GreeceGreece
Traffic rules
Greece
1. Greece
Greece lies at the southeastern edge of Europe and occupies the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula, with a mountainous mainland and a large number of islands. Traffic drives on the right, and driving conditions can vary considerably between busy cities, modern motorways, steep mountain routes and narrow island roads. Since 1 January 2026, the general speed limit on many roads inside built-up areas is 30 km/h, although wider multi-lane and divided urban roads generally retain a 50 km/h limit unless signs indicate otherwise.
Greek is the main language used on road signs and is written in the Greek alphabet. Direction signs show destinations in Greek script, with a romanised form or English translation where appropriate, which makes navigation easier for foreign drivers. Many motorways, bridges and tunnels charge tolls, while drivers on narrow mountain roads should remember a distinctive Greek priority rule: when two vehicles cannot easily pass on a steep road, the descending vehicle normally gives way to the ascending vehicle.
AI
Which side of the road do you drive on in Greece?
Drive on the right and normally overtake on the left.
Which emergency numbers should you call in Greece?
Call 112 for the European emergency service, 100 for the police, 166 for emergency medical assistance and 199 for the fire service.
What is the legal alcohol limit for drivers in Greece?
The general blood-alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l. A lower limit of 0.2 g/l applies to novice and professional drivers.
What is the general speed limit in Greek built-up areas?
Since 1 January 2026, the general maximum speed in built-up areas is 30 km/h. A limit of 50 km/h generally applies on one-way roads with at least two marked lanes, two-way roads with at least two marked lanes in each direction and two-way roads with a central reservation, unless signs indicate otherwise.
What is the general speed limit outside built-up areas in Greece?
For passenger cars, the general maximum speed on ordinary roads outside built-up areas is 90 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit.
What is the speed limit on Greek expressways?
For passenger cars, the general maximum speed on expressways is 110 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit.
What is the motorway speed limit in Greece?
For passenger cars, the general maximum speed on motorways is 130 km/h, unless signs indicate a lower limit.
Which vehicles may use Greek motorways and expressways?
Motorways and expressways may generally only be used by motor vehicles capable of travelling at more than 70 km/h on a level road. Pedestrians, bicycles, animals and non-motorised vehicles are prohibited.
Do you need a motorway vignette in Greece?
Greece does not use a countrywide motorway vignette for ordinary passenger cars. Instead, tolls are charged on many motorways, bridges and tunnels, and drivers must pay where a toll is required.
Are seat belts mandatory in Greece?
Seat belts are mandatory for drivers and passengers where they are provided.
When must children use a child restraint in Greece?
Children must generally use an approved child-restraint system appropriate for their height, weight and age. Child restraints are required for children up to 150 cm tall, and a child under 12 travelling beside the driver must be secured in an appropriate approved restraint.
Who must wear a helmet in Greece?
Moped, motorcycle and three-wheeled-vehicle riders and passengers must wear a properly fastened protective helmet where the vehicle has no enclosed cabin.
Do cyclists have to wear a helmet in Greece?
There is no general mandatory helmet rule for ordinary cyclists, although an approved bicycle helmet is recommended. Riders of qualifying light personal electric vehicles, including many electric scooters, are required to wear an approved helmet.
Can you use a mobile phone while driving in Greece?
A mobile phone or other telecommunications device may only be used while driving when it is mounted in a suitable position for hands-free use or navigation, or used with an appropriate wireless hands-free device. Holding and actively using the device while driving is prohibited.
When must you give way to traffic approaching from the right in Greece?
At an intersection where priority is not controlled by signs or another special rule, traffic approaching from the right has priority. Traffic already travelling on motorways, national roads and expressways has priority over vehicles entering them.
Who has priority at roundabouts in Greece?
Drivers should follow the priority signs at each roundabout. Where give-way signs are placed at the entrances, traffic already circulating has priority. At an unsigned circular junction, the general priority-from-the-right rule applies, so drivers should not automatically assume that circulating traffic has priority.
What must drivers do at pedestrian crossings in Greece?
At an uncontrolled marked pedestrian crossing, drivers must approach at a low speed and stop for pedestrians who are using or preparing to use the crossing. Turning drivers must also give way to pedestrians using a crossing on the road they are entering.
What is the speed limit in Greek traffic-calmed areas?
In designated traffic-calmed residential areas, the maximum speed is 20 km/h. Pedestrians may use the full width of the roadway, and motor-vehicle drivers must give priority to pedestrians, cyclists and permitted light personal electric vehicles.
What do red and amber traffic lights mean in Greece?
Red means stop. A steady amber light also means stop unless the vehicle is already so close to the signal that it cannot safely be stopped.
Can motorcycles filter between lanes in Greece?
Yes, under specific conditions. When dense traffic is stationary, two-wheeled mopeds and motorcycles without a sidecar may filter between same-direction lanes on roads with at least two lanes in that direction. They may travel at no more than 20 km/h while filtering and must use dipped headlights, maintain a safe distance and give priority where necessary.
Who has priority on a steep narrow road in Greece?
When two vehicles travelling in opposite directions cannot easily pass on a steep road, the descending vehicle must normally make room for the ascending vehicle. Additional priority rules determine which vehicle should reverse if necessary.
What rules apply when driving through a tunnel in Greece?
Drivers must use dipped or main headlights even when the tunnel is illuminated. Reversing, making a U-turn and parking outside an emergency situation are prohibited, and the engine should be switched off during a prolonged standstill.
What should you do if your vehicle breaks down on a Greek motorway?
Move the vehicle off the carriageway if possible. If it cannot be moved, place the warning triangle at least 100 metres behind the vehicle and use the appropriate vehicle lights. A vehicle being towed after a breakdown must leave the motorway or expressway at the first exit.
What safety equipment should you carry in a car in Greece?
Cars should carry a warning triangle, first-aid kit and fire extinguisher.
