Collision in Cyprus: What to Do Step by Step, Especially with a Rental Car

A road accident in Cyprus can be a stressful experience, especially for tourists driving a rental car. Adding to the challenges is the country's left-hand drive system and new regulations regarding minor collisions, effective from 2026. Failure to follow these procedures can result in insurance and rental issues, and even hefty fines.

The most important information

• In the event of a minor collision without any injuries, the following applies: an order to remove the vehicle from the roadif it is safe to do so.
• Before moving the car, you should take photos, exchange details with the other driver and report the incident to your insurer.
• In the case of injured people, vehicles should not be moved – the police and an ambulance must be called.
• You must report the rental car to the rental company immediately and follow their instructions.
• Failure to comply with the new regulations will result in heavy fines.

First and foremost, put safety first

After a collision, stop your vehicle in a safe place and turn on your hazard warning lights. First, check for injuries to anyone involved in the accident.

If anyone is injured or complains of pain, do not move vehiclesImmediately call emergency services and the police. In these situations, police presence is mandatory.

New regulations – in the event of a minor collision, the car must be removed from the road

From 2026, new regulations will be in force in Cyprus to reduce traffic jams caused by minor accidents.

If:

• no one was injured,
• the vehicles are operational and can drive away on their own,
• their movement will not create additional hazards,

drivers have the obligation to remove vehicles from the road to the nearest safe placeLeaving a car blocking traffic without justification may constitute a violation of the law.

Before you move your car, do these things

The new regulations also specify the sequence of actions.

Before removing your vehicle, you must:

• take photos showing the position of the cars after the collision,
• photograph the damage,
• photograph the license plates,
• take photos of the entire scene,
• exchange personal, vehicle and insurance details with the other driver,
• inform your insurer immediately.

Only after completing these steps should you drive away to a safe place.

Is it always necessary to call the police?

NO.

In a typical collision where there are no injuries, the parties agree on the course of the incident, and only the vehicles are damaged, police intervention is not always necessary.

The police should be called primarily when:

• there are injured people,
• there is a dispute regarding the course of the collision,
• public property was damaged,
• there is a suspicion of a crime or other violation requiring intervention.

Collision with a rental car

If you are involved in a collision with a rental car in Cyprus, after fulfilling your obligations under the regulations contact the rental company immediately.

Most companies have their own procedures for reporting damage. Do not have your vehicle repaired or towed without prior approval from the rental company, unless required by safety or emergency orders.

Before signing any documents, read them carefully and if in doubt, consult the rental company representative or your insurer.

Documentation can be crucial

Even a minor accident should be carefully documented.

It is best to take photos:

• damage to all vehicles,
• car locations,
• road markings,
• braking marks,
• registration numbers,
• surroundings of the scene of the incident.

The better you document the collision, the easier it will be to resolve any dispute with the insurer or rental company later.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

The amendment to the regulations introduced severe sanctions.

Failure to comply with obligations related to a minor collision may result in a fine of up to 1,000 eurosHowever, leaving a vehicle in a dangerous or traffic-blocking manner may result in a fine of up to 3,000 euros, punishment to a year of imprisonment or both of these sanctions simultaneously.

Summary

A collision in Cyprus does not have to mean serious problems if the driver remains calm and follows the applicable regulations.

The most important thing is to ensure the safety of the participants in the event, take photographic documentation, report the damage to the insurer and – in the case of a minor collision – remove the vehicle from the road as quickly as possible, if circumstances allow.