The government is working on important changes to the Greek Traffic Code to improve road safety. Among the new measures:

• Senior Driver License Renewal: Currently, seniors only need a simple medical certificate to renew their driving license. This sometimes allows renewals based on certificates from “known” doctors even if the driver doesn’t meet the necessary health requirements. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure is considering digitizing the renewal process. Each medical certificate will be linked to the issuing doctor and connected with the national health database (HDIKA), which contains full medical histories. This will allow cross-checking medical claims with actual health data, reducing fraudulent or incorrect certifications. If an elderly driver is involved in an accident, authorities will review both the driver’s health records and the doctor who signed the renewal. The doctor could be held accountable if discrepancies are found.
• AI-Enabled Helmet Detection for Motorcycles: A new technological system under review would prevent motorcycles from starting if the rider is not wearing a helmet. This system relies on sensors combined with AI and has already been tested. The estimated cost is about 1 million euros, and the system could be installed on motorcycles made from 2000 onwards. It is expected to be deployed when riders are found by authorities riding without helmets, effectively preventing repeat offenses.
• Positive Trends: Following recent changes in the Traffic Code, preliminary data shows an 18.6% reduction in road deaths in the first ten months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, amounting to 104 fewer fatalities. The government aims to sustain and build upon this positive trend through the new measures.

After the latest update to the Traffic Code, preliminary data on road traffic fatalities in 2025 show a significant improvement. Comparing the first ten months of 2025 to the same period in 2024 reveals an 18.6% decrease in deaths, corresponding to 104 fewer fatalities.

The government aims for this trend to continue into 2026 and become a permanent improvement, which is why a new package of measures is being promoted.

Mechanism to block motorcycle ignition if the rider is not wearing a helmet

The government’s plan, as reported by Kathimerini, also includes the use of new technology to protect motorcycle riders. The Ministry of Transport is considering implementing a system that will prevent a motorcycle from starting if the rider is not wearing a helmet.

The technology has already been tested and relies on a special sensor combined with artificial intelligence. The estimated cost is around 1 million euros, and the system can be installed on motorcycles manufactured from the year 2000 onwards.

The implementation plan envisions that the mechanism will be installed when a rider is caught by authorities riding without a helmet, preventing them from repeating the offense, as the motorcycle will not start without helmet use.