PotholeGreece

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Greece. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Greece

20. Pothole

A pothole is a hole or depression in the road surface caused by wear, weather, water, repeated traffic loads or deterioration of the pavement. Potholes can vary greatly in size and depth and may develop gradually or become worse after freezing, heavy rain or repeated vehicle traffic.

Potholes can affect steering, braking and vehicle stability and may damage tyres, wheels or suspension components. Drivers and riders should observe the road ahead, adapt their speed and avoid sudden or dangerous manoeuvres when encountering damaged road surfaces.

Car caught in a large pothole.
Wikimedia.org • State Farm • CC BY

What is a pothole?

A pothole is a hole or depression that develops in a road surface when the pavement becomes damaged or deteriorates.

🔗 somerset.gov.uk • Somerset Council, pothole formation

What should you do when you see a pothole?

Reduce speed when necessary, maintain control of the vehicle and avoid abrupt steering or braking. Only move around the pothole when this can be done safely without endangering other road users.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 7, 11 and 13; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 226–237; national guidance example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section A, surface, gradient, wind and other hazards; sign-system reference

Are potholes dangerous for cyclists?

Yes. Bicycle wheels can be strongly affected by deep holes or sharp edges, particularly when the cyclist has little time or space to avoid the hazard.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 7, 11 and 13; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 226–237; national guidance example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section A, surface, gradient, wind and other hazards; sign-system reference

European emission standard

Path

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 ...