Yes – driving in North Cyprus is different for most visitors, but it is not difficult. Traffic keeps to the left, rental cars are right-hand drive, you give way to traffic coming from the right at roundabouts, and speed limits are signposted and enforced by fixed cameras. Most drivers settle in quickly after leaving Ercan Airport.
By the Falak Rent A Car Editorial Team – 8 years of practical experience in Northern Cyprus vehicle rental, Ercan Airport arrivals and customer travel support.
This guide is for visitors who are used to driving on the right, or who simply want to know what to expect before they collect a car at Ercan Airport. It covers the rules that catch people out, the rental conditions that matter on the road, and what to do if something goes wrong.
What is different about driving in North Cyprus?
The main things to get used to are the side of the road and the position of the steering wheel. Because Cyprus followed British road rules, traffic across the island flows on the left and every rental car has the steering wheel on the right. In a manual car that means changing gear with your left hand, which is why we recommend an automatic to visitors.
| What you will notice | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Traffic flows on the left | Keep left, and overtake on the right. |
| Right-hand-drive cars | The gear lever and handbrake sit to your left. An automatic removes the left-hand gear change. |
| Roundabouts | Give way to traffic coming from your right – the opposite of right-hand-traffic countries. |
| Joining a main road | Look right first, then left, then right again. |
| Rental number plates | Rental cars in the TRNC carry red plates. White and yellow plates are private cars, which may not legally be rented out. |
| Speed cameras | Fixed speed cameras are common on the roads. |
Which side of the road do you drive on in North Cyprus?
You drive on the left in North Cyprus, as in the UK. If you normally drive on the right, the first junctions and roundabouts need the most concentration. Take the first part of your drive slowly, check both directions twice before pulling out, and let the car in front set the pace while you get used to your position in the lane.
Visitors from the UK and other left-hand-traffic countries usually find little to adjust to beyond the local signs and speed limits.
What are the speed limits in North Cyprus?
Speed limits in North Cyprus are lower in towns and residential areas than on the roads between towns, and they are signposted throughout. Fixed speed cameras are a regular sight, so drive to the posted limit rather than the flow of traffic.
- In towns and residential areas: expect the lowest limits – watch for the signs as you enter each town.
- Between towns: limits are higher and vary by road, as signed.
- Fines: penalties rise the further you go over the limit.
Under our rental terms, traffic fines, including speed-camera and parking fines, are the responsibility of the person who rented the car.
How do roundabouts and junctions work?
At a roundabout in North Cyprus you give way to traffic approaching from your right and go round clockwise. When you pull out of a side road onto a main road, check right first, then left. Inside towns you will meet traffic lights; outside towns, roundabouts are used more than lights.
Main roads are generally dual carriageways, and there are frequent direction signs, so following the signs between towns is straightforward.
Is driving in North Cyprus hard for first-time visitors?
No. Traffic in North Cyprus is generally lighter than in big cities such as Istanbul, Ankara or Izmir, and if you are comfortable driving in a busy city you should not have problems here. The adjustment is mainly the left-hand traffic and the roundabouts, and an automatic car makes both easier.
A few habits help:
- Plan around the evening rush. Traffic gets busier in the early evening, so allow extra time for drives at that time of day.
- Park legally. Parking on double yellow lines is not allowed, especially in town centres and on main roads.
- Never drink and drive. Drink-driving is prohibited, and the vehicle can be impounded.
- Adjust to the weather. Slow down in rain and keep a safe gap to the car in front – careless driving can also take you outside your insurance cover under our rental terms.
What do visitors need to rent and drive a car in North Cyprus?
To rent a car from Falak Rent A Car you must be at least 25 years old and have held your driving licence for at least 3 years. Turkish and foreign driving licences are valid for as long as the visa you are given on entry to the TRNC. Only the drivers named in the rental agreement may drive the car.
- Minimum age: 25.
- Licence: held for at least 3 years; bring the physical licence with you.
- Turkish citizens: a licence merged into the Turkish ID card is not valid in the TRNC, because police there cannot read it through Turkey’s e-Devlet system. Carry your physical driving licence; a QR-code e-Devlet document without a wet signature is not accepted.
- Named drivers: if someone not named in the agreement drives, the car falls outside the insurance cover and all responsibility stays with the named driver.
- Where you can drive: Falak Rent A Car vehicles may only be used within the borders of the TRNC and cannot be taken across to the south of the island.
Full details are in our rental terms and conditions.
What should I check before driving away from Ercan Airport?
Before you drive off, inspect the car with our representative: its condition, the fuel level, the controls, the documents in the car and the emergency contact number. If you have not driven a right-hand-drive car before, take a minute to find the indicators, wipers, lights and gear selector while the car is still parked.
Your car is handed over at the arrivals exit at Ercan Airport around your confirmed flight time, with no extra charge for the airport handover or parking. Read more about car hire at Ercan Airport.
What happens if I break down or have an accident?
Call Falak Rent A Car’s 24/7 line on +90 548 874 30 58 first. After an accident, follow the instructions you are given, do not move the vehicles until the traffic police arrive, and wait for the police to write an accident report. Without a police report, all damage to the car is the driver’s responsibility.
- Stop the car safely and call +90 548 874 30 58.
- In an accident, leave the vehicles where they are until the traffic police arrive.
- Wait for the police accident report – the required reports must be obtained within 48 hours.
- For a technical fault, follow the instructions from our team; our service will come to you as soon as possible.
Illustrative example: a first week on North Cyprus roads
This is an illustrative scenario, not a customer testimonial. A visitor who usually drives on the right lands at Ercan Airport, meets the Falak representative at the arrivals exit and collects an automatic economy car for a week. They take the first roundabouts slowly, giving way to the right, follow the direction signs to their accommodation, and keep to the signed limits through towns. Once settled in, they drive independently between the coast, their accommodation and local sights, and plan longer drives to avoid the early-evening traffic.
Frequently asked questions
Do they drive on the left in North Cyprus?
Yes. Traffic in North Cyprus flows on the left, and all rental cars are right-hand drive. If you normally drive on the right, we recommend choosing an automatic.
Can I rent a left-hand-drive car in North Cyprus?
No. All rental cars in Cyprus are right-hand drive. Customers who think a right-hand-drive car will be difficult can choose an automatic, such as our Ford Fiesta, Suzuki Swift or Hyundai i10, which are our most economical automatics.
Can I use my own driving licence in North Cyprus?
Turkish and foreign driving licences are valid for as long as the visa given on entry to the TRNC. To rent from us you need to have held your licence for at least 3 years and be 25 or older.
Can I drive my rental car to the south of Cyprus?
No. Falak Rent A Car vehicles may only be used within the borders of the TRNC.
Who pays speeding and parking fines?
The person who rented the car. Under our rental terms, all fines for breaking traffic law, including fixed speed cameras and parking fines, are the renter’s responsibility.
Can my partner or friend drive the car too?
Only if they are named in the rental agreement. Anyone not named is outside the insurance cover. Tell us at booking who will drive.
Book a car for your North Cyprus trip
Falak Rent A Car hands over economy, mid-range, luxury, SUV/VIP and minibus vehicles at Ercan Airport on daily, weekly and monthly terms, with 24/7 contact and roadside assistance. See our North Cyprus car hire options, check the frequently asked questions, or call or WhatsApp us on +90 548 874 30 58, or email info@falakrentacar.net.