Greece conducts nationwide helmet safety enforcement campaign

The Hellenic Police have conducted an extensive nationwide campaign titled ‘Zero Tolerance for Non-Use of Helmets’ between August 17 and August 23, 2026. During this period, authorities performed 22,012 inspections across Greece, resulting in 2,748 violations. These infractions involved motorcycle riders, passengers, users of light personal electric vehicles (LPEVs), and ATV drivers.

Attica recorded the highest number of violations with 939 cases, followed by the South Aegean with 639 and the Ionian Islands with 364. Other notable regions included Crete with 190 violations and Thessaloniki with 148. The campaign specifically targeted professional delivery workers and motorcycle rental businesses to ensure compliance.

Under the new Road Traffic Code (Law 5209/2025), penalties for failing to wear a certified helmet have been significantly increased. Violators face a 350-euro fine and a 30-day driver's license suspension. Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis noted that while intensive checks—including over 26,000 breathalyzer tests in Attica—are ongoing, there has been a measurable decrease in driving under the influence compared to previous years.