Greece vs Turkey 2026: 30 km/h Greek Towns, 140 km/h Turkey

Greek town speed limits fell to 30 km/h on 1 January 2026. Turkey allows 140 km/h for cars on build-operate-transfer motorways and 130 km/h on KGM motorways. Greece accepts US, Canada, Australia, UK and Vienna-convention licences as issued. Greece’s alcohol limit is 0.05%.

What is the maximum speed on Turkish motorways, and Greek ones?

Turkish motorways run at 130 km/h on KGM-operated routes and 140 km/h on build-operate-transfer motorways for cars, in force since 2 June 2022. Greece caps motorways at 130 km/h. Rural roads are 90 km/h in both, with Turkey allowing 110 on divided roads. In Greek towns, 50 km/h survives only on multi-lane or divided roads or where a sign says so.

Alcohol limit and the penalty for phone use

Both allow 0.05%. Greek penalties are heavy and come with suspensions: EUR 350 and 30 days for a handheld phone or a missing seatbelt, EUR 700 and 60 days for a red light. Turkey charges TRY 5,000 for a phone or red light and TRY 2,500 for a seatbelt. Greece licenses car drivers from 17 with supervision, Turkey from 18.

International driving permit: Greece relaxed, Turkey strict

Greece lists a permit as not required: US, Canadian, Australian and UK licences are valid as they are, with a translation only if the licence is not in Greek or English (art. 94 KOK). Licences from states that issue no IDP, such as China, need an official translation. Turkey lists a permit as required with 6 months from entry; UK guidance says it must be a 1968 IDP or a notarised Turkish licence.

Paying a speeding fine as a visitor

Greek fines: EUR 150 up to 20 km/h over, EUR 150 and a 20-day suspension at 20-30 over, EUR 350 and 30 days at 30-50, and EUR 700 with 60 days above 50. Police collect on the spot, so keep cash. Turkey’s February 2026 scale runs from TRY 2,000 at 6 km/h over in towns to TRY 30,000 above 66 over. Expect roughly 10 km/h of leeway in Greece and 6 km/h in Turkish towns.

International driving permit and speeding fines in Greece and Turkey

Greece accepts most foreign licences without a permit, while Turkey requires one, so check which applies to your licence before crossing. Speeding fines are collected on the spot in Greece, so carry cash. For how to obtain a permit, see the international driving permit guide.

Winter tyres and what the boot must hold

Greece has no winter-tyre duty,. Turkey’s period, 1 December to 1 April, targets intercity commercial vehicles; studs are prohibited. Both require a warning triangle, a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher, and Turkey adds spare bulbs.

Who to ring, and what the road costs

Greek motorways have toll booths at regular intervals: about EUR 30 from Athens to Thessaloniki and EUR 15 to Patras, with an e-pass available. Turkey takes HGS or OGS only and no cash. Dial 112 in either country; Greek police are on 100, ambulance 166 and fire 199, while Turkey uses 155 for police and 110 for fire.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the speed limit in Greek towns now?

30 km/h by default from 1 January 2026; 50 km/h applies on multi-lane or divided roads or where a sign says so.

Is the maximum speed on Turkish motorways 140 km/h everywhere?

No. 140 km/h is for cars on build-operate-transfer motorways; state-run motorways stay at 130 km/h.

Do I need an IDP to drive in Greece?

Often not: US, Canadian, Australian and UK licences are valid as they are, with a translation only if the licence is not in Greek or English.

Can I pay Turkish motorway tolls in cash?

No. Use an HGS sticker or an OGS transponder.

What does Greece add to a speeding fine above 30 km/h over?

A licence and vehicle-document suspension: 30 days at 30-50 over and 60 days above 50.