Greek Transport Ministry Seeks Public Feedback on Proposed Traffic Penalty Framework

Photo source: Hellenic Police

The Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport recently unveiled a new penalty framework for the country’s Road Traffic Code (known as ΚΟΚ in Greek), aimed at enhancing road safety and protecting lives.

The proposed framework is open for public consultation until the end of January before it is finalized.

The ministry is adapting the framework to address the challenges posed by modern transportation and the digitalization of related processes. The goal is to establish a comprehensive penalty system focused on improving road safety, rather than purely on punitive measures.

In a significant shift from previous policies, the new approach will primarily target drivers rather than vehicles. Penalties will include fines, points on driving records, and, in some cases, the confiscation of a driver’s license. Vehicle-related penalties, such as the confiscation of license plates, which may affect multiple drivers, will no longer be the focus.

Penalties will be classified based on the level of danger they pose, with violations divided into two main categories:

– Serious violations that can lead to major accidents, such as running a red light, speeding, illegal overtaking, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
– Less dangerous violations, including illegal parking and administrative offenses, such as driving without a license or required documents.

The new framework will also introduce stricter penalties for repeat offenders. Special focus will be given to foreign drivers holding professional driving licenses, with all related procedures, including payment of fines, to be handled at checkpoint sites.

Photo source: Hellenic Police

As part of its broader efforts to reduce traffic accidents, the government will lower the speed limit in residential areas from 50 to 30 kilometers per hour, unless otherwise specified. This measure aims to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists in urban areas, which have seen a high incidence of accidents.

The revised framework will also introduce additional penalties for what are deemed “antisocial” driving behaviors. These include offenses related to the interaction between vehicles and pedestrians, transporting children improperly, and other violations that compromise public safety.

Regarding micro-mobility vehicles, such as motorcycles, the new penalties will enforce stricter helmet requirements and adherence to speed limits.

Moreover, the ministry will review the legal framework for the use of technical and electronic surveillance tools. This includes expanding the use of cameras on public buses to improve enforcement of traffic regulations.