DRIVING IN CYPRUS

Cyprus has had a long association with Britain and it is a popular destination for holidaymakers as well as having a large ex-pat community. Since 1974 Cyprus has been divided in two: the southern Republic of Cyprus is joining the EU in May 2004, while the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus is not recognised by the British Government. Recent improvements in relations between the two halves mean that it is possible for tourists to make day trips from South to North across the Atilla Line (known as the Green Line in Nicosia).

Hire cars

Cyprus drives on the left which makes life easier for British tourists who wish to hire a car. Numberplates on hire cars start with a Z, which can make them a target for thieves, so keep valuables hidden and remove them when the car is unattended. Hire cars can be taken from South to North Cyprus for the day, but this will invalidate your insurance. Goods purchased in the North may be confiscated at the checkpoint on returning to the South.

Driving conditions

Place names are usually given in both Greek and English, but signposting can be erratic so a map is a good idea. Major roads, including motorways, are well surfaced but minor roads can be rough and heavily potholed. All speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour. On entering a built-up area the speed limit automatically drops to 50kph, and this is indicated by the sign marked Katikomi Periokhf.

North Cyprus

Roads here tend to be less well maintained. Speed limits are the same as in the South. Signs are mostly in English. Take care when driving around military vehicles, and keep clear of the buffer zone either side of the Atilla Line.

Hiring a car is a good way to explore the picturesque countryside of Cyprus 

Speed limits	Urban	Open road	Motorway
Car	50 kph	80 kph	100 kph
Towing	50 kph	80 kph	100 kph
Traffic regulations
Essential equipment	Warning triangle
Minimum driving age	18 years
Drink-drive limit	90mg alcohol per 100ml blood
Child in front seat	Min 5 years
Seat Belt	Compulsory in front and rear seats
Motorcyclists	Must wear crash helmet and use headlamp at all times
Emergency telephone numbers
Police	112 or 199
Fire	112 or 199
Ambulance	112 or 199

Extracted from Haynes Glovebox guide DRIVING ABROAD by Robert Davies. This authoritive guide provides a wealth of information on all aspects of driving abroad. Order from www.haynes.co.uk