ΚΟΚ SOLIDARITY -PROGRESS -PROSPERITY ΟΔΗΓΟΣΚΟΚ ΟΔΗΓΟΣ Message from the Director of Traffic Department of the Cyprus Police
The present manual has been prepared in the framework of the implementation of the Action “Increasing Third Country Nationals' awareness of the road traffic rules in Cyprus”, which is funded by the European Fund for the Integration of Third Country Nationals of the Solidarity Funds. The ultimate aim of the project is to inform third countries’ nationals, legally residing in Cyprus, on the Cyprus Highway Code, as well as on the proper use of vehicles and on the relevant laws and regulations of the Cyprus Highway Code.
This manual is being issued for the second time and it is an initiative interwoven with the efforts of the Traffic Department to continuously inform the public on issues related to road safety and with the implementation of various practices for addressing the traffic problems. We are sure that this project, which was implemented in collaboration with ENOROS Consulting LTD, can significantly contribute to the prevention and reduction of road accidents, since foreign drivers constitute one of the high risk groups in terms of causing accidents due to insufficient knowledge of the Regulations, the road network and other factors.
We congratulate ENOROS Consulting LTD, for its initiative to organize and manage the specific actions, since such efforts can contribute effectively and decisively to improve the level of road safety in our country.
I am convinced that this guide will constitute a valuable tool for third-country nationals residing in Cyprus.
Demetris Demetriou
Senior Police Officer
Director of Traffic Department Table of Contents 1. Introduction 1. Introduction ...... 3 The current manual, entitled “Informative Guide to the Road Traffic Code of Cyprus for Third 2. General instructions on applied priorities on the road, speed limits, highways, seat- Country Nationals (TCNs)”, came of under the framework of implementing the Action belts, helmet, mobile phone...... 4 “Increasing Third Country Nationals' awareness of the road traffic rules in Cyprus”. The 3. Road Signs ...... 9 project is funded by the Annual Program of the European Fund for the Integration of Third Country Nationals and it was implemented by “Enoros Consulting Ltd” and the Cyprus Police 4. Police hand-signals ...... 17 (Traffic Department). 5. Overtaking ...... 18
6. Driving and Alcohol ...... 20 The Action includes the realization of educational seminars for Third Country Nationals (TCNs) 7. Stopping distances...... 21 residing in Cyprus, focused on the rules of the Road Traffic Code, along with the proper use and driving of vehicles (car, motorbike, bicycle, etc.), according to the provisions of the relevant 8. The Right Use of Roundabouts ...... 21 legislation and regulations of the Republic of Cyprus. The educative seminars are conducted in 9. Controlled Square crossing (crossed area.)...... 23 all districts of Cyprus, with a six-hour long duration of theoretical training and a following four- 10. Lines on the road ...... 24 hour long practice with the use of vehicles.
11. Pedestrian Crossings ...... 26
12. Documents of the Motor Vehicles Drivers...... 28 In particular, the “Informative Guide to the Road Traffic Code of Cyprus for third country nationals (TCNs)” is a handy and useful manual that includes basic topics of the Road Traffic Code in 13. General duties / responsibilities Driving Motor Vehicles ...... 28 Cyprus. The study and use of the Guide by the Third Country Nationals is expected to upgrade their knowledge and skills on the road conduct rules applicable in the Republic of Cyprus and, thus, to improve the quality of their everyday life in Cyprus.
Nicosia, May 2014
2 3 2. General instructions on applied priorities on the road, speed limits, Before changing to rightmost or leftmost lane all the necessary warning signs should be given, highways, seat-belts, helmet, mobile phone. and the driver of the overtaking car, under the circumstances, must take all the necessary measures for safe lane change.
