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Renting a car in Cyprus: which licence works, what the contract must say and who gets the fines

A Cyprus rental car may be at most 12 years old, visitors drive on their own licence for up to 30 days, and camera fines go to the renter — up to 180 days later.

Transport in Cyprus Checked: Changed:

In short

Who it applies to
Visitors and newcomers who rent a car until they have their own — and residents renting during a repair or a guest's visit.
What it costs
The price, deposit, excess and any insurance beyond the compulsory cover are set by the company — the law does not fix them. But it must show the full price with all extras before the contract, and money for an extra you did not choose explicitly but got through a pre-ticked box is refundable.
How long it takes
The paperwork is done on the spot at the company's office. But a camera fine may arrive months after the trip: the law allows up to 180 days.
Where to apply
Rental companies are supervised by the Road Transport Department: a lawful company has an office in Cyprus and at least 10 cars. Disputes over price, damage and deposits go to the Consumer Protection Service (phone 1429), and residents of other EU countries can also use the European Consumer Centre Cyprus.
If your case differs
Traffic drives on the left. The alcohol limit for drivers with a licence under 3 years old is much stricter than usual. Children shorter than 150 cm must ride in a child seat.

Your case

When you book

EU licences are valid without limits. A visitor with another country's licence may drive on it for up to 30 days, or for the whole stay with an international permit issued at home while it is valid; residents follow other rules. The law gives no right to cancel a booking for set dates — check the cancellation terms. Driver age and experience are set by the company, not the law.

When you pick up the car

The contract is written and numbered, and a copy is yours. It must state the car and its plate, your details, how the car is returned regarding fuel and condition, what happens on a breakdown and the type of insurance. Compulsory insurance covers only the people named in it: add a second driver to the contract, or they drive uninsured. Inspect the car with a member of staff and record every scratch.

While you drive

A speed or red-light camera fine is yours, not the company's: the law treats the renter and the driver named in the contract as the offender, and the company must pass on your details. After a minor crash with no injuries, photograph the cars, exchange details, tell the insurer and move the cars off the road. If you plan to drive to the north of the island, ask the company first: rental insurance often does not cover it.

When you return the car or dispute charges

Return the car during business hours and get written confirmation that there is no new damage; keep your fuel receipts. A contract term that puts you at a clear disadvantage does not bind you, and an unclear term is read in your favour. If you cannot agree, complain to the Consumer Protection Service; residents of other EU countries can turn to the European Consumer Centre Cyprus.

Deadlines and conditions

  • a rental car may be no more than 12 years oldLaw 156(Ι)/2013, art. 9(4)(ε): vehicles «να είναι ηλικίας μέχρι δώδεκα (12) ετών από την πρώτη εγγραφή τους σε οποιαδήποτε χώρα»; the transitional 15 years ended 31.03.2023.
  • a lawful company has at least 10 carsLaw 156(Ι)/2013, art. 6(1)(β): the company «διαθέτει τουλάχιστον δέκα (10) οχήματα»; art. 4 — no trading without a declaration to the Director, art. 15 — a criminal offence.
  • a visitor may drive on a licence from any country for up to 30 daysLaw 94(Ι)/2001, art. 45(2): «Πρόσωπο που επισκέπτεται προσωρινά τη Δημοκρατία για χρονικό διάστημα που δεν υπερβαίνει τις 30 ημέρες … δικαιούται να οδηγεί»; art. 45(1) — with an international permit issued abroad «κατά τη διάρκεια της παραμονής του»; EU licences — art. 19.
  • a camera fine is served on the renter within 180 daysLaw 55(Ι)/2001, arts 5(1) and 8(2): for a rented car «παραβάτης οδηγός λογίζεται ο μισθωτής του οχήματος ή/και ο οδηγός που προκύπτει από το μισθωτήριο συμβόλαιο»; the notice is served within 180 days.
  • not moving the cars after a minor crash costs up to €1,000Cap. 86, art. 14Β (Law 146(Ι)/2025, amended by 77(Ι)/2026): after a minor crash with no injuries — tell the insurers, exchange details, take photos and move the cars off the road; art. 14Β(4Α) — fine up to €1,000.
  • with a licence under 3 years the limit is 9 µg instead of 22Law 174/1986, art. 5(2)(α): 22 µg per 100 ml of breath; art. 5(2)(β)(i): 9 µg for those licensed «εντός χρονικού διαστήματος μικρότερου από τρία έτη».
  • a child shorter than 150 cm needs a child seatLaw 174/1986, art. 15(2): children shorter than 150 cm ride in a child restraint suited to their weight.

Driving to the north of the island

Cypriot authorities publish no rules on rental car insurance in the north. The UK Foreign Office warns that rental cars are often uninsured there and that separate cover is sold at some crossings, such as Agios Dometios. Ask the company before the trip whether it allows the crossing and whether its policy applies, and get the answer in writing.

Sources

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