June 4, 2025, 11:30 am | Read time: 3 minutes
A quick reach for your phone while driving or riding without a helmet in Greece could soon have drastic consequences. Those who do not comply with the new regulations risk not only hefty fines but also losing their driver’s license—and this applies to tourists as well.
The Greek Parliament is planning a comprehensive reform of the traffic regulations. The goal is to reduce the number of traffic fatalities. The new traffic rules in Greece include severe penalties for cell phone use, speeding, lack of helmets, and more.
Overview
Cell Phone Use While Driving
The new regulations in Greece leave no room for habitual offenses while driving. Anyone caught with a cell phone to their ear will face hefty fines: 350 euros for the first offense, along with a one-month license suspension. For the second offense, the fine increases to 1,000 euros, and the license is suspended for six months. The third offense results in the maximum penalty: 2,000 euros and a one-year driving ban.
Helmet Requirement
Riding without a helmet—whether as a driver or passenger on a motorcycle—will also be penalized with the same fines as cell phone violations. The Greek Traffic Association points to alarming statistics: One in five motorcyclists foregoes head protection, and motorcyclists account for 38 percent of traffic fatalities—more than double the EU average of 18 percent. Particularly shocking: More than two-thirds of the motorcyclists who died in accidents were not wearing helmets.
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Speed Regulations
New speed limits are also intended to enhance safety: Narrow streets will be reduced to 30 km/h, while main roads in urban areas will remain at 50 km/h. Surprisingly, the speed limit on highways will be raised from the current 130 to 140 km/h. However, those who significantly exceed the speed limit face severe penalties—fines of up to 8,000 euros and a four-year license suspension for speeds over 200 km/h.
Aggressive Behavior and Illegal Racing
Traffic participants who behave aggressively or participate in street racing will face particularly harsh penalties. The first offense results in a 2,000-euro fine and a one-year driving ban. For repeat offenses, these penalties double. The third offense incurs an 8,000-euro fine and a four-year license suspension.
Alcohol and Smoking
The blood alcohol limit in Greece is 0.5. Exceeding this limit can result in fines starting at 1,000 euros and a possible driving ban of up to ten years. Additionally, smoking while driving in the presence of children under 12 is already prohibited. Violations are also strictly penalized.
Insurance Gap
For tourists in Greece with rental cars, traffic clubs strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance. The reason: Approximately 500,000 of the roughly eight million vehicles on Greek roads are reportedly uninsured. While the government is planning measures, until they take effect, caution is advised.
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Motorhomes in Focus
Since the beginning of the year, there has been a crackdown on the illegal parking of motorhomes. A motorhome may only remain parked for more than 24 hours in designated areas or campsites. Violating this rule risks fines of 300 euros per person. In the case of legal proceedings, fines of up to 3,000 euros or up to three months in jail may be imposed.
With material from dpa