Traffic Rules in Northern Cyprus
📌 1. Basic Information
✅ Driving is on the left, same as in the UK or Southern Cyprus.
✅ Most cars are imported from Japan or the UK – steering wheel on the right side.
📌 2. Speed Limits
Village/Town: 50 km/h
Outside village: 65 – 80 km/h (depending on signs)
Highways and main 4-lane roads: max 100 km/h
⚠️ Many sections have speed cameras and average speed checks.
📌 3. Seat Belts
Mandatory for all passengers (front and rear).
Not wearing a seatbelt = fine approx. 300–400 TL.
📌 4. Alcohol Limits
Allowed limit: 0.5‰ for regular drivers
0.0‰ for professional drivers (taxi, bus).
Exceeding limit = high fines, license suspension, and in case of accident, possible jail.
📌 5. Mobile Phone Use
Prohibited while driving without hands-free.
Fine approx. 600 TL.
📌 6. Child Seats
Mandatory for children up to 5 years old.
Children up to 12 years old or 1.5 m tall must sit in the back seat.
📌 7. Driver’s License
✅ Tourists and foreigners can drive with:
International Driving Permit (IDP) or
Driver’s license from EU, UK, and most other countries for up to 90 days.
✅ For longer stays:
TRNC driver’s license is required (issued with a valid foreign license, usually no test, administrative fee applies).
📌 8. Roundabouts
Enter from the left, give way to cars coming from the right unless otherwise marked (note: some roundabouts have unusual layouts).
📌 9. Road Conditions in TRNC
✅ Roads are generally in good condition; main roads are modern.
✅ Side roads may have:
Potholes, missing shoulders, or poor lighting at night.
✅ Domestic animals or free-roaming sheep/goats are common, especially inland.
📌 10. Fines and Police Checks
Police can stop vehicles for checks at any time.
Fines can be paid:
On the spot (if officer has a terminal),
At the station, or online by the deadline.
Unpaid fines may cause issues when leaving TRNC or renewing a residence permit.
⚠️ 11. Important Notes
Driving on the left requires extra caution for drivers from right-hand traffic countries.
Follow speed limits; speed cameras are frequent.
In case of an accident, always call the police – insurers may not pay without an official police report.
