Cyprus Fines a Red Light EUR 300 in 2026, Plus Points

A red light in Cyprus costs EUR 300 and four penalty points, one of the steeper fixed fines on the island. Traffic keeps to the left, so visitors from mainland Europe need to adjust at roundabouts. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, well under many home-country limits.

Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05% BAC. You must be at least 18 to drive.

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Unlike neighboring Portugal, Cyprus drives on the left — take extra care if crossing the border.

Emergency Numbers in Cyprus

General Emergency: 112 | Police: 112

Save these numbers before you start driving. In Cyprus, emergency calls are free from any phone.

Speed Limits in Cyprus

The default speed limits for passenger cars in Cyprus are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways.

Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 50 km/h urban, 70 km/h rural, and 80 km/h on motorways.

For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Portugal (120 km/h).

Important: Posted signs always override default limits. Watch for temporary restrictions in construction zones, near schools, and in residential areas.

Speeding Fines and Penalties

Speeding fines in Cyprus escalate based on how far you exceed the limit. Exceeding by up to 10 km/h: EUR 50-100. Exceeding by 11-20 km/h: EUR 150-250 + 3 penalty points. Over 20 km/h: EUR 300-500 + 4 penalty points + licence suspension or more.

Other common fines:

• Mobile phone use while driving: EUR 85 + 1 penalty point
• Running a red light: EUR 300 + 4 penalty points
• Seatbelt violation: EUR 85

Traffic Rules and Regulations

Drive on the left side of the road. Overtake on the right. At roundabouts, traffic flows clockwise — give way to vehicles already in the roundabout.

Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraint systems based on their age and height.

Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal. The fine is EUR 85 + 1 penalty point. Use hands-free devices only.

Daytime running lights are required in most situations. Dipped headlights must be used in tunnels, rain, and reduced visibility.

Priority at intersections follows posted signs. When no signs are present, yield to traffic from the right.

Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits

The legal blood alcohol limit in Cyprus is 0.05% BAC. This is stricter than Malta (0.08% BAC). Exceeding this limit results in fines, licence suspension, and possible criminal charges. For novice drivers and professional drivers, stricter limits may apply.

The safest approach is to not drink at all if you will be driving. Alcohol affects reaction time and judgement regardless of the legal limit.

Tyre Requirements and Regulations

Check local requirements for tyre regulations in Cyprus. At minimum, tyres must be in good condition and suitable for the road surface.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm. Safety experts recommend replacing tyres at 3.0 mm for adequate grip.

Studded tyres are prohibited in Cyprus.

For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Cyprus guide.

Mandatory Vehicle Equipment

Vehicles in Cyprus must carry the following:

Required:

• Warning triangle

Recommended:

• Reflective vest (high-visibility)
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Spare bulbs

Keep all equipment accessible — not buried under luggage. Police may check during routine stops.

Driving License Requirements

EU and EEA driving licences are valid in Cyprus without additional documentation. Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted. Your foreign licence is valid for up to 12 months.

The minimum driving age is 18 years.

EU/EEA licences valid. IDP recommended for non-EU visitors.

Parking and Fuel

City-centre parking in Cyprus is typically paid — use parking meters, ticket machines, or mobile payment apps. Look for P+R (park and ride) facilities on the outskirts connected to public transport.

Current fuel prices in Cyprus: petrol approximately $1.48/litre, diesel $1.52/litre (USD). Prices vary by region and station.

Most fuel stations accept major credit and debit cards. In rural areas, keep your tank above half — stations may be far apart.

Seasonal Driving Conditions

Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers. Summer temperatures can exceed 40°C — carry water, use air conditioning, and take breaks to avoid fatigue. Sun glare is a significant hazard; quality sunglasses are essential.

Winter is mild in coastal areas but mountain roads may see snow and ice. Check conditions before mountain driving in winter.

Practical Driving Tips for Cyprus

• If switching from right-hand traffic, concentrate on turns and roundabouts — these are where most mistakes happen.
• Download offline maps of Cyprus before your trip — mobile signal can be unreliable on rural roads.
• Check if you need a motorway vignette (toll sticker) or an environmental zone sticker for city driving.
• Take a break every 2 hours on long drives. Fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents.
• Use our interactive tools on this page — compare rules with your home country and calculate potential fines before you set off.