New Highway Code: Stricter Penalties & New Rules for Road Safety
Road safety concerns all of us – whether we drive every day, walk as pedestrians, or use alternative means of transport. At Ayvens, we consider it an essential part of our culture and believe that proper information can make our roads safer and more sustainable for everyone.
That’s why we closely follow legislative changes and make sure to keep our partners and drivers up to date. The new Highway Code (Law 5209/2025) introduces important measures that strengthen safety, impose stricter rules on dangerous behavior, and cover all forms of mobility – from professional vehicles to e-scooters. The new Highway Code is expected to come into force in the autumn of 2025, and we have gathered here the most important changes so you can be fully prepared.
Stricter penalties for dangerous behavior The state is becoming much tougher on violations that endanger human life. The main principle behind the new penalties is repeat offenses: committing the same violation within five years will now lead to dramatically higher fines and longer driving license suspensions.
Driving under the influence of alcohol Drink-driving was linked to 25% of road fatalities in Greece in 2024. Penalties are now much stricter, with three levels of sanctions:
- 0.50–0.80 g/l: €350 fine and 30-day license suspension
- 0.80–1.10 g/l: €700 fine, 90-day suspension, and mandatory immobilization of the vehicle
- Over 1.10 g/l: fines starting from €1,200 and up to €4,000 for repeat offenses, license suspension for up to 10 years, plus possible imprisonment.
Running red lights or STOP signs
- Running a red light: €700 fine, rising to €2,000 and one-year license suspension on a second offense.
- Ignoring a STOP sign: €350 fine and 30-day suspension. If an accident occurs, penalties increase up to €4,000 and eight-year license suspension for repeat violations.
Using a mobile phone while driving
Over 80% of Greek drivers admit to using their phone while driving. The ban now extends to smartwatches, tablets, and other portable devices.
- Without accident: €350 fine and 30-day suspension
- With accident: up to €4,000 fine and eight-year suspension for repeat offenses
Exceeding the speed limit
- Exceeding the limit by more than 50 km/h: €700 fine
- Driving over 200 km/h: €2,000 fine and one-year license suspension
Street racing and reckless driving Penalties for illegal street races start at €2,000 and can reach €8,000 for a third offense within five years, along with a four-year license suspension. Not wearing a seat belt or helmet
Applies to both drivers and passengers:
- First offense: €350 fine and 30-day suspension
- Second offense: €1,000 fine and six-month suspension
- Third offense: €2,000 fine and one-year suspension
New measures for modern mobility
Parking: Vertical parking for motorcycles is now allowed, and new rules apply for motorhome parking. Digital enforcement: Cameras (e.g., on buses) will record violations and issue electronic fines. Responsibility shifts from the vehicle to the driver. Pedestrian violations: For the first time, pedestrians face a €30 fine for ignoring red lights or not using crosswalks. Bus & taxi lanes: Unauthorized use of bus lanes is fined €150. Taxis may stop for pick-up/drop-off under conditions, while zero-emission taxis and accessible taxis for people with disabilities have unrestricted access. Micromobility: Stricter rules for e-scooters: maximum speed 25 km/h, only allowed on roads with a limit up to 50 km/h, banned from highways. On pedestrian areas, the limit is 15 km/h. Riders must not wear headphones, must use cycle lanes, and carrying a passenger is prohibited. Fines & Road Safety Fund: Revenue from fines will go to a special fund to support infrastructure improvements, such as traffic light upgrades and safer junction designs. Proper information is the key to safe mobility – and to avoiding fines. At Ayvens, we support our drivers and partners by providing the tools and knowledge they need to move responsibly.
