Cell phones at the wheel: fines rise to €2,000
Using a cell phone while driving can be expensive. The first offense will cost €350 (approx. $375), and the driver’s license will be revoked for 30 days. Anyone caught again will pay €1,000 (approx. $1,070) and lose their driver’s license for six months. The third offense will result in a fine of €2,000 (approx. US$2,140) and the driver’s license being revoked for one year.
Speeding violations: Up to €8,000 and a four-year driving ban
New speed limits apply in urban areas: a maximum of 30 km/h is permitted in narrow streets and 50 km/h on main roads within towns. Anyone driving at more than 200 km/h faces a fine of up to €8,000 (approx. US$8,560) and a four-year driving ban.
Illegal street racing and aggressive driving
Improvised races and violent behavior in traffic will be consistently punished. The first offense will result in a fine of 2,000 euros and a one-year driving ban. The second offense will result in a fine of 4,000 euros (approx. 4,280 US dollars) and a two-year driving ban. Anyone caught a third time will pay €8,000 and have their driver’s license revoked for four years.
Driving under the influence: Up to ten years’ driving ban
Greece is strict with a blood alcohol limit of 0.5. Even at this level, the fine is at least €1,000. In serious cases, a driving ban of up to ten years can be imposed.
Other traffic violations: High penalties also for motorcyclists and pedestrians
Motorcyclists without helmets and cell phone offenders will be fined at least €350. Anyone who drives through a red light or a stop sign will be fined €700 (approx. US$750). Pedestrians who cross the street when the light is red will be fined €30.
Strict rules for families and motorhome drivers
Smoking is prohibited in vehicles when children under the age of 12 are present. Violations will be punished. Children up to the age of three may only be transported in child seats, while older children up to the age of eleven must be secured with age-appropriate restraint systems. Motorhome owners must also be careful: wild camping is prohibited. Parking outside designated areas for longer than 24 hours is punishable by heavy fines.
Driving licence revocation only applies in Greece – fines also enforceable in Germany
A Greek driving ban only applies to stays in Greece. As things stand at present, your US driver’s license remains unaffected, unless it is expressly revoked. Nevertheless, Greek fines can also be enforced in the US under EU agreements. Vacationers should therefore not assume that violations abroad will have no consequences. In addition, laws are being prepared to ensure that driving licence withdrawals are valid throughout Europe.
Speed limit on motorways to be slightly increased
In addition to the stricter penalties, the amendment also brings a relaxation: the speed limit on motorways will be increased from 130 km/h to 140 km/h.
Conclusion
With the new rules, Greece is specifically increasing the pressure on traffic offenders. The drastic fines and long driving bans are intended to help increase road safety and reduce the number of accidents. Vacationers in particular should familiarize themselves with the new regulations to avoid costly mistakes.
