GreeceGreece
Traffic rules
Greece
1. Greece
Greece lies at the southeastern edge of Europe and occupies the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula, with a mountainous mainland and a large number of islands. Traffic drives on the right, and driving conditions can vary considerably between busy cities, modern motorways, steep mountain routes and narrow island roads. Since 1 January 2026, the general speed limit on many roads inside built-up areas is 30 km/h, although wider multi-lane and divided urban roads generally retain a 50 km/h limit unless signs indicate otherwise.
Greek is the main language used on road signs and is written in the Greek alphabet. Direction signs show destinations in Greek script, with a romanised form or English translation where appropriate, which makes navigation easier for foreign drivers. Many motorways, bridges and tunnels charge tolls, while drivers on narrow mountain roads should remember a distinctive Greek priority rule: when two vehicles cannot easily pass on a steep road, the descending vehicle normally gives way to the ascending vehicle.
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Which number can you call in an emergency in Greece?
Call 112 for urgent emergency assistance. Give the operator your location and explain what happened.
What is the legal alcohol limit for drivers in Greece?
For most drivers, the blood-alcohol offence threshold starts at 0.5 g/l. The lower threshold of 0.2 g/l applies to motorcycle and moped riders as well as novice and professional drivers. These thresholds do not make drinking before driving safe.
What speed limits apply to passenger cars in Greece?
Built-up areas: Since 1 January 2026, the general maximum speed in built-up areas is 30 km/h. A limit of 50 km/h generally applies on one-way roads with at least two marked lanes, two-way roads with at least two marked lanes in each direction and two-way roads with a central reservation, unless signs indicate otherwise.
Outside built-up areas: For passenger cars, the general maximum speed on ordinary roads outside built-up areas is 90 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit.
Expressways: For passenger cars, the general maximum speed on expressways is 110 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit.
Motorways: For passenger cars, the general maximum speed on motorways is 130 km/h, unless signs indicate a lower limit.
What are the seat-belt and child-restraint rules in Greece?
Seat belts are mandatory for drivers and passengers where they are provided.
Children shorter than 135 cm must normally use an approved child restraint suited to their size. The national rules allow an adult seat belt for children at least 135 cm but shorter than 150 cm. However, a child under 12 in the front passenger seat must use an approved restraint suitable for their age, height and weight.
A rear-facing child seat must not be used in front of an active frontal airbag. The taxi exemption requires a rear seat when no child restraint is provided. Use the rear seats and a suitable child restraint whenever possible.
🔗 europa.eu • Your Europe / national authorities, Greece road rules, Seat belts and child restraints
🔗 elinyae.gr • Greek Road Traffic Code, Law 5209/2025, Articles 16 and 37, Government Gazette
🔗 api.et.gr • Official national source, supporting provision (2)
Can you use a mobile phone while driving in Greece?
A mobile phone or other telecommunications device may only be used while driving when it is mounted in a suitable position for hands-free use or navigation, or used with an appropriate wireless hands-free device. Holding and actively using the device while driving is prohibited.
🔗 europa.eu • Your Europe / national authorities, Greece road rules, Mobile telephone
What safety equipment should you carry in a car in Greece?
Cars should carry a warning triangle, first-aid kit and fire extinguisher.
Can a visitor use a driving licence issued in another EU country in Greece?
Yes. A valid, full EU driving licence is recognised for the vehicle categories it covers. You must meet the applicable minimum age. A learner licence or a temporary replacement certificate does not have the same automatic recognition.
Are motorcycle helmets compulsory in Greece?
Yes. On an ordinary, open motorcycle, both the rider and passenger must wear a protective helmet. Use a helmet that meets the applicable approval requirements and fasten it correctly. Check the specific rules before relying on an exemption for an enclosed or specially equipped vehicle.
🔗 europa.eu • Your Europe / national authorities, Greece road rules
