Cyprus Taxi Transport

The Department of Road Transport of the Ministry of Communications and Works:

a) Implements government policy regarding road services offered to the public and control and regulation of the taxi services.

b) Handles taxi vehicle registration, issue of vehicle circulating licenses, testing of vehicles for road worthiness and issue of driving licenses.

Cyprus Vehicle Licenses - All motor vehicles circulating in Cyprus need a motor vehicle license issued by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles. Public service motor vehicles like taxi vehicles also need special road service licenses, which are issued by the Licensing Authority, an independent body appointed by the Council of Ministers. Public Service licenses are valid for five years. Drivers of all types of motor vehicles including taxi drivers must be holders of driving licenses which are issued after relevant tests and are valid until the age of 70. After the age of 70 the licenses are renewable every two years with a medical certificate. A visitor holding a valid driving license of his country or an international driving license can drive on the roads of Cyprus. Visitors importing a motor vehicle temporarily for their personal use, which is accompanied by a proper certificate of registration and a valid circulation license, are not obliged to register and they can use it on the roads of Cyprus. If the vehicle is not accompanied by the above documents, the owner must apply to the Deputy Registrar of Motor Vehicles within 15 days from the date of importation, for securing a temporary registration certificate. In case the foreign circulation license of a motor vehicle expires during its stay in Cyprus, the importer must pay to the Department of Road Transport the circulation fees.

Cyprus Vehicle Insurance - Before driving on the roads of Cyprus, a third party insurance cover by a Cyprus insurance company is essential unless the importer of the vehicle is in possession of an International Insurance Certificate (green card).

Cyprus Mechanical Inspection – All taxi vehicles and other types of motor vehicles have to be inspected before registration. In addition, mechanical inspection of motor vehicles is carried out in accordance with local rules and regulations.