Driving in Greece can be a lot different from driving in the US so it’s a good idea to learn about the road rules of the country before your road trip. SIXT has compiled some of the most important things you should know before getting behind the wheel in Greece.
Speed Limits in Greece
These are generally the standard speed limits when driving in Greece. These can, of course, vary depending on where you are and if there is construction, an accident, or something else that can alter the speed.
| Within city limits: | 50 km/h (31 mph) |
| Outside city limits: | 110 km/h (68 mph) |
| Highway/Freeway: | 120 km/h (75 mph) |
Greece Driving Rules and Regulations
Here are some rules and driving tips that you should make yourself aware of before you start your road trip in Greece.
- Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
- All occupants of the vehicle must wear seat belts.
- Children under 10 may not travel in the front seat. Child seats are mandatory for children up to age 4.
- Children between 3 and 11 years, measuring less than 4 feet 4 inches must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size.
- Use of a mobile phone is illegal while driving.
- It is illegal to have a level of alcohol in the bloodstream of more than 0.05%.
- The middle lane of a three-lane highway is for passing.
- Dipped headlights should be used when there’s poor daytime visibility.
- The use of full-beam headlights in towns is strictly prohibited.
- Traffic already in a roundabout has to stop and give way to traffic entering the roundabout.
- In Greece it is prohibited to overtake at bottlenecks, speed bumps, on bends, at pedestrian crossings, at intersections, and when there is inadequate visibility.
- Changing lanes in an intersection is forbidden in Greece.
What to Bring With
- A valid driver’s license and passport.
- An International Driving Permit may be required.
- Warning triangle in case of breakdown
- Reflective vest
- Make sure you have either GPS and/or a current road map of the area that you are driving in.
Additional Information
- There are two toll roads in Greece. One goes from Athens to the Peloponnesus and the other goes from Athens to Thessaloniki.
- In the major cities of Greece, on-street parking is virtually non-existent so you should use the available parking lots.
- You are not allowed to park within 3 meters (10 feet) of a fire hydrant, within 5 meters (16 feet) of a junction, or within 15 meters (50 feet) of a public transport stop. If you park in a No Parking zone in Athens or certain other areas, the police may remove your license plates if you owe money for any traffic fines.
- Police can impose fines but not collect them on the spot. The fine must be paid at a Public Treasury office within 10 days.
- You can be fined for the unnecessary use of a car horn.
- Snow chains may be used when roads are covered with snow or ice, usually between November and March. The maximum speed limit for cars with snow chains is 50 km/h.
- Watch out for animals on the road.
Rely on Sixt for Your Car Rental Needs in Greece
If you need more information about driving on Greek roads with your rental vehicle, our friendly local staff will be happy to advise. In Greece, we have stations in major travel hubs and airports, and in cities, islands and towns such as Athens, Crete, Zakynthos, Kos, and Thessaloniki. Whether you need a convertible to soak in the sun, a sedan for a family road trip, or an SUV for extra cargo space, our diverse fleet can accommodate.