Rule: In Cyprus we drive on the left hand side of the road. Drivers are not allowed to overtake vehicles from the left EXCEPT in the case where the traffic
congestion in the middle or rightmost lanes of traffic moving slower than the traffic on the leftmost Priorities: While driving on a major road, if we want to turn left into a secondary road we have lane, so vehicles can the leftmost lanes to overtake continuing their course. the priority of movements. To turn right from a major road into a secondary road, we have to give
priority to oncoming traffic. Approaching a major road from secondary road we always stop The driving on the highway, where the roadway has three lanes is subject to the following unless there’s a “give way” sign where we slow down and give priority to cars on the major road. Driving Rules: Coming on to roundabouts, we give way to cars approaching from the right.
(i) The motor vehicles move on the left lane. Specific Driving Rules on the Highway The highway has a maximum and minimum speed limit of 100 and 65 kilometers per hour, (ii) You may use the middle or right lane for normal driving or overtaking, when for any reason respectively. the left lane is busy for both time and distance needed to return to the left lane or prioritize vehicle enters the highway: Driving a vehicle on a highway or speed lane by a person who holds a student license for the vehicle which leads is not allowed, except for training purposes only and provided that it is Before the change in rightmost lane should be given all the necessary warning signs and take all accompanied by a licensed driver instructor, or for testing purposes for obtaining full driving necessary measures for safe lane change. license.
Use of Traffic Lanes: (iii) It is not permitted to overtake vehicles, from left, except in the case where the traffic congestion in the middle or rightmost lane is moving slower than the traffic in the leftmost lane, so vehicles from the left lane can overtake from left continuing their course. When there are two, three or more lanes on the road surface:
(iv) The use of the right lane is not permitted from: (a) The motor vehicles move on the left lane, • Vehicles towed trailers. (b) It is allowed to use the middle, or the outer lanes for: • Heavy duty motor vehicles with a gross weight greater than 7.5 tones. normal driving or overtaking when the left or the leftmost lanes are occupied, and both • Buses with a gross weight greater than 7.5 tones. time and distance needed to return to the left lane, or
to prioritize vehicle entering the freeway or highway, Reversion to the pavement in the same direction or the opposite direction at any point on the motorway or highway is prohibited, except only to emergency vehicles.
4 5 PROHIBITION OF PRESENTATION PEOPLE Seat Belts
The presence or movement in any part of the highway is not allowed, unless: The installation of safety belts and their use by the driver and all occupants in the front and rear seats of all passenger vehicles, and trucks, particularly those that have registered in the Republic • is a driver or passenger of a vehicle that is traveling or parked legally on a highway after 28/12/2007, it has become mandatory. • is a worker or technician dealing with projects of any kind in this area, • is a police officer, firefighter, doctor or nurse performing service, Children less than 150 cm can be ridden seated in any seat in the following classes of vehicles • is a person associated with the test car accident or helping victims of accidents or, are equipped with safety systems, whether held by a system adapted to the child's weight (according to weight categories described below): • a technical or other person associated with the repair, towing or moving of vehicle with goods and other objects. Children with height of less than 150cm, can be ridden seated in any seat in the following classes
of vehicles, which are equipped with safety systems, whether held by a system adapted to the child's weight (according to weight categories described below): ANIMAL TRSPORT (i) Class of M1 (vehicles for the carriage of passengers comprising more than eight Anyone who is responsible for transporting the animal with a motor vehicle using the highway or seats in addition to the driver's seat). fast lane must ensure that the animal: (ii) Class N1 (vehicles for the transport of goods having a maximum mass not (i) will not move from the vehicle, or exceeding 3.5 tones), (iii) Class N2 (vehicles for the transport of goods having a maximum mass exceeding (ii) if it is necessary to move the animal out of the vehicle, it should be attached to a leash or 3.5 tones but up to 12), and be under safe control person. (iv) Class N3 (vehicles for the transport of goods having a maximum mass exceeding 12 tones)
You may only use approved safety systems of the European Union. Restraints should be used, Driving Rules in Residential Areas depending on the weight of each child, as follows:
Here the maximum speed, if there is no other traffic signal to determine 65 Km/h, then the limit is (a) The Group for children weighing less than 14 kg. 50 km/h. (b) Group O + for children who weigh less than 13 kg. (c) Group I for children who weigh 9 to 18 kg. (d) Group II for children weighing 15 to 25 kg. Speed limits for specific categories of motor vehicles (e) Group III for children weighing 22 to 36 kg.
