Since 13 Sept 2025, Greece Fines Skipped Chains, 2026-27

Since 13 September 2025, Greece’s Road Traffic Code has required chains or winter tyres on snow-covered roads, and on frosty roads where signs or police say so — skip both and the fine is EUR 30. Outside those conditions there is still no blanket winter-tyre mandate. The 1.6mm minimum tread depth, however, applies everywhere and year-round, and M+S-marked all-season tyres satisfy both rules.

For anyone planning to drive in Greece, either as a resident or a visitor, these are the details checkpoints care about, so they’re worth knowing cold.

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Tyre Law Summary for Greece

Winter Tyre Rules in Greece

Greece has no blanket legal requirement to fit winter tyres. However, the new Road Traffic Code (Law 5209/2025, in force since 13 September 2025) introduced a conditional rule: on a road covered in snow, if your car isn’t fitted with winter tyres, you must put anti-skid chains (or an equivalent anti-skid device) on at least two drive wheels. The same obligation applies on a frosty road if regulatory signs or the authorities tell you to. Ignoring this carries a EUR 30 administrative fine.

Outside those specific snow/frost conditions, if you drive in areas that experience cold temperatures (below 7°C), winter or all-season tyres provide measurably better grip than summer tyres. Summer rubber hardens in cold weather and loses traction significantly.

Minimum Tread Depth in Greece

The minimum tread depth enforced in Greece is 1.6 mm. This is measured across the central three-quarters of the tread, all the way around the tyre.

For Greece’s roads, the practical replacement threshold is 3.0 mm — well above the legal minimum. The difference in wet braking at 80 km/h:

At Greece’s motorway speeds of 130 km/h, tyre condition is not just a legal issue — it is a survival issue. The energy a tyre must dissipate during emergency braking increases with the square of speed, so worn treads at motorway speed are far more dangerous than in town.

Studded Tyres in Greece

Studded tyre regulations in Greece are not clearly defined. Check with local authorities or your rental company before fitting studded tyres.

All-Season Tyres in Greece

All-season tyres with the M+S marking are accepted in Greece. For drivers who prefer not to switch tyres seasonally, they offer a practical middle ground — adequate in mild winters and acceptable in summer heat, though not optimal in either extreme.

Penalties for Tyre Violations in Greece

Under Law 5209/2025, driving on a snow-covered road without winter tyres and without fitting anti-skid chains (or an equivalent device) on at least two drive wheels carries a EUR 30 administrative fine — the same applies on frosty roads where signs or the authorities require chains. For context on how that compares to other stops: a seatbelt violation costs EUR 350, so the chains rule is comparatively minor but still enforced.

On-the-spot fines: Greece issues fines at the roadside. Carry sufficient cash or a card to pay immediately.

An unpaid tyre fine is not something the EU chases automatically. The cross-border traffic directive (2015/413) lists eight offences — speeding, red lights, drink-driving and the like — and tyre violations are not among them. What can happen is slower and less certain: a notice reaching your address through commercial tracing, or, for fines above EUR 70, the general mutual-recognition route between EU states. On a hire car it is simpler — the rental company charges your card under the contract.

Tyre Considerations for Greece’s Conditions

With Mediterranean climate with hot summers, Greece presents moderate tyre challenges:

• Wet autumn and winter roads demand good tread — do not push tyres to the 1.6 mm legal limit before replacing them
• Summer heat increases pressure; winter cold decreases it. Check monthly
• If you mainly drive in urban areas with mild winters, all-season tyres are practical. For mountain routes or frequent winter driving, dedicated seasonal tyres are the safer option

Road Conditions and Tyre Wear in Greece

Road surfaces in Greece are generally good quality, with well-surfaced motorways and maintained secondary roads. Sustained motorway driving at 130 km/h increases centre-tread wear. Rotate tyres every 8,000–10,000 km for even wear across all four positions.

How Greece’s Tyre Laws Compare to Neighbours

Planning a cross-border trip from Greece? Here is how neighbouring countries differ:

• Turkey: Winter tyres situational (15 Nov - 15 Apr (commercial vehicles mandatory; passenger cars situational)). Tread: 1.6 mm. Studded: prohibited.
• Bulgaria: Winter tyres situational (15 Nov - 1 Mar (or when roads are snowy/icy)). Tread: 1.6 mm. Studded: prohibited.
• Albania: Winter tyres situational (When conditions require). Tread: 1.6 mm. Studded: prohibited.
• North Macedonia: Winter tyres mandatory (15 Nov - 15 Mar). Tread: 4.0 mm. Studded: prohibited.

Note that North Macedonia has stricter winter tyre rules than Greece. If you are crossing the border in winter, you may need to fit winter tyres even though they are not required at your starting point.

Need the full picture? Our Driving in Greece page covers speed limits, fines, equipment rules, and more.