Right Side Cars in Cyprus: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying or Driving

A right side car is a vehicle in which the driver’s seat and main controls are located on the right side of the cabin. These cars are designed for use in countries with left-hand traffic. In Cyprus, right hand drive cars make up a significant portion of the vehicle fleet, which often raises questions among tourists and new residents. Understanding how these vehicles work is important for buyers, renters, and anyone planning to drive on the island.

Why there are so many RHD cars in Cyprus

The main reason is the historical influence of the United Kingdom. Cyprus was a British colony until 1960. During this period, left-hand traffic was introduced and strong connections with the British car market were established.

After gaining independence, Cyprus kept left-hand traffic. This made importing used cars from the UK – where steering wheels are also on the right – a logical choice. This type of import is attractive for several reasons:

• The UK market offers a huge selection of vehicles
• Cars from the UK are often in good technical condition
• Even with shipping costs included, prices are lower than for similar new cars in Europe

As a result, rhd cars in Cyprus are not unusual – they are a normal outcome of history and economics.

Legality of right hand drive cars in Cyprus

Driving right hand drive cars in Cyprus is completely legal. This directly follows from the left-hand traffic system used on the island. These vehicles are considered standard rather than exceptional.

To legalize an imported right side car, owners must complete the standard procedures. The vehicle must meet local technical and environmental requirements. The process includes customs clearance, a mandatory MOT inspection, and final registration with the road transport department to receive Cyprus number plates.

Once registered, the car gains full legal status. There are no additional taxes or special insurance conditions for owners – the same rules apply to all vehicles on Cypriot roads.

Advantages of right hand drive cars in Cyprus

The main benefits are linked to how well these vehicles match local driving conditions.

• Better driver positioning. With left-hand traffic, the driver seated on the right is closer to the center of the road, improving visibility of oncoming vehicles and making overtaking safer.
• Passenger convenience. Passengers usually enter and exit on the sidewalk side rather than directly into traffic.
• Lower purchase price. The used rhd cars market from the UK, Japan, and other countries is highly competitive, allowing buyers to find well-maintained vehicles at attractive prices.
• Wide model selection. Buyers can choose from many models that were never officially sold in the European market.

Disadvantages of right hand drive cars

The main drawbacks usually appear in specific driving situations or for newcomers.

• Overtaking difficulties. On two-lane roads, visibility of vehicles ahead is more limited for drivers of right hand drive cars. Safe overtaking often requires a longer clear distance or moving further left.
• Challenges at intersections and roundabouts. When turning left or navigating multi-lane roundabouts, the driver’s field of vision can be restricted.
• Parking and payment inconvenience. At automated parking systems, toll booths, or ticket machines, drivers frequently need to stretch across the cabin to reach controls.
• Adaptation for left-side drivers. Drivers from countries with right-hand traffic need time to adjust to the different driving position and changed spatial perception.

Right side car and road safety

Studies do not show a direct link between steering wheel position and accident rates. Road safety depends more on driver skills, attention, and compliance with traffic rules.

For drivers new to rhd cars, the main risks include:

• Misjudging vehicle width
• Accidentally activating the wipers instead of indicators (controls are often mirrored)
• Errors when changing lanes or parking due to shifted perspective

The adaptation period typically lasts from a few days to two weeks of active driving. Experienced drivers usually adjust quickly. It is best to begin on familiar, low-traffic routes and pay special attention to maneuvering.

Insurance for right hand drive cars

Insurance for a right side car in Cyprus is generally the same as for any other vehicle. The process for Third-Party Liability or Comprehensive insurance is standard.

Does right-hand steering affect insurance cost?

No. The steering position itself is not a direct factor used by insurers when calculating premiums. Insurance pricing is based on common criteria:

• Driver’s age and experience
• Driving history and claim-free record
• Vehicle make, model, and engine power
• Vehicle age
• Owner’s location and parking conditions

However, indirect factors may apply. Some insurers may assume that drivers of rhd cars are newcomers to Cyprus roads, particularly recent residents from countries with right-hand traffic. In rare cases, this can influence quotes, though it is usually offset by providing an international no-claims history.