In vehicles of the above categories, which are not equipped with safety systems, children As maximum speed limit for trucks, trailers, articulated vehicles and trailers which have weight less than three years old may not travel. greater than 3,000 kg on roads with two lanes, the limit of 64 km/h has been set, while on roads Children under 3 years old and less than 150cm may not be transported in vehicles of categories with four lanes (highways), a limit of 80 km/h has been set. M1, N1, N2, N3, not fitted with safety systems.
Where road signaling provides lower speed limit, the speed limit provided the road signs. Children over three years and less than 150cm, but at least 135cm, may be ridden seated in any seat of such vehicle, provided that are restrained by a safety belt for adults.
6 7 3. Road Signs When these children are traveling by taxi cannot be restrained by a child restraint system. In this section, the most basic traffic signs that a driver or a pedestrian encounter during their (ie even if the taxi has restraint). When the taxi has no restraint (for children), the children movement on the roads are presented. must occupy a rear seat. (ie seat belt).
Prohibited is the use of child restraint facing rear passenger seat, protected by a frontal airbag unless the airbag is deactivated. According the Road Traffic Code the signals are divided into five (5) categories: Any person aged three years and over, which boards seated in any bus seat, ie category: 1. Warning Signals
Κάθε πρόσωπο ηλικίας τριών ετών και άνω που επιβαίνει καθήμενο σε οποιοδήποτε κάθισμα 2. Warning signals before road crossing or level crossings. Λεωφορείου, δηλ. κατηγορίας: 3. Prohibitive or restrictive signs
4. Prohibitive or restrictive signs for stopping or parking (i) M2 (vehicles for the transport of persons, with more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat and a mass not exceeding 5 tones), and 5. Compulsory Signs
(ii) M3 (vehicles for the transport of persons, with more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat and a mass exceeding 5 tones). 3.1 Warning Signals
Must use the safety systems, which are fitted to these vehicles.
There is no requirement in law for children under 3 years of age to be restrained by security systems on buses (M2 and M3) or prohibitive order to be transported by buses, suggesting that may be carried over to adults accommodated within the bus. Dangerous bend to the left Dangerous bend to the right
Person who drives a motor vehicle, which permits or tolerates non-compliance person aged under 16 years with the above provisions is guilty of an offense.
Persons over 16 are themselves accountable for failures to comply with the provisions of law governing security zones. Double bend or more the first to the left Double bend or more the first to the right
Steep hill downwards Steep hill upwards
Road narrows on both sides Road narrows on the left
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Road narrow on the right Swing Bridge
Road leading to sea front or riverside Uneven road
Hump bridge Ditch
Slippery road Loose surface
Fallen rock Fallen trees
Road narrow on the right Swing Bridge Pedestrian’s crossing Frequent use of road by children
3.2 Warning signals before road crossing or level crossings 3.2 Warning signals before road crossing or level crossings 3.2 Warning signals before road crossing or level crossings
Road leading to sea front or riverside Uneven road
Traffic signals ahead Road works ahead
TrafficTraffic signals signals ahead ahead Road worksRoad ahead works ahead
Junction where priority is regulated by the Two way traffic
general priority rules Hump bridge Ditch Junction where priority is regulated by the Two way traffic generalJunction priority where rules priority is regulated by the Two way traffic general priority rules
Slippery road Loose surface
Fallen rock Fallen trees
Junctions with secondary roads Junctions with secondary roads
Junctions with secondary roads
Pedestrian’s crossing Frequent use of road by children
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Compulsory speed limit minimum One way sign No left turn No right turn
Motorway End of Motorway No U turn No overtaking
Warning (showing distance) Warning (showing distance)
on approach to major road from HALT sign
No overtaking Maximum speed by load carrying vehicles
Road with priority of movements End of road with priority of movements
No mechanically propelled No vehicles through vehicles through if more than 2m wide Priority to vehicles coming Priority to traffic in your direction
from opposite direction
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3.3 Prohibitive or restrictive signs 3.4 Prohibitive or restrictive signs for stopping or parking
No parking No stopping or parking
No entry Road closed to all traffic in both directions
Parking in rotation Parking prohibited on Parking in rotation Parking prohibited on dates with odd numbers . dates with even number
No entry to all vehicles No entry for motor cycles except two wheeled motor cycles
Parking Zone Of restricted duration No load carrying vehicles through. The inclusion of weight in another frame No crossing for pedestrians below the sign means that the prohibition is valid only if the laden weight of the vehicle exceeds the weight mentioned on the sign
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3.5 Compulsory Signs 3.5 Compulsory3.53.5 CompulsoryCompulsory Signs SignsSigns 4. Police4. Police hand hand-signals-signals ApproachingApproaching junction junction we wealways always slow slow down down, ,and and ifif therethere is aa policepolice officer officer that that regulates regulates traffic traffic we follow his instructions as the diagram below shows. we follow his instructions as the diagram below shows.
