Driving Tips in Greece

Car Hire Depot information in Greece

A car hire with DriveAway Holidays offers convenience and freedom on your holiday in Germany. Our reputable suppliers offer competitive rates amongst a wide range of vehicles and destinations.

Car Hire Driving Distances in Greece

• Athens to Patras – 210 kms (2 hrs / 40 mins)
• Athens to Thessaloniki – 500 kms (5 hrs / 40 mins)
• Rhodes to Lindos – 50 kms (1 hr)
• Rhodes to Faliraki – 15 kms (20 mins)

Driving Licence

A full valid driver’s licence is required for a minimum of 1 year. An international drivers licence is required.

Age Restrictions

Generally the minimum age is 21 years, but can vary between the car hire company and location. Maximum age limits apply in some locations, a young/senior driver surcharge may apply. Please check Terms and Conditions when making an enquiry or booking.

Road Rules, Laws and Driving Regulations

General road rules and driving regulations in Greece;

• Driving is on the right hand side of the road.
• Overtake others on the left hand side of the road.
• All vehicle occupants are required to wear a seat belt.
• Radar detectors are prohibited.
• Mobile phones are prohbited while driving, with the exception of a hands-free system.
• Vehicles that run on Diesel are permitted to drive within Athens, Thessaloniki or Piraeus.
• Drivers must carry with themat all times while driving, a valid drivers licence, registration documents and insurance documents.

Equipment

It is mandatory to carry the following equipment in your vehicle, which is to be used at the event of an accident, incident or breakdown.

• Warning Triangle; to be used at the event of an accident or breakdown
• Fire Extinguisher

Child Safety Seats

Children under the age of 10 years old must be seated in the back seats of the vehicle, fasted in either a seat belt or an appropriate restraint.

Speed Limits

Speeding is taken very seriously in Greece, if found speeding drivers face hefty penalities. Below are the speed limits in Germany, unless posted otherwise.

• Urban Roads (built up areas): 50km/h
• Rural Roads (outside towns): 90-110km/h
• Motoways: 120km/h

Drink Driving

Drink Driving is also a serioues crime in Greece, drivers found to be over the prescribed limit face hefty fines and possible imprisonment. The legal prescribed alcohol limit in Greece is 0.05mg per 100ml of blood.

Tolls

Tolls are located along the Attiki Odos motorway. A toll is payable prior to entering the motorway. Fee's are determined on vehicle category which can be paid by cash, electronic pass or special account card.

Road Signs

Road Signs in Greece adopts the standardization of the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals which many European countries now utilize, but with slight variance. Signs in Greece are commonly found in the countries local language however English is also used on city roads and state highways. The signs are very easy to understand as the vast majority of them are posted with symbols. Warning Signs are generally triangular in shape with a red border, white background or yellow and a symbol in the middle. Prohibitory Signs are signs where motorists must obey. These signs vary in shapes from a circle, octagon and a box. You will find these signs in either blue with a white symbol in the middle and white with a red border. Information Signs are displayed with a blue or green background and white text providing motorists with information.

Parking

Street parking in Greece is stricly regulated and parking spaces limited. More parking is available in parking lots or hotels. In some areas of Athens a parking ticket will need to be purchased from booths marked in Greek and English. Vehicles parked illegally or unpaid will have their licence plates removed and possibly their vehicles towed.

Visa Information

Visa, Passport and entry requirements for New Zealanders visiting Greece;

• New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa for tourist stays up to 3 months.
• A valid passport is required by all.
• A return/onward travel ticket/itinerary is required.

*Please note distances and time should only be used as a guide, and may vary according to the route taken.

Last Updated 13 October 2010