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18 clusters · 33 sources · 88 days · First seen · Last updated

Greece traffic penalty reforms

Overview

Following the August 2026 implementation of stricter speed limits and scaled penalties, Greek authorities have further clarified enforcement regarding public space and licensing. By late August, new measures targeted the unauthorized occupation of public space for parking reservations. Individuals using objects such as signs, chains, cones, or planters to reserve spots face administrative fines starting at approximately €350, potentially reaching €1,500 if the items resemble official traffic signs. Legally, private individuals are prohibited from unilaterally installing ‘no parking’ signs without municipal permission. In mid-September, further legal distinctions were clarified regarding road signage. Under Article 14 of the Highway Code, unauthorized persons who install, move, alter, or destroy official signs, or place items that mimic official signals, face an administrative fine of €1,500 and potential imprisonment for up to 12 months. This is distinguished from Article 52, which governs the illegal occupation of road portions using various objects. By late September, authorities emphasized that any parking signage must be authorized by the relevant Municipality or competent services. Violations involving the placement of misleading signs that cause driver confusion or the unauthorized relocation of existing traffic signage carry the more severe penalties under Article 14, including criminal liability. In early September, the legal consequences for driving without a valid license intensified. Under the revised Highway Code, drivers operating a vehicle after license revocation face criminal charges, including a minimum €2,000 fine and potential imprisonment for up to one year. Under Article 110, repeat offenders for major violations must undergo training and pass new examinations to regain privileges. Penalties for certain violations can reach up to €4,000 and include license suspensions for up to eight years. On September 30, new Highway Code (KOK) regulations introduced significantly harsher penalties for mobile phone use while driving to reduce fatalities.

Entities

Greece · Thessaloniki · temporary driving licence holders · Greek Road Code (KOK) · National Road (Greece)

Timeline

  1. [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Greece imposes 150 euro fine for drivers without required vision aids

    Greek drivers required to wear corrective vision aids, indicated by code ‘01’ on their licenses, face 150 euro fines if they fail to use glasses or contact lenses while driving.

  2. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Greece implements strict new penalties for mobile phone use while driving

    Greece has introduced a new Highway Code imposing heavy fines and long-term driving bans for mobile phone use, including potential prison sentences for accidents involving injury or death.

  3. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Greece updates traffic rules and Egnatia Odos speed limits

    Greece implements new traffic rules for orange lights and introduces significant speed limit reductions and lane changes on the Egnatia Odos highway due to ongoing construction and safety measures.

  4. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Greece imposes fines for illegal parking signage

    Unauthorized placement of 'No parking' signs in Greece can result in fines up to 350 euros, while violating Highway Code signage regulations can lead to 1,500 euro fines and up to 12 months in prison.

  5. [CRIME] 3 sources
    Greece imposes 1,500 euro fines for illegal road signage

    Unauthorized placement of road signs or blocking public spaces in Greece can incur 1,500 euro fines and up to 12 months in prison under the Highway Code.

  6. [CRIME] 2 sources
    Greece imposes fines up to 2,000 euros for illegal parking in disabled spaces

    Drivers in Greece face fines up to 2,000 euros and potential license suspension for illegally parking in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities.

  7. [POLITICS] 6 sources
    Greece implements stricter driving license regulations

    Greece's updated Highway Code mandates driver re-examinations and training for repeat serious offenders, including those driving under the influence or speeding, to improve road safety.

  8. [CRIME] 3 sources
    Greece imposes fines up to 1,500 euros for illegal parking reservations

    Individuals in Greece face fines of up to 1,500 euros for illegally occupying public parking spaces with unauthorized signs, cones, or objects intended to reserve spots for private use.

  9. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Greece and Italy implement new road traffic regulations

    Greece and Italy are implementing new road traffic codes. Greece will penalize aggressive driver behavior, while Italy introduces fines for pedestrians using mobile phones while crossing streets.

  10. [POLITICS] 5 sources
    Greece implements stricter speed limits and driving penalties

    Greece's new Road Traffic Code introduces a 30 km/h speed limit in residential areas, with penalties for violations including fines up to 700 euros and driving license suspensions of up to 60 days.

  11. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Greece: New Highway Code rules for amber traffic lights

    The new Greek Highway Code clarifies that drivers must stop at amber lights unless stopping safely is impossible. Flashing amber lights require reduced speed and yielding priority. Fines are 30 euros.

  12. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Greece implements stricter Highway Code and traffic penalties

    Greece's new Highway Code introduces stricter penalties, including long-term driving license suspensions and increased driver liability for passenger safety violations.

  13. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Greece implements stricter Highway Code penalties

    Greece has updated its Highway Code, introducing stricter penalties and mandatory re-examinations for repeat traffic offenders to improve road safety and surveillance.

  14. [INTERNATIONAL] 4 sources
    Greece implements stricter traffic laws and higher fines

    Greece has introduced stricter traffic laws and higher fines for offenses like mobile phone use and speeding to improve road safety, with new urban speed limits effective from 2026.

  15. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Greek Road Code imposes 700‑euro solo‑driver fine and up to €8,000 for extreme speed

    Greece's new road code fines solo drivers €700 and imposes up to €8,000 penalties and licence bans for speeds over 200 km/h.

  16. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Greece imposes fines for slow driving on highways

    Greece fines drivers €30 for unusually slow driving on highways under Article 23 of the Road Traffic Code, with exemptions for road, vehicle, weather, or traffic conditions.

  17. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Greece Tightens Penalties for Illegal Disabled Parking

    Greece's new traffic code imposes a €150 fine, 60‑day licence suspension and 70‑day vehicle registration ban for illegal disabled parking, after a Tesla Model Y was photographed misusing a spot in Thessaloniki.

  18. [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Greece to fine €350 and suspend licenses for smartwatch use while driving

    Greece is considering a law to fine €350 and suspend licences up to 30 days for drivers using smartwatches, with AI cameras detecting wrist gestures.

Sources

22places.de · 4troxoi.gr · agrinionews.gr · alfavita.gr · allgaeuer-anzeigeblatt.de · augsburger-allgemeine.de · best-tv.gr · carandmotor.gr · cnn.gr · corfutvnews.gr · cretaone.gr · drive.gr · e-radio.gr · epiruspost.gr · evima.gr · fonimaleviziou.gr · gargalianoionline.gr · greekcitytimes.com · irafina.gr · leadership.com.hk · metrosport.gr · mononews.gr · newsauto.gr · newsbomb.gr · proson.gr · sportal.gr · standartnews.com · stoxos.gr · tempo24.news · thebest.gr · thrakitoday.com · veriotis.gr · zarpanews.gr

This summary has been updated 15 times: see revision history