What new provisions does the new traffic law bring in Greece from September 2025?

Greece has adopted a new Road Traffic Safety Code (Κώδικας Οδικής Κυκλοφορίας – KOK) that introduces significant changes aimed at reducing traffic accidents and increasing the accountability of traffic participants.

The law comes into force in September 2025, and these are the key innovations that concern both domestic drivers and tourists.

1. Introduction of principles for punishing repeat offenses - “recidivism”

For the first time, the new law recognizes drivers who commit repeat offenses (recidivists) and introduces cumulative penalties. Multiple offenses are no longer erased or voided, but are added up and punished more severely. The goal is to differentiate between unintentional offenses and systematic violations of the law.

2. Strict penalties for mobile phone use

The use of a mobile phone while driving is now penalized through a three-tier system:
First offense: €350 and a 30-day license suspension
Second offense: €1,000 and a 6-month license suspension
Third offense: €2,000 and a 1-year license suspension

3. Digital control: cameras and electronic fines

From September 2025, automatic digital control begins in Attica (the wider area of Athens). Violations recorded by cameras will be communicated to drivers via the state portal gov.gr and by mail, and it may be required to surrender the license, vehicle registration, or license plates.

4. Penalties for passengers without helmets

The new law introduces responsibility for passengers on motorcycles without helmets for the first time - previously only the driver was fined. Now both the driver and the passenger bear the penalty.

5. Changes in speed limits

30 km/h in residential streets and school zones
50 km/h on main city streets with median strips
140 km/h on highways (an increase, but still under consideration)

6. Stricter criminal liability for accidents under the influence of alcohol

If a fatal accident occurs due to driving under the influence of alcohol or excessive speed, the driver may face up to 10 years in prison without parole.

7. Combatting street racing and excessive speed

The law decisively deals with illegal races and speeding:
First offense: €2,000 + 1-year license suspension
Second offense: €4,000 + 2 years suspension
Third offense: €8,000 + 4 years suspension
Driving over 200 km/h - €8,000 + 4 years without a license

8. Priority for public transport

Bus lanes are now strictly prohibited for everyone, including taxi drivers (except for passenger drop-offs, at night, or for vehicles with special permits). Improper driving or parking in these lanes is strictly punished.

9. Parking in disability ramps

This is now treated as a serious violation against dignity and accessibility:
Fine up to €2,000
1-year license suspension in case of repeat offenses

10. Special provisions important for tourists

Some of the changes directly affect foreign drivers as well:

Roundabouts

The new law does not introduce a universal rule that the vehicle in a roundabout always has the right of way. The right of way is determined according to the sign. If the sign says “yield,” then priority is given to the vehicle already in the roundabout. If there is no sign, the standard rule applies - the entering vehicle has the right of way as it comes from the right side.

If there is a traffic sign at the roundabout indicating yielding or priority over the vehicle already in the roundabout, that sign takes precedence.

If there is no signage, the “right side” rule applies - the entering vehicle has the right of way, contrary to the expected rules in many other countries.

Spare glasses:

Drivers with a driver’s license stating that they need corrective lenses must also have spare glasses in the vehicle.

Electronic fines and foreign plates

Cooperation with EU countries is foreseen to ensure that fines reach owners of vehicles with foreign plates.

Greece is introducing the most comprehensive amendments to the traffic law in the last 20 years. The goal is greater safety, a reduction in fatalities, and increased responsibility for all participants. For tourists, this means it is important to be well-informed and extra cautious to avoid high fines and inconveniences during their vacation.

For more advice on safe travel and driving in Greece, visit our guide:
Traffic regulations in Greece
Traffic rules in Greece

In addition to traffic regulations, also check out this important article here: How to protect your car from theft .

Note for tourists: If you drive in Greece - pay attention to signs, use apps for assistance (to locate cameras, gas stations, and traffic jams), and do not rely too much on the previously quite “lenient” practice. The new law is digital, fast, and offers no discounts to drivers because traffic safety in Greece is important for the safety of millions of tourists.

Sources: Κώδικας Οδικής Κυκλοφορίας – KOK
Road Safety Observatory https://www.nrso.ntua.gr/

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