Greek police report a surge in road safety checks as part of a nationwide “Zero Tolerance for Not Wearing a Helmet” campaign, with thousands of fines issued to motorcyclists and passengers.

Greek police announced that more than 3,000 helmet-related traffic violations were recorded between August 11 and 17, during the sixth week of the country’s “Zero Tolerance for Not Wearing a Helmet” campaign. Authorities carried out nearly 28,000 roadside checks across the country, issuing 2,613 fines to drivers — including 80 working in delivery services — and 413 fines to passengers.

Most of the violations involved motorcycle riders, with 2,382 drivers penalized, along with 389 passengers, 155 users of personal mobility devices, and 75 drivers of all-terrain vehicles. The highest number of offenses was reported in the greater Athens area (842), followed by Central Greece (382), the South Aegean islands (264), and the Ionian islands (248).

The campaign is being reinforced by Greece’s new Highway Code (Law 5209/2025), which introduced tougher penalties to deter non-compliance. Motorcyclists and passengers without a helmet face a €350 fine, while riders also risk losing their driving license for 30 days. Users of smaller electric personal vehicles face lighter fines of €30.

Police stressed that the goal is not punishment but a cultural shift in road safety attitudes. “The campaign is about changing perceptions among drivers and passengers regarding the mandatory use of certified helmets as a basic life-saving measure,” the Hellenic Police said in a statement.

Authorities pledged to maintain a strong daily presence on the roads to ensure compliance. “A helmet is not just an accessory — it is a responsibility that saves lives,” the statement concluded.