Athens suspends traffic ring restrictions for the summer starting July 18

As of today, July 18, the city of Athens has officially suspended the Daktylios traffic ring restrictions for the summer season, allowing unrestricted vehicle access to the city center. The decision, part of the city’s annual summer policy, will remain in effect until mid-October, when the system is expected to resume.

The Daktylios system, in place since October 14, 2024, is designed to ease traffic congestion and reduce air pollution by limiting access to vehicles based on the last digit of their license plates — odd or even — on alternating days.

What Is the Daktylios?

The Daktylios, or “Small Ring,” is a traffic management zone that covers central Athens. On regular days, private cars and small trucks (up to 2.2 tons) are only allowed to enter the zone on alternating days depending on whether their license plate ends in an odd or even number.

The defined perimeter includes major roads such as Alexandras Avenue, Syngrou Avenue, Peiraios, Iera Odos, Patision, and Michalakopoulou, among others. Restrictions do not apply on these perimeter roads, only within the ring itself.

Year-Round Exemptions

Some vehicles are always exempt from Daktylios restrictions, regardless of the season. These include:

Emergency and public service vehicles

Vehicles transporting persons with disabilities

Low-emission and electric vehicles

Vehicles with special permits issued by the Attica Traffic Police

These exemptions will continue to apply during the summer suspension.

What Drivers Should Know

While the summer suspension offers relief for daily commuters and tourists navigating the capital, city officials are reminding the public that the restrictions will return in mid-October.

Athens authorities also encourage drivers to use public transportation when possible, as the city continues to work toward long-term solutions for urban mobility and air quality.