North Cyprus Safe Driving Tips

No matter where you live or where you drive, following the rules of the road is imperative to staying safe. In North Cyprus, you drive on the left hand side of the road just as if you were driving in the United Kingdom. As a matter of fact, many of the laws that govern driving in North Cyprus are the same or similar to those in the U.K. The roads in North Cyprus have been improved over the years, and the new carriageway makes driving through the country a breeze.

However, there are a few quirks that Cypriot’s have when they drive that you should be aware of. Standard driving safety rules apply, but here are few things that you should keep in mind to help you stay safe on the roads.

•The speed limit in North Cyprus is a minimum of 65km to a maximum of 100km. Most drivers go about 120km and tailgating is a popular and very dangerous ‘sport’ over there. Keeping it between the minimum and maximum speed limits is a good idea.
•Seat belts and understanding the Highway Code is required.
•Do not take the flashing of headlights as an invitation to turn or go first through an intersection. In North Cyprus it means ‘I’m coming through’.
•Don’t always trust turn signal indicators as many times Cypriot drivers forget to turn it off.
•The orange light at the traffic light before the red light usually indicates to Cypriot drivers that they should speed up and not slow down.
•Try to keep your cool if you are in a narrow road in town and the car in front of you and one going the other way decide to stop and chat. This is part of the laid back Cypriot life.
•Do not jump the lights even if you see someone else doing it. Cameras have been installed and you will get fined for doing it.
•Beware making a right hand turn in North Cyprus if you are not used to driving on the left hand side of the road.
•Watch out for cars going to the wrong way on a one way street as you’ll get the response of ‘I was only going one way’.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR RENTAL AGREEMENT

When hiring a vehicle from Pacific, the ‘Rental Agreement’ forms your legally binding contact with us as the vehicle owner.

Firstly, it is important to point out that the copy of this agreement that is given to you should be retained in the vehicle at all times and produced if requested by the Police or local authorities. You should also carry your Driving License with you whenever you are driving the vehicle.

If you decide to extend your period of hire, you should visit our office to obtain new documentation to cover the extended period.

You should ensure that you read the rental agreement thoroughly to ensure you fully understand the conditions of rental.

The Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

This cover is automatically included in the price you have been quoted for your hire and ensures that you are exempt from any kind of damage caused by accident. You should note however that this agreement excludes: tyres, mirrors (internal & external), internal accessories, sunroof and other roof mechanisms, windows, lights and oil sump, theft and fire damage.

Mobile Phone Use While Driving Is A No-No

Using a mobile phone while driving in North Cyprus – and pretty much anywhere in the world lately – is prohibited by law unless you are using what is referred to as a ‘hands free’ unit. A hands free unit could be a headset plugged into the mobile phone that allows you to keep both hands on the wheel or even a blue tooth wireless headset that works the same way. Anything that allows you to drive down the road with both hands available is acceptable.
You have probably seen many people driving down the road holding onto their mobile phone and chattering away without a care in the road. You could even be guilty of doing it yourself. While some countries want to ban mobile phone use in a vehicle all together because it is considered a distraction, they would have to consider banning listening to the radio or talking with other passengers as well. All of these things can be considered distractions, but trying to ban them is next to impossible.
If you are going to use your mobile phone while driving, do it safely. Try to only use it for a brief moment so that your concentration isn’t divided for very long. Always use a hands free method of talking. If you do not have a head set for your mobile phone, you could place your phone on speakerphone for the length of time your need to speak. Holding your mobile phone and speaking while driving is not worth the fine you will receive if you are pulled over by the authorities.

Don’t Drink And Drive In North Cyprus

The hazards of drinking and driving are known all over the world and it is one of the worst things anyone can do. If you are under the influence of alcohol, your judgment is impaired. This means that you could be driving too fast, driving too close to another car, even driving on the wrong side of the road especially if you’re not used to left hand side traffic patterns. If you are going to drink, make sure you have a designated driver or call a taxi instead of getting behind the wheel and causing injury or death to yourself or anyone else that could be with you or part of the accident.
In North Cyprus, it is illegal to drive a car, motorbike, or even pedal bike under the influence of alcohol. You are considered driving drunk if:
• The breath/alcohol level equals or exceeds 39 microgram’s of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath
• The blood/alcohol level equals or exceeds 90 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood (0,9 grams per liter)


Use a designated driver. Or, better yet, you be the designated driver and enjoy your drink when you get back to your accommodations safe and sound.