Road rules in Cyprus. The green arrow doesn't work like it does in Poland.

A green arrow on a Cypriot traffic light doesn't indicate a conditional turn permission, as Polish drivers are familiar with. It's a full-fledged green light, valid only for the direction indicated by the arrow. Drivers may proceed without first having to stop.

If a green left arrow appears at a red light, left-turning vehicles may proceed. Drivers going straight or right must still wait. The arrow may also indicate straight ahead. In this case, only traffic in that direction will proceed, while turning vehicles remain behind the stop line.

The green arrow in Cyprus is a separate green light

Many Cypriot intersections feature an additional green arrow next to the standard traffic lights. This solution can be found in Nicosia, for example.

The illuminated arrow indicates that vehicles in the appropriate lane may proceed in the direction indicated by the arrow. It does not matter that the main traffic light is still red.

The most important rule is simple:

• left arrow allows you to go left;
• the straight arrow allows you to go straight;
• right arrow allows you to go right;
• Drivers choosing other directions still have to stand.

It is not permitted to use the green arrow to proceed in a different direction. Drivers should also first move into the lane designated for the indicated maneuver.

The most important difference between Cyprus and Poland

In Poland, a small green arrow displayed next to a red light indicates a conditional turn. Drivers must first come to a complete stop before the traffic light or stop line. Only then may they proceed if they do not obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians.

In Cyprus, the arrow operates differently. A lit green directional light automatically allows traffic in the indicated direction, regardless of the color displayed by the main traffic light.

Drivers don't have to stop just because the standard light is red. However, they should exercise caution, ensure the road is clear, and avoid entering an intersection if they cannot exit safely.

The green arrow straight ahead may also surprise you

For Polish drivers, the green arrow pointing straight ahead may be particularly unusual. In Poland, we primarily associate the additional arrow with turning right or left.

In Cyprus, it can also control straight-ahead traffic. If the upward-pointing arrow illuminates, drivers going straight ahead proceed. Those intending to turn right or left must continue to wait for the signal designated for their direction.

This solution allows for the separation of individual traffic flows. For example, cars can be allowed to proceed straight ahead, while turning vehicles are held up by traffic on another part of the intersection.

What to do when the arrow goes out?

If the green arrow turns off and the headlight remains red, you must stop. You cannot continue driving just because the arrow was on a short time earlier.

A different situation occurs when the arrow goes out but the main traffic light shows a full green. You can then proceed in accordance with the lane markings and general traffic rules. However, when turning, you may need to yield to oncoming vehicles or pedestrians crossing the road.

An arrow and a full green light don't always convey exactly the same message. An arrow only opens traffic in a specific direction. A full green light allows traffic to proceed in the permitted directions from the lane you're in, but the driver must still consider the situation at the intersection.

You still need to watch pedestrian crossings

A green arrow does not relieve drivers of the obligation to exercise caution. Before proceeding, ensure the intersection is clear and that no pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles are in the path.

Pay particular attention to pedestrians who have not yet cleared the crossing. Even if the traffic lights separate vehicle and pedestrian traffic, drivers cannot assume that the road will always be completely clear.

You must also follow the instructions of the police officer directing traffic. Their signals take precedence over those of the traffic lights.

Sources: Cyprus Road Transport Department, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Public Works, Cyprus Highway Code