What you can no longer carry in your car

With the summer holiday season in full swing, thousands of Greek drivers are hitting the road—but many may be unaware of recent changes to the Highway Code (ΚΟΚ) that regulate what you are legally allowed to carry in your car.

From heavy and hazardous items to dangerous overloading and visibility obstructions, new restrictions are in place to ensure road safety. Violations may result in fines or even the immobilization of your vehicle.

Key Prohibited Items and Practices

1. Overweight Loads

Article 32 of the updated ΚΟΚ states that your vehicle's total weight must not exceed the manufacturer's limit, as noted in the car’s registration document.

2. Hazardous Items and Poorly Secured Loads

Items that can spill, fall, or cause injury or damage are forbidden. Ropes, chains, and covers must be securely fastened and pose no risk to passengers or others on the road.

3. Visual Obstructions

Luggage must not block the driver’s view, nor cover lights, license plates, country insignia, or reflective parts of the vehicle. Such obstructions can severely impair visibility, especially at night.

4. Long or Oversized Objects

Objects like pipes or poles must not extend more than 30% of the car’s body length beyond the rear. Anything exceeding this limit requires prior approval from the local technical authority.

5. Items Dragging on the Road

Dragging items that could damage the road or endanger traffic are prohibited—unless special permission is obtained from municipal services and no damage is caused.

Penalties and Enforcement

€80 fine for violations including excessive loading, unsecured items, or carrying too many passengers.

In cases of dangerous loading, police may also immobilize the vehicle.

Carrying unauthorized goods may also lead to fines if proper documentation is not presented.

The ΚΟΚ also reminds drivers that exceeding passenger limits, based on the number of seat belts and vehicle design, is strictly prohibited and punishable by an €80 fine.