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Driving in Cyprus vs. Hungary: Key Differences Explained

When navigating the roads of Cyprus and Hungary, understanding their unique traffic regulations is essential for safe travel. Key distinctions include driving on the left in Cyprus versus the right in Hungary, varying speed limits, and different approaches to road etiquette. Familiarizing yourself with these nuances will enhance your driving experience abroad.

Lanes

Driving Side
cyprus:
Left
hungary:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
cyprus:
Marks the edge of the road.
hungary:
Used for separating traffic in opposite directions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
cyprus:
May not be commonly used; other markings guide traffic
hungary:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
cyprus:
Prohibited.
hungary:
Not allowed except in special cases.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
cyprus:
List length: 5
hungary:
List length: 4
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
cyprus:
Use leftmost lane.
hungary:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
cyprus:
Limited
hungary:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
cyprus:
Usually reserved for public transport.
hungary:
Reserved for buses and taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
cyprus:
Labeled; specific signs indicate usage.
hungary:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUSZ'.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
cyprus:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
hungary:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
cyprus:
No
hungary:
Rare
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
cyprus:
N/A
hungary:
Occasionally used, usually on electronic signs.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Residential Zones
cyprus:
50 km/h
hungary:
20-30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
cyprus:
80 km/h
hungary:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
cyprus:
80 km/h
hungary:
70 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
cyprus:
80 km/h
hungary:
70-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
cyprus:
100 km/h
hungary:
130 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
cyprus:
100 km/h
hungary:
80 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
cyprus:
100 km/h
hungary:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
cyprus:
No
hungary:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
cyprus:
N/A
hungary:
Displayed on electronic signs in controlled areas
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
cyprus:
Yes
hungary:
Yes; issued by traffic police

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
cyprus:
Not used in Cyprus
hungary:
Prepares traffic for a green signal.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
cyprus:
Signal when entering and exiting
hungary:
Signal when exiting
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
cyprus:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
hungary:
Unnecessary use is prohibited; local ordinances may apply.
Traffic Signs: Language
cyprus:
Greek and English; symbols are standard
hungary:
Hungarian; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
cyprus:
Triangle-shaped with red border
hungary:
Triangular with a red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
cyprus:
Not allowed
hungary:
Not allowed.
U- Turns Allowed
cyprus:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
hungary:
Restricted; only allowed at designated areas.

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
cyprus:
Accepted for short visits without additional permits
hungary:
Accepted for short visits; ID card or passport needed
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
cyprus:
Yes, periodic inspection required
hungary:
Annual inspection required; proof must be in the vehicle
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
cyprus:
Displayed on the windshield
hungary:
Displayed on the license plate or windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
cyprus:
Mandatory
hungary:
Required
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
cyprus:
Not mandatory, but recommended
hungary:
Required

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
cyprus:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
hungary:
Limited use
Pedestrians Priority
cyprus:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
hungary:
Pedestrians have right of way at designated crosswalks
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
cyprus:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
hungary:
Move to the side and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
cyprus:
0.05%
hungary:
0.00% - zero tolerance
Limits: Professional Drivers
cyprus:
0.02%
hungary:
0.00% - zero tolerance
Limits: Underage Drivers
cyprus:
0.00%; zero tolerance
hungary:
0.00% - zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
cyprus:
Common; checkpoints used routinely
hungary:
Common; alcohol checkpoints are frequent
Enforcement: Fines
cyprus:
Substantial and strict
hungary:
Severe; license suspension is a possibility

Roundabouts

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

Emergency Services

Contact: Traffic Police
cyprus:
112
hungary:
107
Contact: Roadside Assistance
cyprus:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
hungary:
188 or specific insurance hotline
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
cyprus:
Not mandatory, but recommended
hungary:
Required
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
cyprus:
Not mandatory, but recommended
hungary:
Required

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
cyprus:
Varies; can be substantial
hungary:
Varies; fines start from 30,000 HUF and increase with severity
Common Fines: Alcohol
cyprus:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
hungary:
Severe; substantial fines, possible license suspension
Common Fines: Seat Belts
cyprus:
Strict enforcement
hungary:
Mandatory; fines apply for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
cyprus:
Strict enforcement, fines apply
hungary:
Prohibited without hands-free; fines apply
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
cyprus:
Substantial fines, points on license
hungary:
Severe fines and potential demerit points
Payment: On The Spot
cyprus:
Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail
hungary:
Possible; fines usually paid on the spot or online
Payment: Deadline
cyprus:
Varies; typically 15 to 30 days to pay
hungary:
Varies; often within 15-30 days