The new Highway Code (KOK), combined with intensified policing, is already delivering significant results in reducing traffic violations—particularly drunk driving, excessive speeding, and running red lights. According to official data on checks and their outcomes during the recent holiday period, compared with the same period last year, an overall reduction of 27% in violations has been recorded.

Despite the fact that the number of checks remained almost unchanged, the violations recorded this year amounted to 57,131 (down from 78,596), with the largest declines observed in excessive speed, driving under the influence of alcohol, and failure to use protective equipment.

At the same time, breathalyzer checks increased significantly: around 22,000 more were carried out during Christmas and an additional 8,000 during the New Year period, with results that were more than positive. As Traffic Police officials told PROTO THEMA, these positive outcomes are attributed to a combination of increased policing, targeted checks at key points of the road network, and enhanced road surveillance during peak hours—especially through the “smart” cameras installed at selected locations across the Athens metropolitan area.

Less alcohol and lower speeds with the new Highway Code and strict fines

The contribution of the revised Highway Code is also considered significant. The new provisions that came into force in autumn 2025 introduced stricter penalties and higher fines for serious violations, forcing drivers to comply.

Breathalyzer tests

According to Hellenic Police (EL.AS.) data for this year’s and last year’s holiday periods, between 19/12/25 and 7/1/26 a total of 57,131 violations were recorded, compared to 78,596 in the previous year (20/12/24–8/1/25), corresponding to a reduction of 27%. A total of 277,735 vehicles were checked, a figure comparable to the previous period (282,705).

Of particular importance is the significant drop in violations directly linked to serious traffic accidents. Cases of excessive speed decreased by more than 6,200, falling from 15,048 to 8,780, while violations for driving under the influence of alcohol also declined noticeably, dropping to 1,655 from 2,152—a reduction of 23%.

Closing

Indicative of the frequency of checks is the fact that in the first five days of 2026 alone, 20,067 breathalyzer tests were conducted. In only 152 cases did drivers exceed the limit of 0.25 mg/l of alcohol in exhaled air, and of these, just two involved drivers who exceeded 0.60 mg/l and were arrested. The percentage of drivers found to be under the influence of alcohol during checks stands at approximately 0.8%.

Helmet and seat belt

A significant reduction is also recorded in violations related to not wearing a helmet (1,605 vs. 2,101), not wearing a seat belt (1,339 vs. 1,886), as well as driving without a valid license, which fell by more than 1,000 cases (1,284 vs. 2,312).

Smaller, yet indicative of the overall improvement, are the figures for right-of-way violations (76 vs. 183), driving in the opposite lane (303 vs. 493), and mobile phone use while driving (443 vs. 538). The only violation that showed a slight increase this year was improper maneuvers (398 vs. 393).

A major tool in the Hellenic Police’s efforts to reduce traffic accidents will be the 388 AI cameras expected to be installed on major arteries of the Athens metropolitan area. By mid-January, 11 cameras will be installed; by the end of February, 33 more will be added; and after March, 85 cameras per month will be installed at high-risk locations, creating a comprehensive traffic monitoring network.

The cameras record only the rear of vehicles, without capturing occupants, and transmit the footage to a central violations server, accessible exclusively by the Hellenic Police for the imposition of the relevant penalties.

It is recalled that AI camera operation has already begun at the following eight locations:

■ Municipality of Athens – Panepistimiou St. & Vasilissis Sofias Ave.
■ Municipality of Agia Paraskevi – Mesogeion Ave. & Chalandriou Ave.
■ Municipality of Rafina-Pikermi – Marathonos Ave. & Fleming St.
■ Municipality of Kallithea – Syngrou Ave. & Agias Fotinis St.
■ Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni – Poseidonos Ave. & Ermou St.
■ Municipality of Alimos – Poseidonos Ave. & Alimou Ave.
■ Municipality of Elliniko-Argyroupoli – Vouliagmenis Ave. & Tinou St.
■ Municipality of Filothei-Psychiko – Kifisias Ave. & Ethnikis Antistaseos St.