Driving in Cyprus: road rules, roundabouts and priority (2026)

Cyprus drives on the left, in right-hand-drive cars. If you learned to drive on the right, the rules that catch people out are roundabouts, right turns and priority at junctions. This guide explains them, plus overtaking, motorways and bad weather, for learners and for anyone driving here for the first time.

Last checked: 19 October 2026, against the Road Transport Department's Highway Code (Κώδικας Οδικής Κυκλοφορίας), the Road Safety Law on CyLaw and the Cyprus Police road safety leaflet for visitors. Signs and road markings always take priority over the general rules below.

Which side of the road do you drive on in Cyprus?

On the left. Cars are right-hand drive, so you sit on the right and, in a manual car, change gear with your left hand.

• Keep left and overtake on the right.
• Roundabouts go clockwise. You enter by turning left and give way to traffic coming from your right.
• Turning right crosses the oncoming traffic, so it is the turn that needs the most care.
• Pedestrians look right first, then left, before crossing.

If you are used to driving on the right, the risky moments are pulling out of a car park, turning onto an empty road and leaving a roundabout. In all three, your habit pulls you to the wrong side. Say "keep left" out loud for the first few days.

Who has priority at a roundabout?

Traffic already on the roundabout, coming from your right. The Highway Code says you must always give way to it (Regulation 66ΙΕ(1)(a) of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Regulations).

As you approach:

• choose your exit early and read the signs and lane arrows,
• signal in good time,
• get into the right lane for your exit,
• slow down and watch the traffic around you.

On the roundabout, watch out for:

• pedestrians crossing at the entries and exits,
• drivers who signal wrongly or do not signal at all,
• drivers changing lanes or in the wrong lane,
• motorcycles and bicycles,
• long vehicles, which may need both lanes to get round.

Which lane to use at a roundabout

This is the Highway Code's general rule for roundabouts with two entry lanes:

• First exit (turning left). Signal left as you approach, enter in the left lane, stay in the left (outer) lane and keep signalling left as you leave.

• Straight on. No signal as you approach. Enter in the left lane, or the right lane if the left one is busy, stay in that lane and signal left once you pass the exit before yours.

• Turning right, or going back the way you came. Signal right, enter in the right lane, stay in the right (inner) lane until you near your exit and signal left once you pass the exit before yours.

• Arrows and signs win. If lane arrows on the road or a sign show different lanes, follow them.

• Leaving into a single lane. If your exit has only one lane, give way to vehicles in the left (outer) lane as you leave.

• Mini roundabouts follow the same rules. Drive round the painted island if your vehicle can. At a double mini roundabout, treat each one separately and give way to traffic from your right at both.

Who has priority at junctions?

• STOP sign. You must stop behind the line, even if the road looks clear.
• Give way sign or markings. Give way to traffic on the road you are joining.
• Turning right. Give way to oncoming vehicles going straight on or turning left. Position your car just left of the middle of the road, or in the right-turn lane where there is one.
• No signs, lights or markings. The vehicle on the main road and the vehicle coming from your right have priority. The same applies when traffic lights flash amber.
• Pedestrian crossings. Give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing. At a flashing amber light on a pedestrian crossing, stop if someone is crossing.
• Emergency vehicles. When you hear a siren or see blue lights, move to the left edge of the road, or off it, without putting anyone at risk.

You can learn the stop, give way, priority road and roundabout signs in the road signs library.

Overtaking and lane discipline

• Overtake on the right, then move back to the left without cutting in on the vehicle you passed.
• Give cyclists and motorcyclists as much room as you would give a car.
• Never cross a continuous white line. It costs €150 and 2 penalty points.
• Big vehicles. Before overtaking a lorry, drop back so you can see the road ahead, then pass quickly. Do not stay alongside it, where the driver cannot see you.

Motorway rules

• Keep to the left lane. Use the right lane only to overtake, when the left lane is not free, or to make room for a vehicle joining.
• Joining. You join from a slip road on the left. Match your speed to the traffic and give way to vehicles already on the motorway.
• Speed. The limit is 100 km/h and the minimum is 65 km/h. Our guide to speed and alcohol limits has the limits for every road.
• Stopping. You may not stop or park on a motorway except in an emergency.
• Learners may not use motorways, except with an instructor during a lesson or on the test.

Seat belts, phones and children

• Seat belts are compulsory in the front and the back.
• Phones may be used only hands-free. Holding one while driving costs €150 and 2 points.
• Children under 150 cm need a suitable child seat, with an exception for the back seat from 135 cm.

The details, including the rules for rear-facing seats and taxis, are in our guide to child seats, seat belts and phones.

Rain, fog and lights

• Rain. Stopping distances are at least double those on a dry road, so leave a bigger gap.
• Fog. Use dipped headlights and slow down. Use fog lights only when visibility is seriously reduced, and switch them off once it improves, because they dazzle other drivers.
• Motorcycles and mopeds must have the headlight on during the day too.
• Hot summers. Very high temperatures can soften the asphalt and make it slippery. Check your tyres before long trips.

Fines, alcohol and accidents

Most traffic offences come with a fixed fine and penalty points. See our guide to traffic fines and penalty points for the full list, and the speed and alcohol limits guide for the drink-drive limits. Learners and drivers in their first three years have a much lower alcohol limit.

After an accident, call 112 or 199.

How these rules come up in your test

The theory exam is oral: the examiner shows you road signs and you say what they mean. Stop, give way, roundabout and priority signs are part of it, so learn them with the free road signs test. Our guide to how the theory exam works explains the day itself.

On the practical test you drive through real junctions and roundabouts, so lane choice and giving way matter there. Check yourself on roundabouts, priority, motorways and more with the free rules test.

Since 14 September 2026 you need at least 10 lessons at a licensed driving school before the practical test. Find a school near you:

Frequently asked questions

Which side of the road do they drive on in Cyprus?

On the left. Cars are right-hand drive, you overtake on the right, and roundabouts go clockwise.

Who has priority at a roundabout in Cyprus?

Traffic already on the roundabout, coming from your right. You must always give way to it before you enter.

Which lane should I use at a roundabout in Cyprus?

For the first exit, use the left lane. To turn right or go back the way you came, use the right lane. To go straight on, use the left lane, or the right one if the left is busy. Lane arrows and signs override this.

Who has priority at a junction with no signs?

The vehicle on the main road and the vehicle coming from your right. When you turn right, give way to oncoming traffic going straight on or turning left.

Is there a Highway Code in Cyprus?

Yes. The Road Transport Department publishes the Cyprus Highway Code (Κώδικας Οδικής Κυκλοφορίας, or ΚΟΚ) in Greek. It explains the rules of the road and the signs.

Can I use my phone while driving in Cyprus?

Only with a hands-free device. Holding a phone while driving costs €150 and 2 penalty points, and both double if you do it again within three years.