the spot or by post. Payment within 15 days results in a 50% reduction. Points are added to your licence for serious offences. Persistent violations or accumulation of 12+ points leads to licence suspension.
| Offence | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding (up to 20 km/h over limit) | €85 | 2 |
| Speeding (21–40 km/h over limit) | €150 | 4 |
| Speeding (over 40 km/h over limit) | €300+ | 6 |
| Using mobile phone while driving | €150 | 3 |
| Not wearing seatbelt (driver) | €150 | 3 |
| Running a red light | €300 | 4 |
| Drink driving (above limit) | €300–3,000+ | 6–12 |
| No insurance | €300 and vehicle impoundment | 6 |
| No valid road test (KTEO) | €150 | 2 |
| Parking illegally (disabled bay) | €150 | 0 |
Buying a Car
The Cypriot car market is well-supplied with both new and used vehicles. Right-hand drive vehicles are standard. Most European brands are available new through dealers. Used car market is large; Japanese imports (via UK) are common.
- 1.Find a vehicle (dealer, Bazaraki.com, AutoMoto.com.cy, or CarSale.com.cy)
- 2.Check vehicle history and ownership at Department of Lands and Surveys / Road Transport
- 3.Arrange insurance before driving (mandatory)
- 4.Complete transfer of ownership at Department of Road Transport — both seller and buyer present
- 5.Pay transfer tax and obtain new registration certificate
- •Verify the vehicle is not stolen (police check)
- •Check for outstanding finance or encumbrances
- •Verify KTEO (road test) certificate is valid
- •Check insurance history
Vehicle transfer tax: 0.5% of vehicle value. KTEO (MOT equivalent) test: €25–40. Registration: €50–100 depending on vehicle age and type.
Registration, Insurance & Tax
All vehicles must be registered with the Department of Road Transport (TOM). Proof of identity, insurance, and purchase documentation required. Annual road tax (τέλη κυκλοφορίας) paid to the Tax Department — varies by engine size: €10–500+/year. Foreign vehicles must be re-registered within 3 months of establishing Cyprus residence.
Third-party liability insurance is mandatory for all vehicles. Minimum coverage: personal injury and property damage to third parties. Insurance disc must be displayed on windscreen. Drive without insurance: criminal offence, €300 fine, vehicle impoundment.
Annual road tax varies by engine size. Example: 1400cc petrol car approximately €50–100/year. Paid online via TaxisNet or at Tax Department offices. Must be displayed on vehicle.
KTEO (Κεντρικό Τεχνικό Εργαστήριο Οχημάτων) — mandatory vehicle technical inspection. New cars: first test after 4 years. Then every 2 years. Private KTEO centres throughout Cyprus. Cost: €25–40. Failures for lighting, brakes, emissions, tyres. Without valid KTEO: fine and cannot tax vehicle.
Cycling
Cycling infrastructure is limited but improving. Flat coastal areas (Limassol seafront, Larnaca salt lake path, Paphos promenade) are popular for leisure cycling. Mountain biking is popular in the Troodos. Urban cycling is challenging due to heat and limited dedicated lanes.
- •Cyclists must use designated cycle lanes where provided
- •No cycling on pavements (unless designated)
- •Helmets not legally required for adults but strongly recommended
- •Front white light and rear red light required for night cycling
- •Hand signals required for turning
- •Avoid cycling in July and August — extreme heat (35°C+) makes outdoor cycling dangerous midday
- •Best months for cycling: October–April
- •E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to cars for commuting
- •Join local cycling clubs (e.g. Limassol Cycling Club) for social rides and route advice
- •Bazaraki.com has a good range of second-hand bicycles