memory man wrote: ↑Fri Jan 20, 2017 6:33 pm
Cyprus Highway Code
1. Driving is on the left with overtaking on the right. Despite this rule, drivers in Cyprus will often 'undertake' you on the left. This is fairly common as many Cypriots do not use the left hand lane as the regular lane and the right hand lane for overtaking only. If the vehicle in front of you is only just exceeding the speed limit you are entitled to undertake them or overtake them, even on a blind bend. Do not be concerned about traffic coming towards you; it is their responsibility to take evasive action.
2. Traffic emerging from side roads have full right of way over those on the main highway.
3. Likewise, traffic coming in the opposite direction and turning right in front of you has total priority.
4. If you are waiting to pull out of a turning, do not move until you can pull out right in front of someone (try to ensure that the road behind them is empty) ideally causing them to slam on their brakes. Other drivers are usually delighted at an unexpected opportunity to test their reaction times.
5. Unexpectedly and without warning, stopping in the middle of any road to have a chat with another driver coming in the opposite direction is completely normal so don’t be alarmed. You will find that sounding your horn, flashing your lights or shouting will have minimal effect on the time you are delayed.
6. Always cut corners. You’ll be amazed at how much fuel this saves over a year.
7. At junctions, “Stop” does not actually mean “Stop” – it’s just that “Give Way if you really, really have to” would not fit on the sign.
8. Traffic Lights are only advisory. A “Red Traffic Light” does not mean “Stop” - You should continually edge forward ready to roar away the moment the lights change. That half second you save may be invaluable when you are older.
9. Please be aware that the intermittent flashing light found on each corner of your vehicle is strictly for ornamental purposes only. On no account should they be used to try and indicate direction of travel or before performing a manoeuvre as this will only confuse other road users. Predicting what the driver in front is going to do is a pleasant pastime for other drivers.
10. Parking in town and city centres is not always easy but fortunately there are some “Free Parking Areas” – these are easily identified by the black and white “zebra” style markings with zigzag lines either side. Should these spaces be full (they usually are) then you must not park on the double yellow lines. Instead park on the pavement alongside. Do not worry about the pedestrians as they will have ample room to go around your car and into the road. If you do use a carpark, please ensure that you take up more than 1 space and feel free to use the space reserved for disabled drivers.
Special Note:- Please be aware that some wheelchair disabled people think that where the kerbs have been lowered, it is for their benefit. This of course is not true and they are lowered to allow easy access to park your car on the pavement
11. Currently, apart from a couple of ‘fast food’ outlets, there are no drive-thru shops in Cyprus. This means that you must walk (an ancient form of transport) from your car to whichever shop you want to go into. To save wear and tear on the legs ensure you abandon your vehicle as close to the door as possible.
12. If you are a moped driver you must protect your feet by wearing the correct protective flip flops. You must also ensure you cover your hair with lots of Extra Strong Gel. This will give your head great protection and alleviate the need to wear one of those nasty, unattractive “helmet” type hats. Unfortunately there is a side effect in that it assists in swift decapitation BUT on the plus side, it saves having to waste time and expense taking you to hospital after a crash.
13. Also a moped driver should remove any type of “silencer” from his bike. It is important that no one should be denied hearing the tuneful melody emitted by a souped up 50cc “Ducati 911”
14. If drinking and driving it is essential you don’t forget your car and you must be VERY careful not to spill your drink.
15. Using a mobile phone whilst driving is not only acceptable it’s obligatory, especially for text messages. If you are female between 16 and 40 it’s compulsory. You MUST be on your mobile within 50 metres of your starting position or within 2 minutes of entering the car.
16. It is not required to secure children in the rear of a vehicle; in fact it is encouraged to get them to use the rear seat as a substitute ‘bouncy castle’ to keep them entertained and not distracting you whilst you are on the phone.
17. At night, HIGH beams and additional fog lights MUST be used at all times especially when travelling in well-lit areas.
18. If you are not a Cypriot, expect to be stopped by the police for no reason. You could be asked if you have been drinking….this is classed as a Breathalyzer test since actually doing the test would mean the policeman having to do some actual work. There is no requirement to stop if a police car or motorcycle comes up behind you with blue flashing lights. This is actually illegal. They are actually breaking their own rules. They only do it because they haven’t bothered to read the regulations.
19. If you have an accident, call the police or your insurance company since if the other driver is Cypriot, they will be calling all available friends and family members so that they may "help" by milling around waving their arms and shouting.
20. The motorway hard shoulder is not to be used for broken down vehicles, but must only be used as a third lane when the traffic is especially heavy. If you have broken down and are using the hard shoulder, get as far away from your car as possible and pray.
The only exception to the above “rules” should, obviously, be taxi drivers. For as we all know they can do exactly as they like!
