The Athens traffic restriction system, known as the “Daktylios,” is set to pause for the summer, allowing unrestricted access for all vehicles to the city center in just a few days. The current restriction period, which began on October 14, 2024, will end on July 18, 2025.

What Is the “Daktylios”?

The “Daktylios” is a traffic regulation system in central Athens designed to reduce congestion and air pollution. It limits the circulation of private vehicles within a designated area on alternating days based on the last digit of the vehicle’s license plate (odd or even numbers).

Restricted Zone Boundaries

The area covered by the restriction includes the following streets and avenues:

  • Alexandras Ave. – Zacharoff – Mesogeion Ave. – Fidippidou – Michalakopoulou – Spyrou Merkouri – Vryaxidos – Ymittou – Iliou Iliou – Amvrosiou Frantzi – Syngrou Ave. – Chamosternas – Piraeus St. – Iera Odos – Konstantinoupoleos Ave. – Achilleos – Karaiskaki Sq. – Karolou – Marnis – Patission (28th October) – back to Alexandras Ave.

Restrictions do not apply directly on these boundary roads but rather to the interior streets enclosed within them, which form the “Small Ring” zone.

Who Can Drive and When?

Inside this zone, only private cars and light trucks (up to 2.2 tons) may circulate on alternating days based on their license plate number:

  • Odd numbers on odd-numbered calendar days
  • Even numbers on even-numbered days

These rules are enforced:

  • Monday to Thursday from 07:00 to 20:00
  • Friday from 07:00 to 15:00

They do not apply on weekends, public holidays, or on days when public transport workers are on strike.

Exemptions

Some vehicles are fully exempt from the “Daktylios” restrictions. These include:

  • Fully electric vehicles
  • Hybrid vehicles, as well as those using natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas
  • EURO 6 vehicles (non-electric) emitting less than 120g/km of CO₂, registered in any EU country before December 31, 2020 (based on NEDC standards)
  • EURO 6 vehicles emitting less than 145g/km of CO₂, registered from January 1, 2021 onwards (based on WLTP standards)

Eligible vehicle owners can obtain a special permit for exemption either in digital or printed form via the Greek government’s online portal (gov.gr).

Permanent Residents and Entry Permits

Residents living within the restricted zone are allowed to drive in and out using designated access points. They must apply for a special resident permit from the Athens Municipality.