Left-Hand Traffic
Cyprus drives on the left — a legacy of British colonial times (1878–1960). The steering wheel is on the right, shifting is done with the left hand. For German drivers, this is the biggest challenge in Cyprus.
Survival Tips
- Rent automatic: Shifting with the left is an extra difficulty. Automatic eliminates this problem.
- Roundabouts: Clockwise! Priority goes to those already in the roundabout. Look right when entering.
- Turning: Right turn = large curve over the opposite lane. Left turn = small curve.
- After breaks: The most dangerous are the first minutes after a break (refueling, parking). The brain automatically switches to "drive on the right." Mental reminder: "Steering wheel right, drive left!"
- Parking: Exiting is particularly tricky — you quickly forget the side.
- Pedestrians: Before crossing the street: look RIGHT first, then left!
💡 Tipp
The golden rule: The driver always sits in the MIDDLE of the road. If you feel like you're sitting on the edge — you're on the wrong side!
