Greece is a land of ancient history, stunning islands, and a dynamic culture. Driving here lets you experience the country's diverse landscapes, from the vibrant streets of Athens to the pristine coastal areas and mountains. However, navigating Greek roads can be exciting as well as challenging. It’s important to familiarise yourself with traffic rules and road conditions before you set out to drive.
Although the country follows many standard European driving laws, there are a few local rules you should know about to avoid any surprises.
Driving requirements in Greece
If you’re from outside the European Union, you need to secure an International Driver's Licence (IDL) to rent a car. Make sure that your insurance policy is recognised in Greece, whether you’re driving your own vehicle or renting.
A valid photo ID, like a driving licence issued in the US, is often accepted by most police officers in Greece. However, having an IDL is recommended as it can also serve as a form of identification.
You must be at least 18 years old to drive in Greece. However, the requirement is typically 21 years if you are renting, and you will need to have held a valid license for at least one year. You might also need to acquire a Greek licence to avoid legal issues if your stay exceeds six months.
Rules of the Road
Here is a detailed breakdown of the essential driving regulations in Greece:
- Driving Side: You should drive on the right-hand side of the road in Greece.
- Seat Belts: Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers, whether you’re in front or back.
- Parking: In urban areas, parking is prohibited within nine feet of a fire hydrant, fifteen feet from an intersection, or forty-five feet from a bus stop. Street parking may require purchasing a ticket from a booth.
- Children: Children under 10 are not allowed in the front seat. Those under 3 years old must use a child car seat.
- Using the Horn: Using your car horn excessively in urban areas is illegal except in emergencies. A short beep before a blind curve is mandatory to alert oncoming traffic.
- Speed Limits: Urban areas typically have speed limits of 50 km/h. Open roads allow up to 90 km/h, while highways permit speeds up to 120 km/h.
- Toll Roads: Major roads like the Ethniki Odos and the National Road have tolls. You can pay with cash or by using debit or credit cards. A Fast Pass system is also in place to streamline payments.
- Roadside Assistance: The Automobile and Touring Club of Greece (ELPA) offers services to drivers. It can be contacted at 104 or 154 when not driving. ELPA provides help to members of AAA and similar associations.
- Mobile Phones: Using mobile phones while driving is prohibited. Offenders can face fines, with periodic enforcement campaigns to reinforce this law.
- Tickets: Be aware that tickets for moving violations and parking are expensive. It can potentially cost hundreds of euros.
- In Case of an Emergency: Dial 112 for multi-language help, 100 for police, 166 for fires, and 199 for an ambulance. Contact the ELPA helpline number directly for roadside emergencies.
Driving in the middle of the road in Greece
It is quite common in Greece for drivers to drive in the middle of the road. This is because, in rural areas, roads may be narrow and filled with unexpected obstacles such as rock falls, grazing goats, or even randomly parked cars. While this may seem unusual, it is a practical approach to ensure safety when clear visibility and room to manoeuvre are limited.
Traffic circles and roundabouts in Greece
Traffic circles and roundabouts are a staple of roadway navigation in Greece, as in many parts of Europe. However, they might be less familiar to drivers from the U.S. These circular intersections help maintain continuous traffic flow without the need for signal lights. They operate on a simple yet effective rule—the vehicles within the roundabout have the right of way.
It is important to reduce your speed and watch for vehicles in the roundabout. Seamlessly merge into the traffic by yielding to those coming from your left. Make sure to signal your intention well before you change lanes or exit the roundabout. This approach helps ensure that all traffic moves smoothly and safely. It will also minimise confusion and maximise efficiency at these intersections.
Athens restricted area in Greece
There are designated zones known as ‘Daktylios’ in Athens and several other Greek cities where vehicle access is restricted to reduce congestion. The access rules in these areas depend on whether your car's licence plate ends in an odd or even number. Although these restrictions are generally not applicable to rental cars, it is important to be considerate towards pedestrians when driving in these zones.
Tourists make up the majority of drivers in central Athens, so showing extra courtesy can help ease traffic flow and improve everyone’s safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use my driver's licence in Greece?
To drive legally in Greece, non-EU licence holders must have an (IDP) International Driving Permit along with their national licence.
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What should I do in case of an accident?
Contact the police and your rental agency immediately. Do not move your vehicle until the police have documented the scene.
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Are there any specific tips for driving in Greece?
Exercise caution on rural roads, watch for sudden stops from other drivers and ensure everyone wears a seatbelt.
Conclusion
Exploring Greece by car is a comfortable option to experience the country at your own pace. However, driving in an unfamiliar territory can pose various challenges, and you need to be prepared for anything uneventful. Securing international travel insurance before your trip is just as important as knowing the local driving laws. Comprehensive insurance is crucial as it provides financial coverage in case of accidents, theft, damage and even legal issues.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.