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Driving in Colombia vs. Cyprus: Key Safety Tips

When exploring the roads of Colombia and Cyprus, it's essential to understand their distinct driving norms and regulations. From the contrasting sides of the road to varied speed limits and traffic protocols, each nation offers unique challenges. This comparison highlights crucial disparities that will aid travelers in ensuring their safety while navigating these diverse terrains.

Lanes

Driving Side
colombia:
Right
cyprus:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
colombia:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
cyprus:
Marks the edge of the road.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
colombia:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
cyprus:
May not be commonly used; other markings guide traffic
Overtaking: On Right
colombia:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
cyprus:
Prohibited.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
colombia:
Use rightmost lane.
cyprus:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
colombia:
Yes
cyprus:
Limited
Bus Lanes: Usage
colombia:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
cyprus:
Usually reserved for public transport.
Bus Lanes: Markings
colombia:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
cyprus:
Labeled; specific signs indicate usage.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
colombia:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
cyprus:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
colombia:
Not applicable
cyprus:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
colombia:
Not applicable
cyprus:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
colombia:
30-60 km/h
cyprus:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
colombia:
30 km/h
cyprus:
50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
colombia:
70-90 km/h
cyprus:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
colombia:
70-80 km/h
cyprus:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
colombia:
60-80 km/h
cyprus:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
colombia:
90-120 km/h
cyprus:
100 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
colombia:
80-100 km/h
cyprus:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
colombia:
80-90 km/h
cyprus:
100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
colombia:
Not applicable
cyprus:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
colombia:
Yes; police may issue fines at the moment.
cyprus:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
colombia:
Not used in Colombia
cyprus:
Not used in Cyprus
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
colombia:
Signal when exiting
cyprus:
Signal when entering and exiting
Traffic Signs: Language
colombia:
Spanish; symbols are standard
cyprus:
Greek and English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
colombia:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
cyprus:
Triangle-shaped with red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
colombia:
Prohibited unless there is a specific signal allowing it
cyprus:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
colombia:
Generally allowed unless prohibited by signs
cyprus:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
colombia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
cyprus:
Accepted for short visits without additional permits
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
colombia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
cyprus:
International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
colombia:
Annual inspection required; proof must be in vehicle
cyprus:
Yes, periodic inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
colombia:
Displayed on windshield
cyprus:
Displayed on the windshield
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
colombia:
Mandatory
cyprus:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
colombia:
Frequent use compared to some countries
cyprus:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
colombia:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
cyprus:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
colombia:
0.04%
cyprus:
0.05%
Enforcement: Random Checks
colombia:
Common; checkpoints used in many areas
cyprus:
Common; checkpoints used routinely
Enforcement: Fines
colombia:
Varies; can be substantial
cyprus:
Substantial and strict
Test Refusal
colombia:
Can result in license suspension and fines
cyprus:
Can result in license suspension

Roundabouts

Signaling: Entering
colombia:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
cyprus:
Signal when entering and intending to exit immediately

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
colombia:
123
cyprus:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
colombia:
123 or local numbers
cyprus:
112
Contact: Roadside Assistance
colombia:
Check with your insurance provider or specialized roadside services
cyprus:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
colombia:
Mandatory
cyprus:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
colombia:
Mandatory
cyprus:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
colombia:
Varies; $50 to $300, points on license
cyprus:
Varies; can be substantial
Common Fines: Seat Belts
colombia:
$50 to $150, points on license
cyprus:
Strict enforcement
Common Fines: Phone Use
colombia:
$50 to $150, points on license
cyprus:
Strict enforcement, fines apply
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
colombia:
$100 to $300, points on license
cyprus:
Substantial fines, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
colombia:
Possible; fines usually paid online or at designated locations
cyprus:
Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail
Payment: Deadline
colombia:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
cyprus:
Varies; typically 15 to 30 days to pay