Perspectives from Apokoronas: 2014

Yiannis Syrigos answers some queries about the highway code in Greece.

Driving in Greece could indeed prove to be a dramatic experience, due to the
temperament of Greek drivers who all think that they are Formula 1 pilots
and that they never make mistakes in driving.

The highway code is available in Greek, but I am not sure if it is available
in English.

FLASHING OF HEADLIGHTS

Actually, like in the UK, flashing of headlights means that it is ok to pull
out. When you see somenone waiting to pull out on a side-street then you may
slow down and flash your headlights, indicating to him that you are going to
let him pass.

However, if you flash your lights in the car in front of you while in
traffic, while simultaneously turning on you left flash, this indicates that
you wish for him to pull to the right so that you can pass him because you
are in an emergency.

SOUNDING THE HORN

Depending on the way you sound the horn of your car, it can mean a bit of
all· One long and "angry" beep while in traffic or at an intersection to the
car in front of you means "get moving!!!". After a near miss it usually
means "Son of a· You almost hit me" (itâs always the other guyâs fault).
However, when someone lets you pass (e.g. yields in an intersection) then a
couple of short, friendly beeps can be used as a sign of gratitude.

And then of course there is the classic use of the horn as a hazard
warning·.

DOUBLE SOLID LINES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD

They mean the same thing as in the UK. Nevertheless, 99% of policepersons
are not too keen on enforcing them (Iâve passed a police car on a double
line many times but not once did they bother to stop me). In fact, it would
be VERY odd if you got fined for such an offence. However, please note that
2ble lines are there for a purpose: safety. Be very carefull when passing
them·

SINGLE DASHED LINE

Same as all over the world: it is safe and legal to pass another car.

SOLID WHITE LINE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD

It is supposed to be there for emergencies, but in a traffic jam· who cares?

ROUNDABOUTS / VEHICLES COMING FM THE RIGHT IN AN INTERSECTION

Just like you said: Unless there is a STOP sign or traffic light (Red or
Flashing Orange), the vehicle entering a roundabout or coming from the right
has priority.

ROAD SEVERITY

Most always indicated by signs. Shrines do not mean that the road is in bad
condition or that a curve is dangerous· It may well mean that the driver who
had a fatal accident at that spot might have been speeding excessively,
driving drunk or many other things· So mind the signs AND THE ROAD ITSELF
and do not take it for granted that the shrine will mean that this part of
the road is dangerous.

SPEED LIMITS

The speed limit signs are generally regarded as being too strict. This is
why the police will in many cases show leniency up to a specific point. E.g.
if the limit is 80 km/hr then you should feel safe to go up to 100-110.
Anything more than that and you MAY be in risk of getting fined.

In the city it is highly unlikely that you will get pulled over for
speeding, even if you are doing 150 (km/hr) on a 80-limit street (of course
if you are driving like mad - 180+ - and a police car sees you he will pull you
over) However, on the freeways you do risk a chance of getting pulled-over
by a policeperson with a radar-gun and may fine you depending on your speed
(as I told you if you are doing 110 on an 80-limit freeway then it is most
likely that they will let you go).

The good thing is that there are not too many radar guns on freeways and
practically none in the cities or country-side roads.

Radar detectors are illegal, do not use one.

VILLAGES AND SPEED LIMIT SIGNS

Yes· in many villages you will see a 30 km sign entering and won't see an 80
sign except after a couple of kilometers. The reason for this is because on
an X-km radius from the village there might be a lot of pedestrians,
tractors or animals (sheep etc.) who might be coming from or going to their
farms and speeding outside a village (as well as inside of course) might put
them and you in danger.

However, you won't see many drivers observing these limits, as it is
EXTREMELY RARE to meet a policeperson with a radar gun on these rural roads.

PENALTIES

Of course there are motoring laws, just as in every European country.

In fact, you should keep in mind that Greece has one of the most thorough
legal systems in the world and it is characterized by being extremely
liberal and with a strictly observed respect for human and constitutional
rights.

Breaching a motoring law only carries fines (steep ones I might add). E.g.,
crossing a red light will make you poorer by about €500. A parking ticket
should cost you about 80 (and in some cases will cost you your licence
plates for a month). Don't be surprised if you see people crossing red
lights late at night when the streets are empty: a police car is not always
at every intersection and Greek drivers tend to take advantage of this.

Only under extreme circumstances is imprisonment called for: If you are
driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs you will most probably spend
a quiet nice in the police station or if you carry a concealed weapon or
drugs in you vehicle (which I hardly think that you do·).

Fines cannot be paid on the spot. You will have to pay them at the city hall
of the city you got fined OR at any IRS office within 10 working days.

Some other things you should be aware of

In some of the major highways of Athens (e.g. Kifissias ave.) the
right lane is reserved exclusively for buses (it is indicated by signs and
yellow lines on the side of the road). DO NOT DRIVE ON A BUS LANE!!! You
WILL be fined for sure (and the fine is steep·). There are always policemen
or cameras. You can only drive on bus lanes after 20:00 hrs and before 08:00
hrs.

If you park your car where it is not allowed it is 99% sure that you
will NOT get a ticket at night time. But be careful in the day-time.

In the center of Athens on the odd days of the month only the cars
whose license plates end with an odd number may move around. Similarly, on
even days only cars whose license plates end with 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 may move.
This is done in order to lessen traffic in the downtown area and keep
pollution from cars down. You will recognize the restricted areas by a blue
sign with an orange map of the city in the middle and a big red delta
in front of a street that you are not allowed to enter (e.g. the
entire heart of the downtown area of Athens carries such restrictions).

However, if your licence plates are not Greek you will not be stopped. If
you are a foreigner driving a car with Greek plates the police is 99% sure
to let you go (how were you supposed to know of this anyway???).

Furthermore, during the month of August, when most people leave Athens for
their summer holidays this restriction is not in force.

Most (if not all) traffic signs look like and mean the same thing as
in the rest of the world.

Traffic lights: As everywhere, red means "stop" and green means "go".
Orange means "get ready to stop" BUT after a red light comes directly the
orange, unlike in the UK. An orange light only comes after the Green light.
A flashing orange has the same effect as a stop sign.

Police persons are always courteous. But if you run on someone who isn't,
do not hesitate to write down his badge number and report him.

Emergency numbers are: 100 for police, 166 for medical emergencies and
199 for the fire brigade. When calling from a mobile phone you can reach all
these services by dialing 112.

If you drive a motorbike do not consider going without a helmet. It is
very likely that you will get fined. On the freeway always wear your
seatbelt, something which - although mandatory - is never enforced in
Athens.

p.s. Don't forget: we drive on the right side of the road·

The first of our Blogs from residents of Apokoronas.

Thanks to the cleaning team of Apokoronas for doing their work.

We are all citizens of our municipality. This means we have obligations and duties towards it. An obligation to keep it clean and safe. It is our duty to point out to the municipality all the dirt and mess, not just complain about it. With the help of the population, the cleaning team will be able to work more efficiently.

An example is that of the Kournas road, cleaned the day after publication on Facebook combined with a visit to the town hall.

We hope that the new team will pass regularly (at least every two months) through all the villages to take note of what is needed (road signs, cleaning, cutting the grass….)

Thanks again.

Anna

Before