A revised Highway Code (K.O.K.) was passed by Parliament on Tuesday 10th June 2025, that introduced significantly harsher penalties for traffic violations, statistically linked to high rates of road accidents.  Key changes include the implementation of a tiered penalty system, along with stricter sanctions in cases where the offender is involved in a traffic accident.  Among the offenses covered by the new system are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, running red lights or STOP signs, using mobile phone, smartwatch or tablets while driving, excessive speed, street racing and riding a motorcycle without a helmet, including any motorcycle passengers.  For example, in 2024, mobile phone use while driving was the third leading cause of traffic accidents, and drunk driving contributed to 25% of road deaths. 

 Heavier Penalties for Traffic Violations

The new K.O.K. introduces a tiered penalty system to deter repeat offenders and address major causes of accidents in Greece.  The new updated penalties for using a mobile phone, smartwatch or tablet device while driving are:
– First offense (no accident): €350 fine and 30-day license suspension.
– First repeat offense: €1,000 fine and 180-day license suspension.
– Second repeat offense: €2,000 fine and one-year license suspension.
– If an accident occurs, penalties escalate significantly: a first repeat offense incurs a €2,000 fine and a four-year license suspension, while a second repeat offense results in a €4,000 fine and an eight-year suspension. Additionally, causing an accident while using a mobile device now carries criminal penalties under Article 290A of the Penal Code, with up to 10 years imprisonment for serious injury, 10–20 years for a fatal accident, and up to life imprisonment for multiple fatalities.

 Drunk Driving Penalties

Drunk driving, linked to 25% of road deaths in 2024, faces harsher consequences based on blood alcohol levels:
– 0.50–0.80 g/L: €350 fine and 30-day license suspension.
– 0.80–1.10 g/L: €700 fine, 90-day license suspension, and mandatory vehicle immobilization.
– Over 1.10 g/L: €1,200 fine, six-month license suspension, and vehicle immobilization.
Repeat offenses escalate penalties, with a second repeat offense in the highest category leading to a €4,000 fine, a 10-year license suspension, and imprisonment ranging from two months to five years. 

Mandatory Helmet Use for Motorcyclists

Motorcycle accidents accounted for nearly 40% of road fatalities in Greece in 2023, with low helmet usage compared to rest of Europe. The new code imposes stricter rules for motorcyclists and passengers:
– No helmet (driver): €350 fine and 30-day license suspension for the first offense, escalating to €1,000 and six months for the first repeat offense, and doubling for a second repeat offense.
– No helmet (passenger): Both the passenger and driver face a €350 fine, even if the driver is wearing a helmet.  For electric scooter users, the penalty has been set at €30.  

Other Key Changes

– U-turns causing collisions: A €700 fine and 60-day license suspension for the first offense. For leased vehicles, penalties apply to the driver, not the owner.
– Camper parking: The ban on parking campers now applies to vehicles over 7.5 meters, up from 6 meters, following input from the Hellenic Motorhome, Trailer and Camper Association.
– Taxis in bus lanes: Taxis can stop for up to 30 seconds to pick up or drop off passengers, except in designated lay-bys or for passengers with mobility issues. A ministerial decision will also allow taxis to use bus lanes for transporting passengers for medical purposes, such as dialysis patients.
– Ignoring STOP signs: Linked to 16% of accidents in 2023, violations now carry a €350 fine and 30-day license suspension for a first offense without an accident.  If an accident occurs, penalties mirror those for mobile phone use, including criminal liability.

A Step Toward Safer Roads

The new revised K.O.K. Highway Code from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport reflects Greece’s commitment to reducing road accidents and fatalities through stricter enforcement and modernised regulations. By addressing emerging risks like smart device use and reinforcing penalties for reckless behavior, the government aims to foster a culture of road safety across the whole country.

Summer 2025 also has the introduction of compulsory vehicle insurance to cover wildfire and earthquake damage. Failure to have this cover on your vehicle insurance will result in your claim being void in the event of any damage due to these natural disasters.