Police: Zero tolerance for helmet violations
With the slogan “A helmet is not just an accessory – it is a responsibility that saves lives,” the Hellenic Police has been implementing its nationwide campaign “Zero Tolerance for Helmet Non-Use” since July 2025, targeting full compliance among motorcycle riders, passengers and users of light personal electric vehicles.
Over a 33-week period, from July 7 to Feb. 15, authorities conducted 590,656 checks across the country — nearly 18,000 per week — underscoring the scale and consistency of traffic enforcement operations.
During these inspections, 58,450 violations were recorded for failing to wear a helmet. The majority concerned motorcycle riders (50,532), followed by passengers (7,918). Authorities also cited 2,019 professional delivery drivers and 6,338 users of light electric vehicles such as e-scooters and similar devices, reflecting the rapid growth of micromobility in urban centers.
Regional breakdown
The highest number of violations was recorded in the Attica region with 20,349 cases, followed by the Ionian Islands (5,453) and the South Aegean (5,392). Elevated figures were also reported in Crete (4,487) and Western Greece (4,185).
Lower totals were observed in regions with lighter traffic volumes, including Epirus (1,438), Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (1,319), and Western Macedonia (200).
Minister: “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility”
Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis said the initiative began with gradual steps, emphasizing that “every journey, no matter how short, carries risks.”
“The helmet drastically reduces the severity of injuries and protects the most valuable good — human life,” he said, adding that intensified checks and strict fines are helping foster a culture of prevention and responsibility.
According to Chrysochoidis, compliance is increasingly driven not by fear of penalties but by awareness. “The real goal of any policy is to change mindsets and protect lives. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” he stressed.
Stricter penalties under New Traffic Code
Under the revised Highway Code, failure to wear a helmet carries a €350 fine and a 30-day license suspension for drivers. Repeat offenders face escalating penalties — €1,000 and a six-month suspension for a second offense, and €2,000 with a one-year suspension for a third.
Drivers are also held accountable for passengers: if a passenger is not wearing a helmet, both face a €350 fine, even if the driver is compliant.
For users of light personal electric vehicles, the fine for non-use stands at €30, as authorities seek to extend safety standards to emerging forms of urban mobility.
The Hellenic Police said it will maintain a strong daily presence on the roads to ensure universal compliance and promote a more responsible driving culture nationwide.
