Parliament: New Road Traffic code approved by large majority

The new Road Traffic Code (RTC) was passed by a broad majority in the Greek Parliament, establishing a tiered penalty system that targets repeat offenders and enforces stricter sanctions for recurring dangerous behavior.

According to the Ministry of Transport, the new RTC aims to bring significant changes in road behavior and public safety, with the ultimate goal of substantially reducing traffic fatalities in Greece.

The revision is based on key data: Greece consistently exceeds the European average for traffic-related deaths per million residents. Offenses like mobile phone use, speeding, not using seat belts or helmets, and drunk driving remain major causes of accidents.

The new provisions define drivers’ responsibilities more clearly and aim to both impose stricter penalties and instill a new road safety culture.

Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Konstantinos Kyranakis, commented: “The new Road Traffic Code doesn’t aim to punish but to prevent. It’s not about harshness for show. It’s a necessary response to harsh facts, translated into lives lost. We’re setting clear rules, building trust with citizens, and investing in a safer daily life for everyone.”

Main Changes in the New RTC:

1. Mobile Phone Use (No Accident Involved):

• Previous: License and plates removed for 60 days.
• Now: €350 fine, license removed for 30 days.
• Repeat Offenses:
  • 1st: €1,000 fine, 180-day license removal
  • 2nd: €2,000 fine, 1-year license removal

2. Mobile Use Causing an Accident:

• Now: Criminal penalties apply; fines up to €4,000 and 8-year license removal
• New Tool: Lifting communication and geolocation privacy under legal safeguards

3. No Helmet Use (including passenger):

• Now: €350 fine, 30-day license removal
• Repeat: Up to €2,000 and 1-year license removal
• Passenger not wearing helmet: Both passenger and driver are fined

4. No Seatbelt Use:

• Now: €350 fine, 30-day license removal
• Passenger without belt: €150 fine for both passenger and driver
• Repeat: Up to €2,000 and 1-year license removal

5. Driving Under Influence (0.50 – 1.10 g/l):

• Now: Fines from €350 to €700 and license removed up to 90 days
• Repeat: Up to €2,000 and 1-year license removal

6. Driving Under Influence (>1.10 g/l):

• Now: €1,200 fine, 180-day license and plate removal
• Imprisonment: From 2 months to 5 years
• Repeat: Up to €4,000 and 10-year license removal

7. Speeding >50km/h:

• Now: €700 fine, 60-day license removal
• Repeat: Up to €2,000 and 1-year license removal

8. Speeding >200km/h or Racing:

• Now: €2,000 fine, 1-year license removal
• Repeat: Up to €8,000 and 4-year license removal

9. Running a Red Light:

• Now: €700 fine, 60-day license removal
• Repeat: Up to €2,000 and 1-year license removal

10. Stop Sign Violation (Without Accident):

• Now: €350 fine, 30-day license removal
• Repeat: Up to €2,000 and 1-year license removal

11. Stop Sign Violation (With Accident):

• Now: €700 fine, 60-day license removal
• Repeat: Up to €4,000 and 8-year license removal

12. Driving Without a License:

• Now: €1,000 fine, 1-year license suspension, jail up to 2 years
• Repeat: Up to €4,000 fine and 8-year license removal

13. Obstructing Railway Traffic:

• Now: €1,200 fine, 60-day license removal, jail up to 5 years, €2,000 penalty
• Repeat: Up to €4,000 and 8-year license removal

14. Obstructing Public Transport:

• Now codified: Illegal parking blocking buses
• Penalty: €350 fine, 70-day license removal

15. Taxis in Bus Lanes:

• Previously: Total ban, €100 fine
• Now: €150 fine for violations, with specific exceptions for boarding/alighting, night hours, zero-emission taxis, and special needs vehicles

16. Parking in Disabled Spots:

• Now: €150 fine, 60-day license and plate removal
• Repeat: Up to €2,000 and 1-year license removal

17. Speed Limits:

• Current: 50 km/h in residential areas
• Future: From Jan 1, 2026, differentiated limits based on road type unless marked otherwise

Source: pagenews.gr