Alcohol controlGreece

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


189. Alcohol control

An alcohol control is a roadside check used to determine whether a driver has consumed alcohol and whether the legal alcohol limit has been exceeded. Police may use a screening device, breath test, breath analysis or, in some situations, a blood test. The exact procedure and legal limits vary between countries. Drivers must normally cooperate with authorised testing, and refusing a lawful alcohol test can itself lead to penalties.

What is an alcohol control?

An alcohol control is a police check used to determine whether a driver has consumed alcohol and whether the applicable legal limit has been exceeded.

How is alcohol tested at the roadside?

Police commonly use a breath-testing device. Depending on the result and local procedure, a more precise breath analysis or blood test may follow.

Can police test a driver who does not appear drunk?

In many countries, yes. Police may conduct random or routine alcohol checks without first observing obvious signs of intoxication.

Can you refuse an alcohol test?

Rules vary by country, but refusing a legally required alcohol test can itself be an offence and may result in penalties or an immediate driving restriction.

Can a blood test be used to measure alcohol?

Yes. A blood test may be used when breath testing is impossible, disputed or required by the applicable legal procedure.

Can you be prevented from driving after an alcohol control?

Yes. If the result exceeds the applicable limit, authorities may impose an immediate temporary driving prohibition in addition to any later fine, licence suspension or court proceedings.

1 Greece 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Quay 5 Slope 6 Roundabout 7 Curve 8 Wrong-way driving 9 Traffic lights 10 Traffic mirror 11 Reversing 12 U-turn 13 City limit 14 Tourist attraction 15 Licence plate 16 Bus 17 Police 18 Ambulance 19 European emission standard 20 Pothole 21 Path 22 Particulates 23 Air pollution 24 Rush hour 25 Road code 26 Street gutter 27 Cargo bike 28 Forestry vehicle 29 Construction vehicle 30 Semi-trailer truck 31 Trolleybus 32 Speed pedelec 33 Delivery vehicle 34 Idling 35 Tow truck 36 Four-wheel drive 37 Bicycle 38 Motorcycle equipment 39 Rail track 40 Caravan 41 Trailer 42 Tow hitch 43 Fire truck 44 Siren 45 Convoy 46 Emergency vehicle lighting 47 Agricultural machinery 48 Electric bicycle 49 Electric vehicle 50 Pedelec 51 Quadricycle 52 Microcar 53 All-terrain vehicle 54 Van 55 Recreational vehicle 56 Scooter 57 Trikke 58 Personal mobility device 59 Skateboard 60 Segway 61 Kick scooter 62 Roller skates 63 Mailman 64 Hitchhiker 65 Toddler 66 Child 67 Disability 68 Motorail 69 km/h 70 mph 71 Speedometer 72 National speed 73 Ride height 74 Dirt road 75 Driving 76 Start-stop system 77 Manual transmission 78 Automatic transmission 79 Throttle 80 Tachometer 81 Steering wheel 82 Power steering 83 Visual scanning 84 Mirror 85 Fuel 86 Fuel gauge 87 Petrol 88 Diesel 89 Diesel exhaust fluid 90 Car insurance 91 First aid kit 92 Fire extinguisher 93 High-visibility clothing 94 First aid 95 Concrete step barrier 96 Barriers 97 Vehicle lights 98 Street lights 99 Dipped beam 100 High beam ... 101 Fog lights 102 Front fog lights 103 Rear fog lights 104 Side lights 105 Turn signals 106 Hazard lights 107 Dashboard lights 108 Bicycle lighting 109 Bicycle bell 110 Headlight flashing 111 Seat belt 112 Child restraints 113 Head restraints 114 Airbag 115 ABS 116 Esp 117 Traction control system 118 Helmet 119 Bicycle helmet 120 Hands-free 121 Smartphone 122 GPS 123 Brake 124 Handbrake 125 Brake fluid 126 Tyres 127 Tyre code 128 Winter tyres 129 Tyre pressure 130 Snow chains 131 Bicycle tyre 132 Continuous track 133 Gross Vehicle Weight 134 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 135 Cargo 136 Car body 137 Trunk 138 Roof rack 139 Windscreen 140 Emergency hammer 141 Car battery 142 Traction battery 143 Suspension 144 Shock absorber 145 Spring 146 Exhaust 147 Exhaust gas 148 Soot 149 Catalytic converter 150 Engine 151 Petrol engine 152 Diesel engine 153 Electric motor 154 Timing belt 155 Glow plug 156 Cylinder 157 Engine oil 158 Coolant 159 Maintenance 160 Spare tyre 161 Flat tyre 162 Jack 163 Vehicle inspection 164 Key 165 Dashboard 166 Windscreen wiper 167 Doors 168 Glovebox 169 Visibility 170 Rain 171 Fog 172 Hail 173 Sunlight 174 Sunglasses 175 Salt 176 Air conditioning 177 Hydroplaning 178 Distraction 179 Emotions 180 Road rage 181 Health 182 Epilepsy 183 Night blindness 184 Visual impairment 185 Fatigue 186 Defects 187 Traffic violation 188 Alcohol 189 Alcohol control 190 Ignition interlock device 191 Breath test 192 Breath analysis 193 Blood alcohol content 194 Blood test 195 Saliva test 196 Drugs 197 Medication 198 Penalties 199 Speeding 200 Smoking 201 Traffic enforcement camera 202 Accident 203 Injuries 204 Nosebleed 205 Damage 206 Breakdown 207 Warning triangle 208 Traffic rules 209 Driving school 210 Traffic signs