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Motoring
Comments on driving habits in Northern Cyprus are not entirely positive but as long as you drive carefully and not overly fast you should not generally experience major problems. The roads between cities have been upgraded and are good, although small roads and those in towns still need improving.
Ideally you should carry your driving licence with you when driving and your tax renewal proof document should be kept in your car. Other original documents, such as insurance, log book, MOT and emissions certificate should be stored in a safe place and photocopies carried in the car. If stopped by the police, and you do not have the documents in the car you may be asked to produce originals at a police station within 48 hours. Failure to do so will result in a fine.
You must also carry two emergency triangles, first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher. All the normal regulations like wearing a seatbelt, not drinking and driving and refraining from using a mobile phone apply in the TRNC. Any infringements are punished heavily, especially for drink-driving. In addition, drinking (anything), eating and smoking are not permitted while driving.
“A sudden rush of new found wealth from the sale of land has led to ownership of powerful cars and 4x4s by people with little or no experience. Care has to be taken, especially near nightclubs and of drivers from mainland Turkey who are used to driving on the right.”
Traffic offences and fines
The BRS has compiled a list of traffic offences together with the appropriate penalty cost and the number of points that go on your TRNC driving licence. These are currently being translated and will be made available shortly.
Driving Licences
You can use your UK driving licence during the 90 days of your entry visa but if you are using your licence for a collective period of over 90 days in one year, the law states that you must make an application for a TRNC driving licence. Failure to do this is frowned upon by the police and could cause problems if in the future you are involved in a road traffic accident.
Driving licences are issued by the Driving Licence Directorate, a part of the Income and Tax central Office of the Ministry of Finance. The directorate is at Salih Mecit Street, Lefkosa (Behind the Turkish Airlines main office)
Foreigners in North Cyprus on a visit visa may use their national driving licence for up to 3 months.
Those wishing to drive for longer than 3 months should apply for a TRNC licence. Requirements are -
a) Passport bearing a residence stamp, a photocopy of photo page and permit
b) 2 passport size photos
c) Original and a photocopy of the national driving licence
d) Application form
e) Fee (depends on validity of licence – 1,2,3, or 5 years; at a cost of 145 TL, 210 TL, 285 TL and 430 TL respectively, as at 1st JAN,2016)
RENEWAL
As of the 1st JANUARY 2016 a new system for renewing your TRNC driving licence has come into effect. You can now apply for a licence renewal for up to a 10 year period at the current cost of 710 TL
To renew your licence all of the above are required except you need to produce your last TRNC licence instead of your national driving licence and whether or not you hold a current Temporary Residence permit you do not need a Muhtars letter as part of the application process.
Collection of your new licence is at present 4 weeks.