Analysis of mobile phone use while driving in Greece and the main causes of road accidents. Crete ranks second in the country for driving licence offences, driving instructors are concerned about a campaign targeting older drivers and which car owners face a €10,000 fine? Plus now fines for reserving parking spaces with objects.
Half of drivers in Greece admit to driving with a mobile phone in their hand
Main Causes of Road Accidents
Alcohol consumption while driving is widely seen as the leading cause of road accidents. Many drivers and non-drivers alike agree that drinking and driving significantly increases the risk of crashes.
Excessive speeding is also identified as a major factor. A large number of drivers admit to regularly exceeding speed limits.
Using a mobile phone while driving remains a common and dangerous behaviour. Many drivers hold their phones or use them without proper hands-free systems, leading to distraction and higher chances of accidents.
Other important causes include poor road conditions and lack of proper policing. Many believe that roads in bad repair and weak enforcement of traffic laws contribute to unsafe driving environments.
Vehicle maintenance problems and inadequate road signs or signals also play a smaller role in causing crashes.
Cause |
Percentage Viewing as Major Cause |
|---|---|
Drinking and driving |
Around 65-73% |
Speeding |
Around 49-55% |
Mobile phone use |
Around 29-33% |
Poor road condition |
Around 17-18% |
Insufficient policing |
Around 9-16% |
Vehicle condition |
Around 3-4% |
Inadequate road signage |
Around 2-4% |
Speeding and alcohol use are consistently highlighted as the top risks. Many drivers admit to speeding and some admit to driving after consuming alcohol at least occasionally.
Mobile phone usage while driving adds a significant distraction, increasing accident risk.
The table above summarises how different factors are perceived as causes of accidents. Some issues are about driver behaviour, while others are tied to infrastructure and enforcement—or the lack of both.
Using seat belts and helmets is reported as common among most drivers. Still, risky behaviours like running red lights, letting unlicensed or underage individuals drive, and hand-held phone use pop up regularly among a surprising chunk of the driving population.
Crete Ranks Second Nationwide for Driving Without a Licence Offences
In 2024, Crete recorded the second highest number of offences for driving without a valid licence in Greece. This follows Attica, which held the highest number of such violations, with 30,026 cases.
Crete had 8,112 recorded offences, placing it ahead of Thessaloniki (7,398) and Western Greece (5,338).
Driving without a licence remains a significant issue on Greek roads. It reflects ongoing problems with law enforcement and a culture of disregarding legal requirements, especially in rural areas.
The total number of offences related to driving without a licence in Greece reached 79,549 in 2024, an increase of 16.6% compared to 2023, when 68,200 offences were recorded.
Compared to 2022, this is a rise of over 34%.
Region |
Number of Offences in 2024 |
|---|---|
Attica |
30,026 |
Crete |
8,112 |
Thessaloniki |
7,398 |
Western Greece |
5,338 |
Vehicle Types Involved in Offences
Most offenders driving without a licence in 2024 were motorcycle riders, accounting for 42,038 cases. Passenger cars followed with 29,959 offences, and mopeds were involved in 5,147 instances.
A notable point is that even 339 school bus drivers were found to be driving illegally without valid licences. That’s more than a little concerning, isn’t it?
Legal Penalties and Upcoming Changes
Under the current Traffic Code, driving without a valid licence or with a revoked licence results in immediate arrest, with a fine of 100 euros.
Drivers with expired licences face fines and revocation of their licence, which is then sent to the relevant Transport Department.
A new Traffic Code is expected to introduce stricter consequences. The proposed penalties for driving without a licence include:
- A fine of 350 euros
- Suspension of both the driving licence and vehicle registration documents for 30 days
- Possible imprisonment
Driving instructors raise concerns over campaign targeting older drivers in Greece
Driving instructors in Greece have identified a recent wave of criticism aimed at senior drivers. This campaign suggests that older people behind the wheel might pose greater risks on the road.
However, data shows that drivers over 65 have an accident rate of about 16.6%, while those over 75 have a lower rate, around 8.6%. These figures challenge the idea that all elderly drivers are unsafe.
The instructors highlight that driving offers older adults critical independence and mobility. Losing the ability to drive could negatively affect their quality of life.
Instead of generalising risk, they propose a system for seniors to assess their driving skills individually and without cost.
Rules soon to take effect will require drivers aged 80 and above to renew their licences every two years. This renewal process involves medical checks by specialists such as general practitioners, eye doctors, ear-nose-throat doctors, and neurologists or psychiatrists.
