Cyprus, officially the Republic of Cyprus, is an island country in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Although it is geographically located in West Asia, its cultural identity and geopolitical make-up are overwhelmingly Southeast European. It is the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean. It is located southeast of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon, northwest of Israel and Palestine, and north of Egypt. Its capital and largest city is Nicosia. Cyprus hosts the British-controlled military bases Akrotiri and Dhekelia, whilst the northeast portion of the island is de facto governed by the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is separated from the Republic of Cyprus by the United Nations Buffer Zone.
Rides
Riding in Cyprus
It is also worth printing off the Constat Amiable D’accident Automobile, which is used across numerous and other countries (the downloadable one on our website has English as well as French).
Most of the motorbike rental companies give you a map, however Tenerife is that small it does not really matter if you get lost or not and mobile phone signal is good throughout the island.
Documents for driving in Cyprus
- A valid, full UK driving licence (you must also be 18 or over)
- Your motor insurance certificate
- The V5 registration document for your own car or the hire car paperwork for a rental
Do I need a GB or UK sticker for riding in the Republic of Cyprus?
Since 28th September 2021, the distinguishing mark (or national identifier) displayed on vehicles registered in the United Kingdom that are driven abroad has changed from GB to UK.
This means that vehicles registered in the UK must display the letters “UK” when driven in Cyprus.
In Cyprus, the sticker must be visible no matter what is on your number plate.
Packing checklist for riding in Cyprus
Aside from the documents above, there are some legally-required items you must bring with you to drive in Cyprus.
Unless your headlights can be adjusted, it’s a legal requirement to carry headlamp converters (stickers for your headlights when driving on the right, so your lights don’t dazzle motorists coming the other way).
A warning triangle is also compulsory to carry in vehicles in case of a breakdown.
It’s also recommended to have:
- Spare bulbs for your car’s external lights
- A fire extinguisher
- A first-aid kit
- A reflective jacket
Rules of the road in Cyprus
When riding in Cyprus there are rules that you must be aware of:
- Use dipped headlights during the daytime all year round and on all roads
- Make sure everyone in the car wears a seat belt at all times
- Wear a crash helmet if you’re riding a motorcycle or moped
- Use headlights between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise
- Ensure your car is covered by third-party insurance recognised in Cyprus. This is the legal minimum cover for visitors, so check with your provider before you travel
- In Cyprus, you drive on the left and overtake on the right, as you do in the UK, so it should make the experience easier for UK-based drivers
- Horns should only be used in emergency situations when an audible warning is required to prevent an accident. It’s prohibited to use your horn between 2200 and 0600 and near hospitals
- If you’re caught committing a minor driving offence while travelling through Cyprus, you could be given an on-the-spot fine of up to €85
- The drink-drive limit for all drivers is 0.05%. Random tests can be carried out regardless of whether grounds for suspicion
Cypriot speed limits
Speed limits vary depending on the type and location of the road. In built-up areas, the speed limit is 50 km/h and on country roads it’s 65 km/h. On national roads, the speed limit is 80 km/h and on motorways the minimum is 65 km/h and the maximum is 100 km/h.
Radar detectors are prohibited and if they are part of your vehicle’s satellite navigation system they must be deactivated.
Clothing
When in Tenerife, I rented a jacket from the motorbike rental shop, its usually 5E for 24 hours. However I do take my own bike jeans, lightweight summer gloves and sturdy bike boots (trainer style).
See our fly ride equipment guide here.
Where to rent a motorbike
Always book with a reputable company. The required documents vary between rental companies, but generally, you can rent a small motorcycle with an engine capacity of 125cc with a car license B class or any moto license A1/A2/A category. For all other types of motorcycles with an engine capacity above 125cc, a full A (moto) license is required. However, some rental companies may only allow renting mopeds and scooters up to 80cc if you hold a provisional license.
Please note, this page was correct when written in February 2025.