Greece Driving Rules for Americans (2026)
Greece drives on the RIGHT. Speed limits are 50 / 90 / 130 km/h (urban / rural / motorway). BAC limit is 0.05%. Daytime headlights are required in tunnels, and you must carry an IDP with your US license at all ELAS checkpoints.
Source: Greek Highway Code (Κώδικας Οδικής Κυκλοφορίας, KOK).
The Basics for US Drivers
Greece drives on the right side of the road, just like the United States. That's where the familiarity ends — the road network is a mix of modern motorways (Egnatia, PATHE), tight historic streets in Athens, and minor mountain roads on Crete and the Peloponnese where two cars can barely pass.
- Drive on the right, pass on the left.
- Seat belts are mandatory for every passenger, front and back. Fine for non-compliance is €350.
- Children under 12 may not ride in the front seat; under-3 must be in a rear-facing child seat.
- Daytime running lights are recommended at all times and mandatory in tunnels.
- Phone use while driving is prohibited unless hands-free (fine €200–€500).
- You must carry your US license, your IDP, your passport, the vehicle registration, and proof of insurance at all times.
Speed Limits in Greece
Limits are posted in kilometers per hour (km/h). The default limits when no sign is posted are below.
| Road Type | Limit (km/h) | Approx mph |
|---|---|---|
| Urban / Built-up area | 50 | ~31 |
| Rural / Open road | 90 | ~56 |
| Expressway | 110 | ~68 |
| Motorway (A1 PATHE, A2 Egnatia, etc.) | 130 | ~81 |
| Residential / School zone | 30 | ~19 |
New drivers (license held under 3 years) are capped at 20 km/h below the posted limit on motorways and expressways.
Speed cameras and radar: ELAS uses both fixed cameras (mostly in tunnels and near Athens) and mobile radar on the PATHE, Egnatia, and major rural roads. There's no warning. Fines start at €40 and exceed €700 for serious overspeed.
Greek Alphabet Road Signs (Cheat Sheet)
Most highway signs in Greece now appear in both Greek and Latin script, but smaller roads — especially on Crete, in the Peloponnese, and through mountain villages — frequently show only Greek. Memorize the key place names below and you'll be fine.
| Greek | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ΑΘΗΝΑ | Athens | Capital; A1 PATHE south end |
| ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗ | Thessaloniki | A1 PATHE north end |
| ΗΡΑΚΛΕΙΟ | Heraklion | Crete capital |
| ΧΑΝΙΑ | Chania | Western Crete |
| ΠΑΤΡΑ | Patras | Western Peloponnese, ferry port |
| ΚΑΛΑΜΑΤΑ | Kalamata | Southern Peloponnese |
| ΝΑΥΠΛΙΟ | Nafplio | Argolis, popular base |
| ΔΕΛΦΟΙ | Delphi | Ancient site |
| ΜΕΤΕΩΡΑ | Meteora | Monasteries on cliffs |
| ΚΕΝΤΡΟ | Center / Downtown | Generic for city center |
| ΕΞΟΔΟΣ | Exit | Motorway exits |
| ΛΙΜΑΝΙ | Port | For ferries |
| ΑΕΡΟΔΡΟΜΙΟ | Airport | Often abbreviated AERO |
| ΔΙΟΔΙΑ | Tolls | Toll booth ahead |
| ΣΤΟΠ | Stop | Phonetic — same red octagon |
Most other warning and regulatory signs follow standard European pictograms (yield triangle, no-entry circle, etc.), so they're recognizable even without the Greek text.
Alcohol Limits and Phone Use
Greek BAC limits are stricter than most US states:
- 0.05% BAC for standard drivers — roughly one beer or one glass of wine for an average adult.
- 0.02% BAC for new drivers (under 2 years' license), motorcyclists, and commercial drivers.
- Refusing a breath test is treated as failing one.
- Fines start at €200 and reach €2,000+, with license suspension and possible jail time for serious cases.
Phone use
Using a handheld phone while driving — including for navigation — is illegal. Fines run €200–€500 and ELAS can confiscate your license on the spot. Use a dashboard mount and Bluetooth or speakerphone.
Greek Motorways and Tolls
Greece's main motorways are tolled. You can pay in cash (Euro) or by card at every booth. There is no need to buy a transponder for a short trip, though "e-Pass" exists for residents.
| Motorway | Number | Route |
|---|---|---|
| PATHE | A1 / E75 | Athens — Lamia — Larissa — Thessaloniki |
| Egnatia Odos | A2 / E90 | Igoumenitsa — Thessaloniki — Alexandroupoli (east–west northern Greece) |
| Olympia Odos | A8 / E94 | Athens — Corinth — Patras |
| Moreas Motorway | A7 | Corinth — Tripoli — Kalamata (Peloponnese) |
| Ionian Highway | A5 | Antirrio — Ioannina (western Greece) |
| Attiki Odos | A6 / A65 | Athens ring road & ATH airport connection |
Typical toll cost: Athens to Thessaloniki on the A1 PATHE runs about €30 in tolls. Athens to Kalamata on the A7 Moreas is about €15.
Always have a few €5 and €10 notes on hand — some booths on side motorways are cash-only or have slow card readers.
Priority, Roundabouts, and Right-of-Way
- Roundabouts: By default, vehicles inside the roundabout have priority over those entering. This is the same as the US "yield on entry" rule. A few older roundabouts in Greece still operate on "priority to the right" entry — watch for signs.
- Unmarked intersections: Vehicles approaching from your right have priority unless a sign indicates otherwise. This catches many US drivers off guard.
- Trams and buses in Athens: Trams have priority at all intersections. Bus lanes (marked "ΛΕΩΦΟΡΕΙΟ") are for buses and taxis only — driving in them earns a €200 fine.
- Pedestrian crossings: You must stop for pedestrians waiting to cross at marked zebra crossings.
- Passing: Pass on the left only. Slower traffic should keep right on motorways.
ELAS Enforcement (Hellenic Police)
The Elliniki Astynomia (ELAS) Traffic Police Division runs both fixed and pop-up checkpoints, especially at:
- Major motorway exits around Athens and Thessaloniki.
- Ferry port entrances (Piraeus, Rafina, Heraklion, Patras).
- Tourist-heavy island roads — especially Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu.
- Holiday weekends (Orthodox Easter, August 15 Assumption, etc.).
A typical stop: pull over, lower your window, hand over your US license + IDP + passport + rental agreement. ELAS officers usually speak basic English in tourist regions but may default to Greek elsewhere. Stay polite, keep your hands visible, and don't argue.
On-the-spot fines: Many violations are issued on-the-spot, with a 50% discount if paid within 10 days. You'll get a printed ticket with bank deposit instructions or a QR code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Your IDP Before You Drive in Greece
An IDP costs $20 and takes 1–2 weeks by mail. ELAS fines for driving without one start at €100 and can reach €300 — plus rental impoundment.
Apply for Your IDP Today