These measures aim to balance safety with respect for older drivers’ autonomy.
Key Points |
Details |
|---|---|
Accident rates |
16.6% (65+), 8.6% (75+) |
Proposed testing |
Free, personalised driving ability checks |
Licence renewal (80+) |
Every 2 years with medical examinations |
Which Private Car Owners Face a €10,000 Fine?
Tax authorities have started using digital plate scanners to find vehicles that move on the road despite being registered as inactive. Owners who declare their cars in a non-driving status but still drive risk a fine of €10,000.
This penalty also applies if a vehicle is declared inactive and assigned to a specific parking spot but is found parked somewhere else. The new enforcement system uses a combination of live checks and mobile scanners to identify violations automatically.
When a breach is detected, an electronic notice with the calculated fines is sent directly to the car owner’s online account. The fine includes the unpaid circulation taxes plus penalties for late payment.
Failing to follow the rules has more severe consequences if repeated within five years. In such cases, the fine is tripled, and the owner’s driving licence is revoked for three years.
The fine is charged to the vehicle’s registered owner or holder. If there are co-owners, the person who first applied for the vehicle’s inactive status receives the penalty.
This monitoring strategy is planned to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025. It’s a pretty modern approach to compliance and aims to reduce unpaid road tax evasion using technology that, frankly, feels a bit Big Brother at times.
Key points:
Condition |
Penalty |
|---|---|
Driving while vehicle declared inactive |
€10,000 fine + unpaid taxes |
Parking vehicle in a different spot from declared status |
€10,000 fine |
Repeat offence within 5 years |
Fine tripled + licence suspension (3 years) |
Enforcement tools:
- Digital plate scanners
- Mobile scanning devices
- Real-time data system
Owners should really make sure they’re following the correct process and avoid moving vehicles that are declared inactive. It’s just not worth risking those fines or losing your licence.
Penalties for Reserving Parking Spaces with Objects
Placing items such as crates, chairs, tables, or pots to hold a parking space on public roads is prohibited. This practice blocks the space unfairly and can cause problems for other road users.
The law clearly states that temporarily or permanently occupying part of the roadway with objects is forbidden, especially if it hinders traffic flow, parking, or visibility. Anyone caught reserving a parking spot this way faces a fixed fine of €400.
This fine aims to discourage people from misusing public space. For context, blocking a parking entrance leads to a smaller fine of €80, but the vehicle may be impounded by a tow truck, and its registration plates can be confiscated for up to 10 days.
The law allows space reservation with objects only in very rare cases. This requires prior approval from local authorities, such as the municipality or police, and is usually limited to low-traffic residential areas.
Violation |
Penalty |
|---|---|
Reserving parking spots with objects |
€400 fine |
Blocking parking entrances |
€80 fine + vehicle impoundment and plate removal for 10 days |
Temporary reservation with official permission |
Allowed only with permits |
This regulation seeks to ensure fair access to public parking and promotes safe, unobstructed use of roads for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens legally if someone uses a mobile phone while driving in Greece?
Using a mobile phone while driving in Greece is illegal. If you get caught, you could face penalties like fines or points on your driving licence.
Repeat the mistake and, well, the punishments might get a lot harsher.
Are there any situations where drivers can use their phones legally in Greece?
You’re only allowed to use your phone if you have a proper hands-free device. Actually holding or fiddling with your phone while driving? Not allowed—unless it’s a real emergency, like calling for help.
What fines apply for using a mobile phone while driving in Greece?
Fines usually fall somewhere between 100 and 200 euros. Sometimes, you might get penalty points on your licence too.
If your phone use leads to dangerous driving or an accident, the fines can climb even higher. Not exactly pocket change.
Could using a mobile phone while driving impact car insurance in Greece?
Yep, it could. Insurance companies might hike up your premiums or even refuse to pay out if you were using your phone during an accident.
Honestly, it’s seen as negligence and can really mess with your coverage.
What are the rules about using hands-free devices while driving in Greece?
Hands-free devices are not just allowed—they’re actually recommended. But you can’t hold your phone or use earphones that block out surrounding sounds.
It’s best to set up your device before you start driving, otherwise it just turns into another distraction. Makes sense, right?
How have police enforced mobile phone laws for drivers in Greece recently?
Enforcement’s definitely tightened up lately, with more roadside checks popping up and cameras keeping an eye out. Authorities seem pretty intent on cutting down accidents linked to drivers getting distracted by their phones.
Penalties have been bumped up, too, aiming to make people think twice before reaching for their phone while driving.
