Penalties for Traffic Violations in Greece
Be warned, the Greek Police demand strict adherence to driving rules and regulations. Fines in recent years have been on the rise. This year, the police are engaged in a major campaign against motorcycle, scooter and ATV riders who are not wearing a helmet. The fine for both driver and passenger is €350, as well as the driver’s licence being suspended for 30 days.
| Violation | Penalties |
|---|---|
| Speeding | Up to 20 km/h over €40 20-30 km/h over €50 above 30 km/h €175 and a possible 2-month driving ban. |
| Parking breaches | €80, with severe cases resulting in licence plate confiscation. |
| Not wearing seat belts | €350 |
| Overtaking violations | €700 |
| Running a red light | €700 |
| Not yielding to pedestrians | €200 |
| Mobile phone usage while driving | €100 |
Drink & Driving in Greece
Greece enforces stringent drink-driving laws. Permitted alcohol limit is up to 0.5 ppm:
| Alcohol limit | Penalties |
|---|---|
| 0.5 to 0.8 ppm | €200 |
| 0.8 to 1.1 ppm | €700 |
| Above 1.1 ppm | €1,200, potential driving disqualification, and possible 2-month imprisonment |
Settling Fines
Never try to bribe! Pay fines at banks or post offices using the issued ticket. Previously, early payments had discounts, but as of 2018, full fines are imposed.
Interacting with Greek Traffic Police
Generally, police are helpful to tourists. Rural officers might be more lenient, while city officers are stricter due to heavier workloads.
Helpful Resources for Drivers in Greece
Emergency numbers to remember:
| Emergency Phone Number | Emergency services |
|---|---|
| 112 | Rescue service |
| 171 | Tourist police |
| 100 | General police |
| 166 | Ambulance |
| 199 | Fire brigade |
