# Athens Small Ring traffic restrictions > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/athens-small-ring-traffic-restrictions > Updated: 2026-08-31T13:44:49.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 3. The Small Ring traffic restriction system in central Athens, also known as ‘Daktylios’, is scheduled to resume this autumn following a summer suspension that began on July 24, 2026. While the exact commencement date is pending a formal ministerial decision, the measure will once again regulate vehicle access to mitigate congestion and atmospheric pollution. Under the regulations, vehicles with odd-numbered plates are permitted entry on odd-numbered dates, while even-numbered plates are allowed on even-numbered dates. These restrictions generally apply Monday through Thursday from 07:00 to 20:00 and on Fridays from 07:00 to 15:00, with no enforcement on weekends or public holidays. The restricted zone is bounded by major roads such as Alexandras, Mesogeion, Pireos, and Syngrou avenues. While entry into the interior of the zone is restricted, traffic remains free on the boundary roads themselves. Exemptions are provided for electric, hybrid, natural gas, or LPG vehicles, as well as certain Euro 6 vehicles meeting specific CO2 emission thresholds. Permanent residents of the Municipality of Athens can apply for digital circulation permits through the gov.gr platform using TAXISnet credentials. Beyond the Small Ring, a ‘Large Ring’ covers a broader portion of the Athens urban area. This larger zone is only activated by the Minister of Environment, Energy, and Climate Change when pollution levels reach critical thresholds, imposing stricter regulations on private passenger and commercial vehicles based on license plate numbers. ## Claims - The traffic ring measure is expected to return to central Athens this autumn. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The exact start date will be set by a forthcoming ministerial decision. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Small Ring is bounded by a defined zone of central boulevards and streets. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The exact start date will be set via a ministerial decision in the near future. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Large Ring is activated only when pollution levels exceed high thresholds, per the Minister of Environment's decision. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Large Ring is activated only by decision of the Minister of Environment when pollution levels are exceptionally high. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Exemptions are provided for electric, hybrid, and specific natural gas/LPG vehicles. (single source) - Permanent residents of the center are eligible for digital circulation permits via gov.gr. (single source) - Permanent residents of the center are eligible for digital permits via gov.gr. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-31: Athens traffic restrictions to return this autumn Athens traffic restrictions (Daktylios) are expected to return this autumn. The measure regulates vehicle access to the city center based on emissions, with exemptions for electric and hybrid vehicles. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/athens-traffic-restrictions-to-return-this-autumn ### 2026-08-24: Athens traffic restrictions: Small Ring return and rules Athens is preparing to reinstate its Small Ring traffic restrictions, which limit vehicle access to the city center based on license plate numbers to combat pollution and congestion. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/athens-traffic-restrictions-small-ring-return-and-rules ### 2026-08-22: Athens Ring traffic restrictions to return this autumn Athens is set to reinstate its Ring traffic restrictions this autumn to combat pollution, alternating odd and even license plate access within the city center, with exemptions for eco-friendly vehicles. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/athens-ring-traffic-restrictions-to-return-this-autumn --- Cite as: Athens Small Ring traffic restrictions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/athens-small-ring-traffic-restrictions