Greece has adopted a new strengthened Traffic Code that introduces significant changes aimed at reducing traffic accidents and increasing the accountability of traffic participants. The law comes into force in September 2025, and these are the key innovations that concern both domestic drivers and tourists.
For the first time, the new traffic code recognizes drivers who commit repeat offenses (recidivists) and introduces cumulative penalties. Multiple offenses are no longer erased or voided, but are added up and punished more severely. The goal is to differentiate between unintentional offenses and systematic violations of the law.
Digital control: cameras and electronic fines
From September 2025, automatic digital control begins in Attica (the wider area of Athens). Violations to the traffic code recorded by cameras will be communicated to drivers by mail, and it may be required to surrender the license, vehicle registration, or license plates.
The key points of the new traffic code:
Violation: Use of mobile phone while driving
First offense: €350 fine, 1-month license suspension.
First repeat offense: €1,000 fine, 6-month license suspension.
Second repeat offense: €2,000 fine, 1-year license suspension.
Violation: Speed limit
First offense: €700 fine, 60-day license suspension.
First repeat offense: €1,000 fine, 180-day license suspension.
Second repeat offense: €2,000 fine, 1-year license suspension.
- Street racing (speed over 200 km/h):
First offense: €2,000 fine, 1-year license suspension.
First repeat offense: €4,000 fine, 2-year license suspension.
Second repeat offense: €8,000 fine, 4-year license suspension.
Causing an accident or crash (Article 290A Penal Code):
Causing serious bodily injury/damage to public facilities: Up to 10 years imprisonment.
Causing fatal accident: 10–20 years imprisonment.
Causing multiple deaths: Life imprisonment.
Violation: Running a red light
First offense: €700 fine, 60-day license suspension.
First repeat offense: €1,000 fine, 180-day license suspension.
Second repeat offense: €2,000 fine, 1-year license suspension.
Violation: Ignoring STOP sign
- Without causing a traffic accident:
First offense: €350 fine, 30-day license suspension.
First repeat offense: €1,000 fine, 180-day license suspension.
Second repeat offense: €2,000 fine, 1-yNew traffic low in Greece (09/2025)ear license suspension.
- Causing a traffic accident:
First offense: €700 fine, 60-day license suspension.
First repeat offense: €2,000 fine, 4-year license suspension.
Second repeat offense: €4,000 fine, 8-year license suspension.
Criminal penalties: 10 years, 10–30 years, or life imprisonment (depending on outcome).
Violation: Driving without a license
First offense: €1,000 fine, 1-year license suspension, up to 2 years imprisonment.
First repeat offense: €2,000 fine, 4-year license suspension.
Second repeat offense: €4,000 fine, 8-year license suspension.
With dangerous driving: Imprisonment under Penal Code provisions.
- Causing a traffic accident:
First repeat offense: €2,000 fine, 4-year license suspension.
Second repeat offense: €4,000 fine, 8-year license suspension.
Criminal penalties (Article 290A Penal Code):
Serious bodily injury/damage: Up to 10 years imprisonment.
Fatal accident: 10–20 years imprisonment.
Multiple deaths: Life imprisonment.
Violation: Not wearing a helmet
First offense: €350 fine, 1-month license suspension.
First repeat offense: €1,000 fine, 6-month license suspension.
Second repeat offense: €2,000 fine, 1-year license suspension.
Passenger without helmet: €350 fine (applies to both driver and passenger).
Violation: Not wearing a seatbelt
First offense: €350 fine, 1-month license suspension.
First repeat offense: €1,000 fine, 6-month license suspension.
Second repeat offense: €2,000 fine, 1-year license suspension.
Passenger without seatbelt: €150 fine (applies to both driver and passenger).
drink-driving offences
In Greece, the legal framework for addressing drink-driving offences is strict, with specific Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limits set to ensure road safety.
The standard legal BAC limit for drivers is 0.05% or 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. For novice and professional drivers, a lower BAC limit of 0.2g/l is enforced, reflecting a more stringent approach towards those with less experience or those driving in a professional capacity
Violation: Driving under the influence of alcohol
Reading between 0.5–1.1 g/l: €350 fine, 1-month license suspension.
Reading between 0.8–1.1 g/l: €700 fine, 3-month license suspension.
First repeat offense: €1,000 fine, 6-month license suspension.
Second repeat offense: €2,000 fine, 1-year license suspension.
Reading over 1.1 g/l: €1,200 fine, license & plates suspension for 180 days, 2–5 years imprisonment.
First repeat offense: €2,000 fine, 7-year license suspension.
Second repeat offense: €4,000 fine, 10-year license suspension.
Causing accident or crash (Article 290A Penal Code):
Serious injury/damage: Up to 10 years imprisonment.
Fatal accident: 10–20 years imprisonment.
Multiple deaths: Life imprisonment.
Violation: Obstruction of public transport
Illegal stopping/parking: €350 fine, 70-day license suspension.
Violation: Taxi entering bus lane
€150 fine (no license suspension).
Exceptions: Passenger pick-up/drop-off, nighttime driving, zero-emission taxis, disabled vehicles.
Violation: Parking in disabled parking space
First offense: €150 fine, license and plates suspension for 60 days, vehicle removal.
First repeat offense: €1,000 fine, 180-day license suspension.
Second repeat offense: €2,000 fine, 1-year license suspension.
Violation: Obstructing railway traffic
First offense: €1,200 fine, 60-day license suspension, up to 5 years imprisonment.
First repeat offense: €2,000 fine, 4-year license suspension.
Second repeat offense: €4,000 fine, 8-year license suspension.
Special provisions
important for tourists driving in Greece
Roundabouts
The new traffic code does not introduce a universal rule that the vehicle in a roundabout always has the right of way. The right of way is determined according to the sign. If the sign says “yield,” then priority is given to the vehicle already in the roundabout. If there is no sign, the standard rule applies - the entering vehicle has the right of way as it comes from the right side.
If there is a traffic sign at the roundabout indicating yielding or priority over the vehicle already in the roundabout, that sign takes precedence.
If there is no signage, the «priority to the right» rule applies - the entering vehicle has the right of way, contrary to the expected rules in many other countries.
Spare glasses:
Drivers with a driver’s license stating that they need corrective lenses must also have spare glasses in the vehicle.
Electronic fines and foreign cars
Cooperation with EU countries is foreseen to ensure that fines reach owners of vehicles with foreign plates.
Greece is introducing the most comprehensive amendments to the traffic code in the last 20 years. The goal is greater safety, a reduction in fatalities, and increased responsibility for all participants. For tourists, this means it is important to be well-informed and extra cautious to avoid high fines and inconveniences during their vacation.
✔ How to organize your holidays in Athens
Ferry to the islands: Book your ferry to to Santorini, Mykonos and other islands.
Hotels: Discover our selection with the best hotels and accommodation in Athens.
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Car rentals: Discover the the surroundings on your own by booking your car.
