The revised KOK, scheduled for a parliamentary vote on Wednesday, introduces progressively harsher penalties for repeat violations, with certain offenses potentially leading to life imprisonment, as specified in the Penal Code.
Increased Penalties for Repeat Offenders
For high-risk violations, penalties will escalate significantly with subsequent offenses, including:
- Driving under influence of alcohol
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Using a mobile phone while driving
- Excessive speeding
- Street racing
- Riding a motorcycle without a helmet
Penalties will now focus on the driver rather than the vehicle, leading to license suspensions instead of confiscation of license plates.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated in Parliament, “We will not yield to chaos and lawlessness on our roads or in public life.”
Deputy Minister of Transport Konstantinos Kyranakis emphasized that the aim of the stricter KOK is to save lives from reckless drivers. However, he noted that strict laws must be enforced consistently to make a real difference.
Access to Information for Citizens
Citizens will have the opportunity to consult the Digital Assistant on gov.gr for detailed information regarding each violation.
Penalties by Violation Categories
Traffic Light & STOP Sign Violations:
- Running a red light without causing an accident incurs a €700 fine and a 60-day license suspension.
- First repeat offense: €1,000 fine and a 180-day suspension.
- Second repeat: €2,000 fine and loss of license for 1 year.
STOP Sign Violations:
- First offense (no accident): €350 fine and a 30-day suspension.
- First repeat: €1,000 fine and a 180-day suspension.
- Second repeat: €2,000 fine.
- If an accident occurs: penalties increase significantly, with possible license loss for up to 8 years and fines reaching €4,000.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI):
Three alcohol levels are defined:
- 0.50–0.80 g/l: €350 fine and a 30-day license suspension.
- 0.80–1.10 g/l: €700 fine, a 90-day suspension, and vehicle impoundment.
- Over 1.10 g/l: €1,200 fine, 6-month suspension, and vehicle impoundment.
For repeat DUI offenders:
- First repeat: €2,000 fine and a 7-year license suspension.
- Second repeat: €4,000 fine and a 10-year license loss.
- Criminal penalties: up to 5 years in prison, with registration documents potentially suspended for 10 days to 6 months.
Using a Mobile Phone While Driving:
- No accident: €350 fine and a 30-day suspension.
- First repeat: €1,000 and a 180-day suspension.
- Second repeat: €2,000 and a 1-year suspension.
- If an accident occurs: fines can reach up to €4,000 and an 8-year suspension.
Helmet Use for Motorcyclists:
- Not wearing a helmet: €350 and a 30-day suspension.
- First repeat: €1,000 and a 6-month suspension.
- Second repeat: penalties doubled.
- Both the driver and helmetless passenger will be fined €350, even if the driver wears a helmet.
Abandoning an Injured Person Now Classified as a Felony
Railway Obstruction:
- Administrative fine of €1,200 and a 60-day suspension.
- Criminal penalties: 1 to 5 years in prison and a €2,000 fine.
New Technology and Enforcement Measures
- Cameras: More than 2,500 traffic cameras will be installed nationwide by 2026.
- Digital Citations: A centralized system for digital ticket issuance will be implemented.
- Accident Map: A digital platform (accidents.maps.gov.gr) will display accident hotspots to assist municipalities in enhancing road safety.
Trends and Statistics on Accidents
Accidents tend to increase on weekends, especially during early mornings. Although fatalities have decreased from 2,182 in 1998 to 665 in 2024, Greece continues to surpass the EU average in road deaths.
Additional Updates:
- Athens and Thessaloniki are set to refresh their bus fleets, aiming for faster and more frequent routes while expanding priority lanes.
- Taxis will have limited exemptions for nighttime operations, passengers with disabilities, and those receiving dialysis treatments.
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