Possible insurance limitations

Any restrictions usually relate not to steering position but to the vehicle’s age or origin. For older or non-EU imported right hand drive cars, insurers may request additional documents or require their own inspection to assess vehicle condition. Coverage will still be offered, but certain terms – such as excess amounts – may be adjusted.

Maintenance and spare parts

Servicing right hand drive cars in Cyprus is not a problem. Due to their widespread use, almost all garages – from large dealership service centers to independent workshops – have extensive experience working with these vehicles.

Availability and cost of spare parts

The spare parts situation depends mainly on the brand and model.

• For popular British and Japanese brands (such as Toyota, Nissan, Honda, BMW, and Ford) that were widely sold in the UK market, parts are readily available. They are supplied by local distributors or ordered directly from the UK.
• Original OEM parts may cost slightly more than for left-hand-drive European versions due to logistics, but the difference is usually minor. High-quality aftermarket alternatives are widely available.
• For rare or exclusive models, sourcing specific interior or body components (such as left-side headlights) may take longer.

Servicing British-market models

The main difference is the orientation of the dashboard and some controls toward the driver seated on the right. For mechanics, this does not present any difficulty. The key is choosing a service center that uses correct technical manuals and diagnostic equipment configured for the appropriate vehicle versions.

Resale of right hand drive cars

RHD cars enjoy strong demand on the Cyprus second-hand market, ensuring good resale value. Well-maintained popular models have very high liquidity. The buyer pool is large – including local residents accustomed to right-hand steering and expats from the UK, Australia, and other left-hand-traffic countries. Selling a right side car in Cyprus is usually easier and faster than selling a left-hand-drive European equivalent.

Who is it easiest to sell to?

Resale is most successful when the vehicle matches local market preferences:

• Moderate engine size – typically 1.4 to 2.0 liters
• Good technical condition – full service history and a recent inspection significantly increase value
• Reliable brands – especially Japanese and selected European manufacturers
• Competitive pricing – buyers are well informed about market values

With reasonable pricing, owners of mass-market right hand drive cars rarely face resale difficulties.

Is a right side car right for you?

When choosing a vehicle in Cyprus, consider your lifestyle and driving experience.

• For long-term Cyprus residents. A right hand drive car is a logical and economical option. It is fully adapted to left-hand traffic, and ownership costs (purchase, insurance, repairs) are often lower. For this group, disadvantages are minimal.
• For expats and newcomers from right-hand-traffic countries. If you come from the UK, Japan, or Australia, rhd cars will feel natural. Drivers used to left-hand steering should expect an adjustment period of one week to one month, with possible initial discomfort. Renting a right side car short-term is a good way to test comfort before buying.
• For short-term use or tourism. For rentals of one to two weeks, right-hand steering may add stress – especially without experience of left-hand traffic. In such cases, paying extra for a familiar left-hand-drive car can improve comfort and safety.
• For families and daily commuting. A right hand drive car is an excellent choice when it meets safety, reliability, and space needs. Lower purchase prices and affordable spare parts are major advantages. Make sure all drivers feel confident behind the wheel.

Alternatives to right hand drive cars in Cyprus

Despite their dominance, alternatives exist.

• Left-hand-drive vehicles. Available via imports from mainland Europe or selected official dealers. This makes sense if:

1. You frequently drive in right-hand-traffic countries
2. You cannot comfortably adapt to right-hand steering and prefer familiarity over cost savings

• Hybrid and electric vehicles. The Cyprus green car market is growing rapidly. Many new models are offered both as right-hand and left-hand versions depending on supplier origin. With modern layouts and driver-assistance systems, adaptation is often easier.
• When paying extra for a left-hand drive makes sense. This is reasonable for premium vehicles intended for resale in Europe or for professional drivers such as taxi operators serving mainly European tourists.

Conclusion

A right hand drive car is the natural and most common choice in Cyprus. Its main advantages – full compatibility with left-hand traffic and generally lower ownership costs – make it ideal for long-term residents. The primary drawback is the adaptation period for drivers accustomed to left-hand steering.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your experience and plans. For long-term living on the island, adapting to rhd cars is a practical decision. For short stays, comfort may outweigh cost benefits. In all cases, a test drive before purchase is the smartest step.