Attention holidaymakers! Strict traffic rules and high fines in Greece!

Attention holidaymakers! Strict traffic rules and high fines in Greece!

Greece has taken drastic measures to increase road safety this year. The new fines for traffic violations affect both locals and tourists, and the government aims to reduce the number of road deaths. Loud Mercury Visitors must expect higher penalties, which can also be enforced in Germany based on EU regulations. It is therefore particularly important for travelers to find out about the new regulations.

A key point of the new regulations is the tightening of penalties for using the phone while driving. The first offense will result in a fine of 350 euros and a one-month driving license suspension. The second offense can be punished with 1,000 euros and a six-month suspension of your driving license. A third offense could result in a fine of 2,000 euros and a one-year driving ban. These legal changes are intended to minimize distractions while driving, which often lead to accidents, such as In Franconia reported.

Speed ​​limits and drunk driving

The speed limits have also been adjusted in Greece. In cities, there is a limit of 30 km/h on narrow streets, while 50 km/h is permitted on main roads. The permitted speed on motorways has now been increased to 140 km/h. Anyone driving faster than 200 km/h faces a fine of up to 8,000 euros and a four-year driving ban.

Another critical point is driving under the influence of alcohol. If the blood alcohol level exceeds 0.5 per mille, you can expect a fine of at least 1,000 euros and a driving ban of up to ten years. These measures are part of a large-scale program to combat road accidents, as 665 people died on roads in Greece in 2024, an increase of 4.5% compared to the previous year.

Stricter rules for tourists and motorhomes

Holidaymakers in particular should be aware of specific regulations. Wild camping and parking outside designated areas is punished rigorously, with fines of up to 3,000 euros and possible prison sentences. In addition, motorcyclists must wear a helmet every time they ride, and violating this can also result in hefty fines. Motorcycles are a common cause of accidents, accounting for 38% of road deaths in Greece.

Another crucial feature is the ban on smoking in the car when children under 12 are traveling. There is also a strict child seat requirement for children up to three years of age, while age-appropriate restraint systems are required for children up to 11 years of age.

Background of the measures

The traffic situation in Greece is also critically influenced by poor road infrastructure and inadequate safety measures. In February 2025, 382 traffic accidents were registered in the Attica region, in which nine people died. The most common causes are speeding, ignoring red lights and driving without a seatbelt. In order to counteract these developments, the Greek government is planning, among other things, to use surveillance cameras to monitor traffic regulations.

The new regulations come into force at a time when Greece expects tourism numbers to increase in 2025 - particularly on the islands. The measures aim to create safer road traffic conditions for both locals and tourists and to significantly reduce the high number of accidents.