Parliament is expected to approve a revised Highway Code (ΚΟΚ) on Tuesday, introducing tougher penalties for traffic violations that are statistically linked to high rates of road accidents in Greece.
According to ekathimerini.com, the updated legislation establishes a tiered system of penalties, with significantly harsher consequences for repeat offenders and for those involved in accidents.
Key violations targeted by the new code include driving under the influence of alcohol, running red lights or stop signs, using a mobile phone while driving, excessive speeding, street racing, and riding a motorcycle without a helmet.
These offenses will now carry escalating penalties depending on how frequently they are committed and whether they result in an accident.
For instance, in 2024, mobile phone use while driving was the third most common cause of road accidents. Under the revised law:
- First offense: €350 fine and a 30-day license suspension
- Second offense: €1,000 fine and a 180-day suspension
- Third offense: €2,000 fine and a one-year suspension
If the use of a mobile phone while driving causes an accident, the penalties increase even further.
Moreover, when any of these violations lead to an accident—especially one involving death, serious injury, or damage to public property—offenders may also face criminal prosecution, regardless of how many prior offenses they have.
Drunk driving, which was linked to approximately 25% of traffic fatalities in Greece in 2024, is another major focus. The revised code introduces three defined levels of intoxication, with penalties that escalate according to the driver’s blood alcohol concentration.
The aim of the new legislation is to improve road safety by discouraging high-risk behaviors and holding offenders more accountable for their actions.
Source: ekathimerini.com
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