Car hire and driving in Cyprus.

DRIVING IN CYPRUS

Cyprus follows the British driving system, so the drive wheel is located on the right hand side of the car instead of the left hand side that is the system Europe follows. Practically this means that if you come from a European country other than UK, you will drive the opposite way than in your country, following the left side of the street and overtaking cars the right side, changing gears with your left hand and so on.

Experience shows that this does not create any problems other than an hour or two of driving, in order to get used to it. Our streets are all kept in good condition and traffic signs are found everywhere. Cities are connected with highways of the highest standard.

"MINI" GUIDE TO DRIVERS

l	Traffic moves on the LEFT hand-side of the road, NOT on the right.
l	International road traffic signs are in use, and placed along the roads and highways, on the left hand-side.
l	Distances and road speed limits are posted in kilometres and kilometre-per hour (km/h) respectively.
l	The maximum speed limit on the motorways is 100 km/h and the lower speed limit is 65 km/h. On all other roads the general speed limit is 80 km/h, unless a lower one is indicated. In built-up areas generally the speed limit is 50km/h, unless a different one is indicated.
l	The use of front seat-belts is compulsory.
l	Children under the age of five MUST NOT, under any circumstances sit in the front passenger seat.
l	Children from five to ten years old may occupy the front passenger seat only if an appropriate child's seat belt has been fitted.
l	Rush hours in the towns are approximately between 07:30-08:00 / 13:00-13:30 and in late afternoon 17:00-18:00 in winter, or 18:00-19:00 in summer.
l	It is advisable to avoid, if possible, driving due West in the late afternoon, as the glare of the setting sun can be unpleasant and potentially dangerous.
l	Because of the sometimes intense brightness of the clear Mediterranean sky, drivers are advised to wear sunglasses.
	DRIVING WITH ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION ABOVE THE PRESCRIBED LIMIT
l	Driving or being in charge of a motor vehicle or pedal cycle with alcohol concentration in breath or blood above the prescribed limit, is an offence.
l	The prescribed limit in breath is 39 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. The prescribed limit in blood is 90 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.

State of the art infrastructure The center of Pafos town