Zero tolerance for helmets: 57 violations in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace amid nationwide crackdown
As part of Greece’s nationwide “Zero Tolerance for Helmet Use” campaign, police units in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace conducted 1,297 inspections between 21–27 July, uncovering 57 violations related to helmet non-compliance.
Target: Safer Riders
The campaign aims to ensure gradual but comprehensive compliance with helmet laws for users of motorcycles and light personal electric vehicles.
In the region, inspections were carried out by traffic units in Kumçiftliği, Dedeağaç, Rhodope, İskeçe, Kavala, and Drama, targeting:
- Motorcycle and moped drivers
- Three-wheeled and cab-less rental vehicle users
- Professional couriers
Regional Results:
Violations in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace included:
- 46 motorcycle drivers (including 2 couriers)
- 2 passengers
- 9 light personal electric vehicle riders
Nationwide Picture: Over 2,600 Infractions
In the fourth week of the campaign, police carried out 23,979 checks nationwide, issuing fines to:
- 2,181 motorcycle riders (118 were couriers)
- 441 passengers
- 170 electric scooter or similar vehicle users
- 45 ATV (“quad”) riders
Violations by Region:
- Athens: 817
- South Aegean: 370
- Ionian Islands: 234
- Crete: 171
- Thessaloniki: 159
- Thessaly: 141
- Central Greece: 141
- Western Greece: 139
- Peloponnese: 111
- Epirus: 105
- North Aegean: 89
- Central Macedonia: 72
- Eastern Macedonia and Thrace: 57
- Western Macedonia: 16
New Traffic Law Increases Penalties
Under the new Road Traffic Code (Law 5209/2025), Greece has implemented stricter penalties:
Motorcycle driver without helmet:
€350 fine + 30-day license suspension
(Applies if the driver also fails to ensure passenger safety)
Motorcycle passenger without helmet:
€350 fine
Light electric vehicle user without helmet:
€30 fine
The Ministry of Transport emphasized the new rules are intended to reduce fatalities and injuries, especially among younger riders and delivery workers.
