Greece's revised Highway Code (KOK) regulations impose stricter penalties on drivers and tackle contemporary issues, like the use of smart devices during driving.

Highway Code revision

Not sure how this will effect the regulations on the I sland but its one to look out for!

Ban on Smartwatches and Mobile Devices Deputy Minister Konstantinos Kyranakis announced legislative changes that incorporate feedback from political parties and organizations. A significant amendment to Article 17 extends the prohibition on using smart devices, like tablets and smartwatches, while driving, broadening the current ban on mobile phones. “With the advancement of technology, we are expanding the ban on mobile phone use to cover other telecommunication devices, such as smartwatches and tablets,” Kyranakis stated. This initiative addresses the distractions caused by wearable and portable electronics, which is an increasing concern for road safety.

Increased Penalties for Traffic Violations

The revised KOK introduces a structured penalty system to discourage repeat offenders and tackle major causes of accidents in Greece. In 2024, mobile phone usage ranked as the third leading cause of road accidents. The revised penalties for using a mobile phone while driving are:– First offense (no accident): €350 fine and a 30-day license suspension.– First repeat offense: €1,000 fine and a 180-day license suspension.– Second repeat offense: €2,000 fine and a one-year license suspension.– If an accident occurs, penalties increase significantly: a first repeat offense results in a €2,000 fine and a four-year license suspension, while a second repeat offense leads to a €4,000 fine and an eight-year suspension. Furthermore, causing an accident while using a mobile device is now subject to criminal penalties under Article 290A of the Penal Code, with up to 10 years imprisonment for serious injury, 10–20 years for a fatal accident, and up to life imprisonment for multiple fatalities.

Compulsory Helmet Use for Motorcyclists Motorcycle accidents made up nearly 40% of road deaths in Greece in 2023, with helmet usage rates lower than in the rest of Europe. The new regulations enforce stricter measures for motorcyclists and their passengers:– No helmet (driver): A €350 fine and a 30-day license suspension for the first violation, increasing to €1,000 and six months for the first repeat violation, and doubling for a second repeat violation.– No helmet (passenger): Both the passenger and the driver incur a €350 fine, even if the driver is wearing a helmet.

Drunk Driving PenaltiesDrunk driving, linked to 25% of road deaths in 2024, faces harsher consequences based on blood alcohol levels:– 0.50–0.80 g/L: €350 fine and 30-day license suspension.– 0.80–1.10 g/L: €700 fine, 90-day license suspension, and mandatory vehicle immobilization.– Over 1.10 g/L: €1,200 fine, six-month license suspension, and vehicle immobilization.Repeat offenses escalate penalties, with a second repeat offense in the highest category leading to a €4,000 fine, a 10-year license suspension, and imprisonment ranging from two months to five years.

Other Key Changes– U-turns causing collisions: A €700 fine and a 60-day license suspension are imposed for the first offense. For leased vehicles, the penalties target the driver rather than the owner. – Camper parking: The restriction on parking campers now applies to vehicles longer than 7.5 meters, increased from 6 meters, based on feedback from the Greek Camper Association. – Taxis in bus lanes: Taxis are allowed to stop for up to 30 seconds to pick up or drop off passengers, except in designated lay-bys or for passengers with mobility issues. A ministerial decision will permit taxis to use bus lanes for transporting passengers for medical reasons, such as dialysis patients. – Ignoring STOP signs: Responsible for 16% of accidents in 2022, violations now result in a €350 fine and a 30-day license suspension for a first offense without an accident. If an accident occurs, penalties are similar to those for mobile phone use, including criminal liability.

A Step Toward Safer Roads The updated KOK demonstrates Greece’s dedication to decreasing road accidents and deaths by implementing stricter enforcement and updated regulations. By tackling new risks such as the use of smart devices and increasing penalties for reckless actions, the government seeks to promote a culture of road safety nationwide.