Greek police launch nationwide helmet‑enforcement campaign

The Hellenic Police have intensified a nationwide operation titled “Zero tolerance for non‑use of helmets”. From 15 to 21 June 2026 police carried out 23,898 targeted traffic checks across all regions. The checks resulted in 2,136 driver violations and 192 passenger violations for failing to wear a certified helmet. The largest numbers were recorded in Attica (831 violations) followed by the South Aegean (389), the Ionian Islands (180), Thessaloniki (158) and Western Greece (154). Specific breakdowns show 1,364 violations by motor‑bike riders (45 of whom were delivery workers), 747 violations by users of light personal electric vehicles such as e‑scooters, 175 passenger violations and 20 ATV‑driver violations.

Under the new Road Traffic Code (Law 5209/2025) the penalties are €350 fine and a 30‑day licence suspension for motor‑bike riders and passengers, and a €30 fine for e‑scooter operators, with harsher sanctions for repeat offences. Police stress that the campaign aims to change driver attitudes rather than merely collect fines, and the checks will continue with the same intensity.

The operation also recorded 1,033 checks in Thessaly (128 violations) and similar actions in Western Macedonia, Eastern Macedonia‑Thrace and other prefectures, reinforcing the message that helmets are a vital safety shield.