The bill introduces stricter penalties for a range of violations and establishes the concept of repeat offenses.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is currently addressing Parliament, speaking on the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport’s bill for the new Highway Code, which is being put to a vote today.

The new Highway Code includes significant changes, as it introduces tougher penalties for various violations and establishes the concept of recidivism (repeat offenses).

With his speech, Mr. Mitsotakis aims to highlight the government’s commitment to road safety and the reduction of traffic accidents—central priorities for his administration.

At the start of his speech, Mr. Mitsotakis referred to the frequent traffic accidents occurring in Greece, often caused by drunk driving, mobile phone use, and running red lights. “We are among the top countries in Europe in traffic accident fatalities. Unfortunately, the trend is rising. And in some regions of our country, the situation is much worse. Today, we are called to make a responsible choice,” he emphasized.

The new Highway Code, he said, redefines the framework for violations, introducing stricter sanctions and penalties based on the danger posed, and differentiating between first-time and repeat offenses.
Key Aspects of the New Highway Code

Two core elements of the new Highway Code are:

– Stricter consequences for repeat offenses,
– Penalizing the driver, not the vehicle, a change from previous practice.

Additionally, the legal framework becomes significantly tougher in cases where a driver causes a fatal traffic accident, especially if it is found they were driving without a license.

According to the provisions of the new Code:

– If someone exceeds the speed limit by 50 km/h for the first time, they will be fined €700 and have their license suspended for 60 days.

– On the third offense, the fine increases to €2,000 and license suspension for 2 years.

– For drivers causing fatal traffic accidents, the penalty can be 10 to 20 years in prison, and in the case of multiple fatalities, life imprisonment.