North Cyprus Left-Hand Traffic Driving Guide

# North Cyprus Left-Hand Traffic Driving Guide North Cyprus drives on the **left**, the same as the UK and the Republic of Ireland. If you are arriving from a country where you drive on the right, do not panic — most visitors adapt within an hour. This guide covers everything you need: roundabouts, junctions, road signs, speed limits, fuel, parking and the common mistakes tourists make. ## The fundamentals - Keep **left** at all times. The driver's seat is on the right side of the car. - At roundabouts, **give way to traffic coming from your right** and circulate clockwise. - Overtake only on the **right-hand side** of the vehicle you are passing. - The rear-view mirror is on your left; the gear lever is on your left. ## Speed limits - Built-up areas (towns, villages): **50 km/h** - Open roads: **80 km/h** - Dual carriageways (e.g. Nicosia–Kyrenia, Famagusta–Iskele): **100 km/h** Police speed checks are frequent on the Kyrenia–Famagusta coastal road and around Ercan Airport. Fines must be paid in cash at a police station. ## Junctions and roundabouts Most junctions outside city centres are roundabouts. Three rules: 1. Indicate **left** when leaving the roundabout at the next exit. 2. Indicate **right** when going past 12 o'clock. 3. No indication for going straight on (first or second exit). Hold the inside lane until you indicate left to exit. ## Road conditions Main routes between cities are well maintained. Village roads can be narrow with sharp bends and free-roaming goats — drive at **40 km/h** through villages and use the horn lightly before blind corners. ## Fuel Petrol stations are abundant and most accept GBP cash, credit cards and contactless. Average price: around **£1.10–1.20 per litre** for unleaded 95. Fill up before heading into the Karpaz peninsula — stations beyond Yenierenkoy are scarce. ## Parking - City centres charge **£0.50–1.00 per hour** at municipal car parks. - Beach car parks are usually free. - Never park on yellow lines or in front of fire-station entrances. ## Common tourist mistakes - **Turning into the wrong lane** when exiting a car park. Always look right first. - **Forgetting the indicator stalk is on the left** (wipers go on by mistake). - **Misjudging the kerb** on the passenger side. Take it slow for the first day. ## Emergency numbers - Police: **155** - Ambulance: **112** - Fire: **199** - Roadside assistance: included with all KKTC Rental bookings (24/7). Drive defensively, stay below the limit at night (poor lighting on rural roads) and you will have a relaxed week behind the wheel.