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6 clusters · 10 sources · 39 days · First seen · Last updated

Greece traffic penalty reforms

Overview

In early July 2026, Greece announced a new rule that would fine drivers €350 and suspend their licences for using smartwatches while driving, targeting distracted‑driving concerns linked to wearable technology. By the end of July, the government expanded its crackdown on traffic violations by introducing harsher sanctions for illegal disabled‑parking. The revised Road Traffic Code now imposes a €150 fine, a 60‑day licence suspension and a 70‑day vehicle‑registration suspension for drivers who occupy spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility, following a widely circulated incident in Thessaloniki involving a Tesla Model Y. Officials stated these rules aim to deter “anti‑social” behaviour. In early August, authorities added a €30 fine for motorists who travel at an “unusual slowness” on motorways or other high‑speed roads, under Article 23 and Article 24 (9) of the Road Traffic Code. The measure aims to prevent impediment of traffic flow, while allowing exceptions for poor road conditions, vehicle issues, adverse weather, heavy traffic, or other justified reasons. On 6 August, the Road Traffic Code was further revised to target dangerous driving behaviours during the summer travel season. A €700 fine and possible licence withdrawal were introduced for drivers who operate a vehicle alone when a qualified co‑driver is required, such as under‑18 temporary licence holders or drivers with health‑related co‑driver requirements. The same amendment sharply increased penalties for extreme speed: exceeding 200 km/h now carries a €2,000 fine and a one‑year licence suspension, while repeat offences within five years can attract fines up to €8,000 and licence bans of up to four years. By mid-August, authorities introduced a recidivism regime to curb repeat offenses.

Entities

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

Timeline

  1. 4 days ago

    [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.

  2. 9 days ago

    [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.

  3. 14 days ago

    [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.

  4. 18 days ago

    [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.

  5. 20 days ago

    [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.

  6. about 1 month ago

    [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 · alfavita.gr · allgaeuer-anzeigeblatt.de · augsburger-allgemeine.de · carandmotor.gr · leadership.com.hk · newsbomb.gr · sportal.gr · stoxos.gr · veriotis.gr

This summary has been updated 4 times: see revision history