Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Republic of Cyprus issues full car insurance when you rent a car. The North also issues full insurance to cars rented
in the North, but has a special third-party insurance for cars coming in from the South.
THE ELUSIVE INSURANCE
Since the 2003 border-crossing changes, there has been a lot of talk of the North's car insurance, issued upon
entry from the Republic. And after all this talk, things are still as clear as mud. If you ask about the insurance, you
are likely to get numerous reactions and conflicting information. This is because the insurance 'law' concerning
vehicles and drivers from the South is full of holes and open to interpretation (mainly by the North's police
force).
When you enter the North by car (privately owned or rented) at any checkpoint, your own car insurance will
no longer be valid, and you will have to purchase Turkish car insurance. It is third-party cover insurance only, so
do check exactly (and the cost) that is covered should you be unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident
and whatever you do, do not move your car until a police report has been made.
If you're driving a rented car, keep in mind that, while the Republic's car-rental agencies have no objections to
you taking rented cars to the North (although they don't condone it), it's up to you to decide whether this risk is
worth taking. Establishing who is at fault in an accident can sometimes take a lot longer than you may think and
be subject to many twists and turns.
Turkish-owned cars crossing into the South have to get the standard insurance, similar to that in other EU
countries. At the time of research, the North's car-rental agencies did not allow taking rented cars into the Repub-
lic.
Road Rules
Blood-alcohol limit The legal limit is 0.009mg of alcohol per 100mL of blood. Random breath testing is carried out. If
you are found to be over the limit you can be fined and deprived of your licence.
Front seat belts Compulsory. Children under five years of age must not sit in the front seat.
Legal driving age for cars 21 (Republic), 18 (Northern Cyprus).
Legal driving age for motorcycles and scooters 18 (80cc and over) or 17 (50cc and under). A licence is required.
Motorcyclists Must use headlights at all times and wear a helmet if riding a bike of 125cc or more.
Road distances Posted in kilometres only. Road signs are in Greek and Latin script in the Republic of Cyprus; in North-
ern Cyprus, destinations are given in Turkish only.
Roundabouts (traffic circles) Vehicles already in the circle have the right of way.
Side of the road Drive on the left.
Speed limits In built-up areas, 50km/h, which increases to 80km/h on major roads and up to 100km/h on motorways.
Speed limits in the North are 100km/h on open roads and 50km/h in towns.
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