Holidaymakers heading to summer hotspot Cyprus have been warned of a little-known law that could see them slapped with a fine. The Mediterranean island attracts an estimated 1.2 million tourists from the UK in search of sun, sea and sand.
But drivers are being warned that it is forbidden to drink or eat anything while behind the wheel, even if it is to cool off from temperatures of up to 34 degrees celsius. Graham Conway, managing director of leading vehicle leasing specialists Select Car Leasing, said: “It’s always important to remember while travelling abroad that laws can vary a lot, and something that is considered common or normal in the UK can be illegal in another country.
“In Cyprus, it’s against the law to eat or drink while driving, and that includes soft drinks, water and snacks for the journey. Given that temperatures regularly reach the mid-thirties in summer, it’s common for unsuspecting tourists to break this law in Cyprus.
“Before getting behind the wheel in Europe this summer, make sure you are fully up to speed with the rules and regulations of the country you’re in so you don’t fall foul.”
Cyprus, home to holiday hotspots such as Ayia Napa, Limassol and Nicosia, has long been a popular summer sun destination for tourists from the UK. Many enjoy the feeling of familiarity they experience as the country was under British control between 1878 and 1960.
And it’s a permanent home to an estimated 40,000 British nationals who moved there for a new life in the sun.However, it has one of the most strict policies in Europe regarding consuming food and drink while driving.
While most people may assume it’s illegal to consume alcohol behind the wheel, they may not realise the Cypriot law extends to soft drinks, water and snacks, too. If caught by police, offenders face a fine of €85.
It’s among one of the little-known laws that British tourists are being warned not to break while travelling in Europe this summer. In Spain, driving while shirtless - a common sight in the UK during summer - can see offenders slapped with a €200 fine.
Established in 2004, Select Car Leasing is one of the UK's largest independent specialists for car and van leasing.