Direction which should be followed by you
Direction Direction Direction which shouldwhich which should beshould followed be be followed followed by you by by you you
Passageway sign Compulsory Roundabout
PassagewayPassagewayPassageway sign sign sign CompulsoryCompulsoryCompulsory Roundabout Roundabout Roundabout
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5. Overtaking Overtake another car from the right, unless: Never5. Overtaking overtake, if you are not absolutely sure. WAIT! - The driver signals that it intends to turn to the right and steer the vehicle in the center of Never overtake, if you are not absolutely sure. WAIT! the road so if there is space, overtaking from the left-side of the other vehicle, or
At or near a junction. - In a road with two or more lanes, with congestion and the vehicles in the rightmost lane At or near a junction. move slower then the vehicles on the leftmost lane when overtaking can be done from the Near a corner or turn. Near a corner or turn. leftmost lane. When approaching approaching the thetop oftop a hill.of a hill. Do bear in mind that in all cases, vehicles must be moved so as to leave enough, as far as At or near a pedestrians crossing. At or near a pedestrians crossing. possible, space for overtaking other cars. Where the the road road narrows narrows down. down. When approaching approaching a raised a raised bridge. bridge. Person who drives or is in control of a motor vehicle on any street is obliged to:
Do not overtake nor attempts to overtake a vehicle traveling in the same direction at each point there in the middle of the pavement continuous white line on prohibitive traffic signs, turning in visibility less than a hundred meters at intersections within municipal boundaries or limits community when approaching curved bridge, walkway or peak ascent or when approaching from the opposite direction, so provides a right of priority to it.
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6. Driving and Alcohol 7. Stopping distances
If we drive our vehicle with a speed of 50 km/h (speed limit in the city), we must keep a Driving under the influence of alcohol is the leading cause of fatal traffic collisions in distance of twenty-three feet from the vehicle in front. Cyprus over the last five years. If we drive our vehicle with a speed of 80 km/h (speed limit on open roads), we should keep a distance from the vehicle in front of fifty-three feet. According to the current legislation, a person who drives or attempts to drive any vehicle on the If we drive our vehicle speed 100 km / h (maximum speed on interurban roads) should street or other public place and has consumed such a quantity of alcohol in any form, the ratio of keep a distance from the vehicle in front of seventy-five meters. alcohol to the expiration or blood exceeds the prescribed limit, is guilty offense. The two-second rule: The specified limit alcohol ratio is 22 millionths of a gram of alcohol in 100 milliliters of breath or 50 milligrams of alcohol in 100 milliliters of blood. • An easy way to calculate the distance you need to keep the vehicle in front is the two-second rule. Alcohol affects significantly the discretion of the driver and his ability to drive. • From where the vehicle ahead will pass, there should be an interval of two seconds in order our own vehicle can pass from the same point. The specific amount of beverage corresponding to permissible limit cannot be determined because the absorption of alcohol in the body increases with the speed of consumption of the drink or if someone consumes alcohol on an empty stomach and decreases depending on the weight and height of the individual. Indicative a person of normal weight should not exceed the 8. The Right Use of Roundabouts limit if you drink a beverage as two units. Roundabouts may differ in size and shape, but regardless of the type of a roundabout, the following basic principles apply: Alcohol, Driving and Consequences of the Driver The ability to drive is impaired significantly even if the driver still feels "good". Have in mind the course you are going to follow. Alcohol is a substance with sedative effect, which affects many areas of the brain. Take information from the road signs.
