Common Tourist Offenses in Greece Lead to Hefty Fines

Tourists heading to Greece should be aware of increasingly strict traffic rules, as common violations can lead to hefty fines. The "Grčka info" portal highlights that penalties, which apply equally to locals and tourists, are enforced without tolerance for ignorance of the rules.

Speeding is a frequent offense, especially on open roads where drivers may exceed limits. Greek police actively monitor speeds, particularly during the tourist season, with fines ranging from 40 to 100 euros for minor infractions and up to 350 euros for more serious ones. In some cases, drivers can even have their licenses suspended.

Using mobile phones while driving or failing to wear seatbelts, even for short periods, also results in substantial fines, often around 350 euros each. Seatbelt use is mandatory for all passengers, and holding a phone is considered a serious offense. Alcohol consumption before driving is another area of concern, with legal limits at 0.5 permille and fines up to 1,200 euros for exceeding them, especially if an incident occurs.

Improper parking is cited as the most common reason for tourists incurring fines in Greece. The strict enforcement means that even minor infractions can lead to penalties, sometimes exceeding 1,000 euros, underscoring the importance of understanding and adhering to local traffic laws to avoid unexpected costs and complications during a vacation.

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They told us to take a taxi and that they were not interested in other circumstances.