When one in three deaths on the tarmac involves a two-wheeler, when seat belt use remains “optional,” and when the mobile phone acts as an extension of the handlebars, it’s evident that the issue has escalated significantly.
Greece consistently ranks among the EU countries with the highest road traffic fatalities, a persistent and painful reality for countless families across the nation.
In 2024, 665 individuals tragically lost their lives in road incidents. The new Road Traffic Code, recently submitted to Parliament by Deputy Transport Minister Konstantinos Kyranakis, “aims to transform the current situation through realistic and radical measures aimed squarely at reducing fatalities and serious injuries on Greek roads, while improving traffic awareness.”
Recidivism: A Major Change
The most significant shift introduced by the new Code is the concept of recidivism. For the first time, penalties for frequent offenses will not negate previous ones; they will accumulate. The rationale is straightforward: a driver who commits an offense due to negligence should not be treated the same as someone who repeatedly violates laws that endanger lives of others.
The new penalty structure is both scaled and clear. Its focus is on prevention rather than mere punishment. Each violation is documented, and if it occurs again, the penalty increases significantly—not just financially but also administratively, from license revocation to potential criminal charges, based on severity and outcomes.
Mobile Phone Usage While Driving: A Serious Offense
The mobile phone has emerged as one of the most dangerous distractions for drivers. In Greece, 9% of drivers use their phones while driving, three times the EU average. Until now, the penalty was merely a standard fine along with a temporary license suspension.
This changes with the new Code; using a phone while driving will now incur severe penalties:
– Fines of up to 4,000 euros for second-time offenders.
– License revocation for up to 8 years.
– Criminal charges if it leads to an accident.
A driver who texts while driving isn’t merely committing an “infraction”—they are endangering lives, and this will be reflected in the new regulations.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Statistics reveal that one in four fatal crashes in Europe is linked to alcohol. This issue significantly affects Greece as well, especially during weekend nights and early mornings.
The new Code imposes stringent penalties for both moderate and severe speeding. Fines begin at 1,000 euros and can rise to 4,000 for repeat offenders, alongside a license suspension for up to 10 years. In cases of extreme intoxication, mandatory vehicle immobilization and security will be enforced, leading to potential criminal prosecution.
Zero tolerance for “drunk” driving is now the standard. It’s not just “carelessness at night,” but a serious public danger that must be addressed.
Helmet and Seat Belt Compliance: Essential for Safety
Greece has alarmingly low compliance rates for seat belt and helmet use. Only 71% of drivers wear seat belts compared to the 93.3% EU average. Among motorcycle passengers, the numbers are even lower: just 65.5% wear helmets, against 94% in Europe.
The new Code punishes not only the driver but also any non-compliant passengers, applying fines to both parties. For a second offense, the driver risks losing their license for a full year. Safety is a communal responsibility.
Speeding: A Dangerous Routine
Speeding remains one of the most prevalent law violations on Greek roads. In 2024, over 338,000 violations were recorded, highlighting the issue’s scale and the inadequacy of prior enforcement measures.
The new Code tightens penalties significantly: maximum speed limits of 30 km/h will apply in urban areas, with licenses revocable for repeat offenders or those engaged in racing. In extreme cases—like driving over 200 km/h—fines of €8,000 and a four-year license revocation are anticipated. These measures are not revenge but essential safeguards against a steadily escalating threat.
Parking Illegally: A Social Responsibility
Illegal parking has become a critical issue for urban mobility. Annually, over 1 million tickets are issued, with 30-35% relating to disabled spaces, crosswalks, and corners. It’s not merely a legality issue; it’s about dignity.
The new Code introduces harsh penalties: fines up to €2,000 and a year-long license suspension for repeat offenders. The message is unequivocal: accessibility is non-negotiable.
Parking on a ramp is not just unlawful; it obstructs the lives of others.
Public Transport: A Clear Priority
One of the less visible yet vital components of the new Code is the emphasis on ensuring unobstructed access for public transport, particularly in crowded urban areas like Athens and Thessaloniki. Bus lanes are now strictly off-limits for illegal overtaking and parking.
The new Code raises fines for violations of this infrastructure, stressing the significance of reliable bus services and network functionality. A clear ban on even free taxis using these lanes has been established, allowing only for passenger drop-offs, night operations, and special vehicles (disabled or zero-emission). Efficient public transport is not a luxury; it is fundamental to sustainable urban development—an outlook explicitly recognized in the new regulations.
Leveraging Technology for Prevention
The new Code emphasizes not just penalties but also preventive measures. Enhanced technology for monitoring offenses, the deployment of cameras, and better integration with traffic police and digital databases will bolster the enforcement system. Additionally, there will be an institutional effort to advance traffic education, changing societal attitudes from tolerance to compliance.
Collective Responsibility
“The primary challenge is not merely passing the new Code; it is gaining societal acceptance. It’s insufficient to establish rules if they’re not followed. This involves not only the state and law enforcement but every individual driver. The new Code is about prevention, not punishment. Every action taken while driving carries consequences. Human life isn’t measured in euros, but rather in prevention, respect, and solidarity,” stress officials from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
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