Specifically, alcohol: Use your mirrors and make proper use of your indicators. (1) Reduces brain functions leading to slow decision-making. Choose the right lane of entry prior to the roundabout, according to the course you will (2) Reduces the ability to calculate the speed and distance of vehicles, people or objects. follow. (3) It creates the illusion that "I drive better". Adjust your speed to the roundabout’s driving conditions. (4) Increases the feeling of fatigue and sleepiness. Reduces reflexes and coordination of Prior to entering the roundabout give priority to the right. movements. Approaching and moving in a roundabout requires observing the moves and intentions of (5) Reduces visual abilities. the other drivers.
20 21 For the correctFor the and correct safe wayand tosafe use way roundabout to use roundabout see the diagram see the that diagram follow that follow
For the correct and safe way to use roundabout see the diagram that follow 8.1 Roundabout8.1 Roundabout with two withentry two lanes entry and lanes two exit and lanes two exit lanes For the correct and safe way to use roundabout see the diagram that follow 9. Controlled Square crossing (crossed area.)
8.1 Roundabout with two entry lanes and two exit lanes
Α. Do not enter the controlled square if your driving lane beyond the square is not free. 8.1 Roundabout with two entry lanes and two exit lanes Β. You may, however, enter the square when you intend to turn right and you are prevented from doing so only by vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
8.2 Roundabout8.2 Roundabout with three with entry three lanes entry and lanes two exit and lanes two exit lanes
8.2 Roundabout with three entry lanes and two exit lanes
8.2 Roundabout with three entry lanes and two exit lanes
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10. Lines on the road
10. Lines on the road crossed this double line must return the fastest possible to the normal side of the road which he 10.1 Single or double continuous line is following.
You are not allowed to cross it. 10.1 Single or double continuous line TheYou arecontinuous not allowed line, to single cross or it. double, means that vehicles are not allowed to cross it. The line separates the two traffic currents. The continuous line, single or double, means that vehicles are not allowed to cross it. The line Αseparates) The interrupted the two trafficline has currents. no prohibitive meaning but it is used for: Marking the driving lanes for the direction of traffic or Warning that you approach a continuous line which you must not cross or that you Α) The interrupted line has no prohibitive meaning but it is used for: approach another point on the road inherent with special dangers. Marking the driving lanes for the direction of traffic or
Warning that you approach a continuous line which you must not cross or that you 10.3 The Zig Zag line Β) The sizeapproach of the distance another between point on the the parts road of inherent an interrupted with special line isdangers. substantially smaller where On the side of the road means that parking and overtaking alongside the line is prohibited. the interrupted lines are used for the purpose described in paragraph (a) (2) above those used for the purpose mentioned in sub paragraph (a) (1) Β) The size of the distance between the parts of an interrupted line is substantially smaller where the interrupted lines are used for the purpose described in paragraph (a) (2) above those used for the purpose mentioned in sub paragraph (a) (1)
10.4 Double continuous yellow line Stop and parking prohibited
10.5 Continuous yellow line Marks the limit of the roads surface for use. In built up areas it also means absolute parking 10.2 Interrupted line alongside a continuous line prohibition. Of significance to the driver is the line on the side of the road which he is following. The10.2 driverInterrupted can overtake line alongside or cross a this con doubletinuous line line if on his side there is the interrupted line, providedOf significance that heto the is suredriver that is the the line road on the is clear.side of The the road driver which who he overtook is following another. vehicle or The driver can overtake or cross this double line if on his side there is the interrupted line, provided that he is sure that the road is clear. The driver who overtook another vehicle or
24 25 10.6 Yellow interruption line 11.1 Traffic lights for the direction of pedestrians It is used to interrupt the yellow continuous line where there is entry into or exit from a parking bay for coaches or road junction. 11.1 Traffic lights for the direction of pedestrians
11. Pedestrian Crossings
At busy roads and squares, pedestrian’s crossings have been made using special white paint the purpose of which is the greatest possible safety of persons crossing these roads or squares.
