In 2026 Greek Towns Default to 30 km/h, Not 50 km/h

The built-up default in Greece is now 30 km/h, not the 50 km/h most visitors still expect; 50 survives only on multi-lane or median-divided roads under Law 5209/2025. Penalties escalate through licence suspensions rather than money alone: €150 up to 20 km/h over, €350 and a 30-day suspension of both licence and vehicle documents from 30 km/h over, and €700 with a 60-day suspension beyond 50 km/h over. Holding a phone carries the same €350 and 30-day suspension, rising to €1,000 and 180 days if you are caught again. Motorways still run to 130 km/h and the blood-alcohol ceiling is 0.05%.

Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05% BAC. You must be at least 17 to drive.

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Emergency Numbers in Greece

General Emergency: 112 | Police: 100 | Ambulance: 166 | Fire: 199

Save these numbers before you start driving. In Greece, emergency calls are free from any phone.

Speed Limits in Greece

The default speed limits for passenger cars in Greece are 30 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on motorways.

Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, and 80 km/h on motorways.

For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Turkey (120 km/h), Bulgaria (140 km/h), Albania (110 km/h).

Speed camera coverage in Greece is relatively limited, but mobile radar units are used. The typical enforcement tolerance is about 10 km/h.

Important: Posted signs always override default limits. Watch for temporary restrictions in construction zones, near schools, and in residential areas.

Speeding Fines and Penalties

Speeding fines in Greece escalate based on how far you exceed the limit. Exceeding by up to 10 km/h: EUR 40. Exceeding by 11-20 km/h: EUR 100. Over 20 km/h: EUR 350 + licence suspension 60 days or more.

Warning for foreign drivers: Greece pursues unpaid fines through cross-border enforcement agreements. You may receive a penalty notice at your home address weeks or months after your trip.

Other common fines:

• Mobile phone use while driving: EUR 100
• Running a red light: EUR 700 + licence suspension 60 days
• Seatbelt violation: EUR 350

Traffic Rules and Regulations

Drive on the right side of the road. Overtake on the left. At roundabouts, enter counter-clockwise and yield to traffic already circulating.

Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraint systems based on their age and height.

Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal. The fine is EUR 100. Use hands-free devices only.

Daytime running lights are required in most situations. Dipped headlights must be used in tunnels, rain, and reduced visibility.

Priority at intersections follows posted signs. When no signs are present, yield to traffic from the right.

Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits

The legal blood alcohol limit in Greece is 0.05% BAC. This is higher than Albania (0.01% BAC). Exceeding this limit results in fines, licence suspension, and possible criminal charges. For novice drivers and professional drivers, stricter limits may apply.

The safest approach is to not drink at all if you will be driving. Alcohol affects reaction time and judgement regardless of the legal limit.

Tyre Requirements and Regulations

Winter tyres are not required in Greece. Standard tyres are sufficient for normal driving conditions.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.

Studded tyres are prohibited in Greece.

For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Greece guide.

Mandatory Vehicle Equipment

Vehicles in Greece must carry the following:

Required:

• Warning triangle
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher

Recommended:

• Reflective vest (high-visibility)
• Spare bulbs

Keep all equipment accessible — not buried under luggage. Police may check during routine stops.

Driving License Requirements

EU and EEA driving licences are valid in Greece without additional documentation. Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted. Your foreign licence is valid for up to 12 months.

The minimum driving age is 17 years.

EU/EEA licences valid. IDP required for non-Latin-script licences.

Parking and Fuel

City-centre parking in Greece is typically paid — use parking meters, ticket machines, or mobile payment apps. Look for P+R (park and ride) facilities on the outskirts connected to public transport.

Current fuel prices in Greece: petrol approximately $1.92/litre, diesel $1.65/litre (USD). Prices vary by region and station.

Most fuel stations accept major credit and debit cards. In rural areas, keep your tank above half — stations may be far apart.

Seasonal Driving Conditions

Greece has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers. Summer temperatures can exceed 40°C — carry water, use air conditioning, and take breaks to avoid fatigue. Sun glare is a significant hazard; quality sunglasses are essential.

Winter is mild in coastal areas but mountain roads may see snow and ice. Check conditions before mountain driving in winter.

Practical Driving Tips for Greece

• Speed camera warning apps (Waze, Google Maps) are legal here.
• Dashcams are legal and recommended for evidence in case of an accident.
• Police can issue on-the-spot fines. Carry cash or a valid payment card.
• Download offline maps of Greece before your trip — mobile signal can be unreliable on rural roads.
• Check if you need a motorway vignette (toll sticker) or an environmental zone sticker for city driving.
• Take a break every 2 hours on long drives. Fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents.
• Use our interactive tools on this page — compare rules with your home country and calculate potential fines before you set off.

Greece cut the default built-up-area limit to 30 km/h on 1 January 2026. 50 km/h now applies only on one-way roads with at least two lanes, two-way roads with at least two lanes per direction, or roads with a central median — unless a sign says otherwise.