A considerable majority in the Greek Parliament has approved the new Road Traffic Code (RTC), which introduces a tiered penalty system aimed at deterring repeat offenders and implementing stricter sanctions for continual dangerous actions.
The Ministry of Transport states that the updated RTC seeks to significantly alter road behavior and enhance public safety, with the overarching aim of drastically reducing traffic-related fatalities in Greece.
This revision is informed by critical statistics: Greece consistently exceeds the European average for traffic fatalities per million inhabitants. Major contributing factors to accidents include mobile phone use, speeding, failure to wear seat belts or helmets, and driving under the influence.
The new code clarifies drivers’ responsibilities and aspires to both enforce tougher penalties and foster a culture of road safety.
Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Konstantinos Kyranakis, remarked:
“The revised Road Traffic Code is focused on prevention rather than punishment. It’s not about merely imposing severe penalties; it’s a vital response to serious realities that result in lost lives. We are establishing clear regulations, building trust with citizens, and committing to a safer everyday environment for all.”
Key Changes in the New RTC:
1. Mobile Phone Use (Without Accident):
- Previous: License and plates confiscated for 60 days.
- Current: €350 fine, 30-day license suspension.
- Repeat Offenders:
- 1st: €1,000 fine, 180-day license suspension.
- 2nd: €2,000 fine, 1-year license suspension.
2. Mobile Phone Use Resulting in an Accident:
- Current: Criminal penalties enforced; fines up to €4,000 and an 8-year license suspension.
- New Measure: Lifting communication and geolocation privacy under legal protections.
3. Failure to Wear a Helmet (including passengers):
- Current: €350 fine, 30-day license suspension.
- Repeat Offenses: Up to €2,000 fine and 1-year license suspension.
- Passengers without Helmets: Both driver and passenger will be fined.
4. Failure to Use Seatbelts:
- Current: €350 fine, 30-day license suspension.
- Passengers without Seatbelts: €150 fine for both driver and passenger.
- Repeat Offenses: Up to €2,000 fine and 1-year license suspension.
5. Driving Under the Influence (0.50 – 1.10 g/l):
- Current: Fines ranging from €350 to €700 and a license suspension of up to 90 days.
- Repeat Offenders: Up to €2,000 and a 1-year license suspension.
6. Driving Under the Influence (>1.10 g/l):
- Current: €1,200 fine, 180-day license and plate suspension.
- Imprisonment: 2 months to 5 years.
- Repeat Offenders: Up to €4,000 fine and a 10-year license suspension.
7. Speeding Over 50 km/h:
- Current: €700 fine, 60-day license suspension.
- Repeat Offenders: Up to €2,000 fine and a 1-year license suspension.
8. Speeding Over 200 km/h or Racing:
- Current: €2,000 fine, 1-year license suspension.
- Repeat Offenders: Up to €8,000 fine and a 4-year license suspension.
9. Running a Red Light:
- Current: €700 fine, 60-day license suspension.
- Repeat Offenders: Up to €2,000 fine and a 1-year license suspension.
10. Stop Sign Violation (Without Accident):
- Current: €350 fine, 30-day license suspension.
- Repeat Offenders: Up to €2,000 fine and a 1-year license suspension.
11. Stop Sign Violation (With Accident):
- Current: €700 fine, 60-day license suspension.
- Repeat Offenders: Up to €4,000 fine and an 8-year license suspension.
12. Driving Without a License:
- Current: €1,000 fine, 1-year license suspension, imprisonment up to 2 years.
- Repeat Offenders: Up to €4,000 fine and an 8-year license suspension.
13. Obstructing Railway Traffic:
- Current: €1,200 fine, 60-day license suspension, imprisonment up to 5 years, €2,000 fine.
- Repeat Offenders: Up to €4,000 fine and an 8-year license suspension.
14. Obstructing Public Transport:
- Now Defined: Illegal parking that blocks buses.
- Penalty: €350 fine, 70-day license suspension.
15. Taxis in Bus Lanes:
- Previously: Total prohibition, €100 fine.
- Current: €150 fine for violations, with specific exceptions for boarding/alighting, nighttime hours, zero-emission taxis, and vehicles for special needs.
16. Parking in Disabled Spots:
- Current: €150 fine, 60-day license and plate suspension.
- Repeat Offenders: Up to €2,000 fine and a 1-year license suspension.
17. Speed Limits:
- Current: 50 km/h in residential areas.
- Future: From January 1, 2026, differentiated limits based on road type unless indicated otherwise.
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