11.2 Traffic lights controlled pedestrian crossings
11.2 Traffic lights controlled pedestrian crossings Red light: Stop and wait Flashing yellow light: Vehicles can go if the pedestrians cleared the crossing Red light: Stop and wait Green light: Go if there are no pedestrians crossing Flashing yellow light: Vehicles can go if the pedestrians cleared the crossing
Green light: Go if there are no pedestrians crossing
26 27 12. Documents of the Motor Vehicles Drivers PARKING OF VEHICLE Every driver of a motor vehicle is required to have in place the following documents: Α. At the entrance and/or exit: (i) Registration Certificate of the vehicle. If the driver is unable to present for - Police Station, consideration, it must produce a part which indicates the Police within 24 hours. - Cinema, (ii) Valid Road Tax. - Theater, (iii) Valid MOT. - Bank, (iv) Valid Driver's License or Valid Student Driver's License in which to describe the - Church, category of vehicle. - Mosque, (v) Third Party Insurance. If the driver has not in possession the insurance certificate he/she should personally present it in two days, at such police station as the driver - Hospital may determine, at the time it was requested to present the certificate. - Clinique, - School, 13. General duties / responsibilities Driving Motor Vehicles - Parking place of house or building, - Public or private parking area, or
- Any other public or private space. DRIVING BACKWARDS Avoid as much as possible to drive backwards, but if you must be very careful. It is forbidden to drive backwards from over towards the main road. B. In any way, on the opposite side of the vehicle because it creates many hazards for road users DRIVING SLOWLY When we drive we must not idle or prevent the normal movement of other vehicles, unless it is C. Parking Places: necessary for safety reasons, for example if truck drivers and especially if it is heavily loaded. - Vehicles for people with disabilities,
- For taxi, If I have to move very slowly, should drive the vehicle on the left side of the road to facilitate the movement of other vehicles. - Delivery vehicle.
STOP / PARKING OF VEHICLE D. In bikeway or bicycle lanes, and We cannot stop nor parke our vehicle: Ε. On the pavement or sidewalk. - Within walking distance (10 meters) of intersections, or TRAFFIC OBSTRUCTION - Less than 50 meters from the traffic lights, or We do not prohibit, impede or interrupt, recklessly or intentionally, the free movement of persons, - 15 meters of crosswalk or bus stop motor vehicles or in any other way for this purpose to keep our car on the left side of the road.
28 29 ABANDONMENT OF VEHICLE Α. We must not abandon our car in any street in such a position or situation that could cause danger to other persons using the road.
Β. We must not: Abandon our car without first take the necessary precautions so it can be driven by our absence, and Abandon our car in any street in a manner that may unduly impair pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
DUTIES FOR SAFE STORAGE OF THE MOTOR VEHICLE The car owner has the obligation to take all reasonable measures to prevent the use of the vehicle by any unauthorized person. In prosecution owner vehicle proof by the prosecution of a vehicle is used by an unauthorized person constitutes prima facie evidence of guilt of the owner thereof, unless he proves that he took all reasonable steps necessary to prevent such unauthorized use. For the purposes of this section : - "Owner" includes any person who is in possession and under the control of a motor vehicle. - "Unauthorized person" means any person who has or is entitled to have a driving license class of motor vehicle in relation to which the offense was committed or not covered by the required by law insurance certificate for third.
DRIVING WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE OWNER Anyone who receives and drives any motor vehicle without the consent of the owner of the vehicle or without any other legal consent, he/she commits an offence.
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