Driving in Cyprus as a tourist: drive on the left, speed and alcohol limits, phones, seatbelts, from official Cyprus sources. Plus what you need to rent with us.
Short answer: in Cyprus you drive on the left. The motorway limit is 100 km/h (minimum 65 km/h), 80 km/h on other inter-urban and rural roads and 50 km/h in built-up areas unless signs say otherwise. Hand-held phones are banned, seatbelts are compulsory in the front and back, and the alcohol limit is 22 µg per 100 ml of breath (lower for drivers who have held a licence for less than 3 years). [S1][S2]
| Rule | What it says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Side of the road | Drive on the LEFT, like in the UK. | [S1], [S2] p. 9 |
| Motorways | Maximum 100 km/h, minimum 65 km/h. Keep to the left lane; use the right lane only to overtake, when the left lane is not free, or to let a vehicle join. No stopping or parking on motorways. | [S1], [S2] p. 3, 9 |
| Other roads | Inter-urban and rural roads: 80 km/h unless posted. Built-up areas: 50 km/h unless posted. A lower posted limit always applies. | [S1], [S2] p. 4 |
| Alcohol | Limit: 22 µg of alcohol per 100 ml of breath, or 50 mg per 100 ml of blood. Drivers who have held a licence for less than 3 years (and some other groups): 9 µg per 100 ml of breath, or 20 mg per 100 ml of blood. | [S2] p. 6 |
| Phones | Hand-held mobile phones are banned while driving; hands-free only. | [S1], [S2] p. 8 |
| Seatbelts and children | Seatbelts are compulsory in the front and back seats. Use EU-approved child restraints suited to the child's size (Deputy Ministry of Tourism guide). | [S2] p. 8, 11 |
| Warning triangles | Drivers must carry two red warning triangles and place one behind the car after a breakdown or collision (6 m in built-up areas, 50 m outside, including motorways). | [S2] p. 10 |
| Horn | Use it only when necessary; not in residential areas except in an emergency. | [S2] p. 9 |
| Pets | Animals should travel in cages or boxes made for the purpose. | [S2] p. 11 |
| If the police stop you | Show your driving licence and the car's documents (registration, insurance, roadworthiness, circulation licence). | [S2] p. 10 |
| Speeding fines | See our guide to speed cameras and fines in Cyprus (official Road Safety Council table). | Road Safety Council |
| Emergencies | Call 112 or 199. | [S2] p. 12 |
Official rules can change: we link the sources below so you can check them.
On the left. Cyprus drives on the left side of the road, like the UK. All Layth Rent a Car cars are automatic.
On motorways the maximum is 100 km/h and the minimum 65 km/h. On other inter-urban and rural roads the limit is 80 km/h, and in built-up areas 50 km/h, unless signs show a different limit. Source: Road Safety Cyprus FAQ (checked 19 October 2026) and the Deputy Ministry of Tourism driving guide.
22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 ml of breath, or 50 mg per 100 ml of blood. Drivers who have held a licence for less than 3 years have a lower limit: 9 micrograms per 100 ml of breath. Source: Deputy Ministry of Tourism, A guide to driving in Cyprus.
Not with an EU or UK licence: an EU licence needs your licence + ID card or passport, and a UK licence is accepted without an international permit (passport + driving licence). Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland licence: International Driving Permit (1949) required. Any other licence: passport + driving licence + international driving permit (IDP).
Call 112 or 199 if anyone is hurt or the road is blocked. Then call Layth Rent a Car's 24/7 roadside assistance on +357 94004999.
Yes, crossing to the North is allowed with Layth Rent a Car. Our insurance covers the Republic of Cyprus only, so you buy North insurance yourself at the crossing point.
