The new Road Traffic Code (KOK) comes into effect today, Saturday, September 13, introducing significant changes aimed at reducing traffic accidents in Greece while imposing stricter fines.
The most fundamental change in the new code is the introduction of the concept of recidivism. For the first time, penalties for frequent or repeated violations will not be offset—they will be cumulative.
The revised penalty framework is clear and graduated. The strictness of the measures is not intended as punishment, but as a preventive tool.
Each violation is recorded, and if repeated, penalties increase significantly—not only financially, but also administratively, including license suspension and, depending on the severity and consequences, possible criminal prosecution.
Fines will now be sent directly to offenders via the gov.gr platform, streamlining enforcement and ensuring timely notification.
Using a Mobile Phone While Driving (No Accident)
- Fine: €350, license revoked for 30 days
Repeat offenses:
- 1st: Fine €1,000, license revoked for 180 days
- 2nd: Fine €2,000, license revoked for 1 year
Using a Mobile Phone While Driving (Causing an Accident)
- Fine: €350, license revoked for 30 days
Repeat offenses:
- 1st: Fine €2,000, license revoked for 4 years
- 2nd: Fine €4,000, license revoked for 8 years
Criminal penalties: In all three cases, Article 290A of the Penal Code applies for dangerous driving, which can include imprisonment.
Privacy waiver: Investigations for this offense may include a legal lifting of communications and location data privacy, following all safeguards and procedures required by law.
Not Wearing a Protective Helmet
- Fine: €350, license revoked for 30 days.
- If a passenger does not wear a helmet, both the passenger and driver are fined €350, even if the driver wears a helmet.
Repeat offenses:
- 1st: Fine €1,000, license revoked for 180 days
- 2nd: Fine €2,000, license revoked for 1 year
Not Wearing a Seat Belt
- Driver: Fine €350, license revoked for 30 days
- Passenger: Fine €150, also applies to the driver even if the driver is wearing a seat belt
Repeat offenses:
- 1st: Fine €1,000, license revoked for 180 days
- 2nd: Fine €2,000, license revoked for 1 year
Driving Under the Influence (BAC above 1.10 g/l)
- Fine: €1,200, license and vehicle plates revoked for 180 days, vehicle impounded.
- Imprisonment: 2 months to 5 years; court may revoke vehicle registration for 10 days to 6 months.
Repeat offenses:
- 1st: Fine €2,000, license revoked for 7 years
- 2nd: Fine €4,000, license revoked for 10 years
Exceeding Speed Limit by More Than 50 km/h
- Fine: €700, license revoked for 60 days
Repeat offenses:
- 1st: Fine €1,000, license revoked up to 180 days
- 2nd: Fine €2,000, license revoked for 1 year
Speeding over 200 km/h or Illegal Street Racing
- Fine: €2,000, license revoked for 1 year
Repeat offenses:
- 1st: Fine €4,000, license revoked for 2 years
- 2nd: Fine €8,000, license revoked for 4 years
Traffic Light Violations
- Fine: €700, license revoked for 60 days
Repeat offenses:
- 1st: Fine €1,000, license revoked up to 180 days
- 2nd: Fine €2,000, license revoked for 1 year
Stop Sign Violation (No Accident)
- Fine: €350, license revoked for 30 days
Repeat offenses:
- 1st: Fine €1,000, license revoked up to 180 days
- 2nd: Fine €2,000, license revoked for 1 year
Stop Sign Violation (Causing an Accident)
- Fine: €700, license revoked for 60 days
Repeat offenses:
- 1st: Fine €2,000, license revoked for 4 years
- 2nd: Fine €4,000, license revoked for 8 years
Driving Without a License
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Fine: €1,000, license revoked for 1 year, imprisonment up to 2 years. In case of an accident, criminal provisions for dangerous driving apply.
Repeat offenses:
- 1st: Fine €2,000, license revoked for 4 years
- 2nd: Fine €4,000, license revoked for 8 years
Obstructing Rail Traffic
- Fine: €1,200, license revoked for 60 days, imprisonment up to 5 years, additional fine €2,000
Repeat offenses:
- 1st: Fine €2,000, license revoked for 4 years
- 2nd: Fine €4,000, license revoked for 8 years
Obstructing Public Transport
- Any illegal stopping or parking that blocks buses or other public transport is considered a violation.
- Fine: €350, license revoked for 70 days
Taxi Driving in Bus Lanes
- Fine: €150 for violating bus lane rules
- Taxis (including loaded taxis) are prohibited from using bus lanes to ensure bus speed and reliability in Athens and Thessaloniki.
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Exceptions:
- Boarding passengers
- Alighting passengers (when not obstructing a bus)
- Night hours
- Zero-emission taxis
- Taxis for persons with disabilities (special type)
Parking in Disabled Spaces
- Fine: €150, license and plates revoked for 60 days, vehicle removed immediately
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Repeat offenses:
- 1st: Fine €1,000, license revoked for 180 days
- 2nd: Fine €2,000, license revoked for 1 year
Speed Limits
Until January 1, 2026, the general speed limit of 50 km/h remains in effect.
From 2026 onward, new speed limits will apply depending on the type of road, unless otherwise indicated by signage.
