The standard of driving in Cyprus is generally poor.
Some people may use stronger adjectives and sometimes not without cause.
Traffic Lights
Traffic lights are operated on a timer, not on demand by traffic monitoring equipment. The wait can appear lengthy. This causes frustration to drivers who may well jump the lights. Failing to comply with the red light is a common occurrence.
Do not assume that if your light is green it is safe to go. Always treat traffic light controlled junctions with extreme caution.
Junctions
An inability of drivers to accurately judge speed of approaching vehicles and poor judgment, often manifests itself by vehicles pulling out in front of you from side roads and parking areas.
Actions that cause you to slow down, swerve or stop are considered normal by many local drivers.
When exiting from a side road, ensure you can see, and that other drivers can see you.
Stop Signs
Stop signs are used at many junctions in preference to Giveway signs which would be more appropriate. Often the sign and the stop line are positioned well before the actual junction affording no view of traffic on the main road. To comply strictly with the law is difficult. Use caution.
No Entry Signs
Are often disregarded, and to escape detection, offenders will travel through at high speed.
Bends
Drivers negotiating a right hand bend will often stray to the opposing side of the road on the apex of the bend. We have found it quite difficult to explain that in doing this the driver is making the bend more severe than it need be and reducing the view round the bend. In consequence the driver travelling in the opposite direction is forced to take avoiding action.
Pedestrian Crossings
Cars will often park on the zig zag area and on the crossing itself, even though it is a offence and highly dangerous. It is particularly hazardous for children as often the approaching drivers view is obstructed.
Solid White Lines and Overtaking
As with red traffic lights, stop signs and solid center white lines are widely disregarded. Ensure that you can change course, slow or stop if necessary. It should be noted that a single solid center line is often used and should not be crossed.
The inability to judge speed and the lack of knowledge on the handling and acceleration characteristics of their own vehicle, often lead to inappropriate or dangerous overtaking. If you see someone traveling behind you who you think will overtake, the chances are they will. Use caution.
Overtaking may be preceded by a period of tailgating.
Roundabouts
Unfortunately roundabouts are often not used correctly. The signage on the approach, put up by the Public Works Department, are in many cases incorrect and do not comply with the Cyprus Highway Code. Be very careful!