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When visiting Zakynthos many people choose to hire a vehicle, whether it be a car, scooter or quad, but lots of visitors can be confused when it comes to Greek road rules. So, here is some basic info to help.
REGULATIONS
Driving licence
National driving licences conforming with the model in Annex 9 of the 1949 Convention or in Annex 6 of the 1968 Convention or with The European Communities’ model are accepted.
Visitors may ride mopeds or motorcycles of any cylinder capacity or drive private cars in Greece if they have reached the minimum age required in their country of residence. A foreign driving licence does not entitle the holder to drive in Greece until the age of 18years old. Rental companies request that the driver be over the age of 21 years old.
International Driving Permits (1949 or 1968) are recognised.
To answer some of those questions.
“Do I need an international Driver’s licence?”
No, not if you belong to the EU. As you have been issued a European Licence then you are able to drive anyway in Europe, yes including GREECE.
Some will accept the licence of the country that does not belong to the EU without any problems, eg: Australian, New Zealand, HOWEVER, if you get in an accident and don’t have the International Driving Permit you’ll be in serious trouble with the Greek Police. Greek Law requires it and if you can’t produce it you could possibly be detained until you come up with the cash to pay for any -and all- damages to the vehicles involved regardless of whose fault it is and whether or not the damages were pre-existing.
And, your insurance, including what your credit card supposedly provides, will be invalidated because technically you would have been driving illegally.
Alcohol and Drink/drug driving
“What is the legal limit?”
Legal limit: 0.05% (equivalent to 0.25 mg per litre of breath). A lower limit of 0.02% (0.10 mg per litre of breath) applies to novice drivers who have held a driving licence for less than two years, to motorcyclists and to drivers of commercial or business vehicles. If the amount of alcohol in the blood is 0.05% or over, this constitutes a criminal offence and penalties are imposed.
The police may impose a test on any suspected person in order to establish if one is under the influence of alcohol. Drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol are compelled to accept this test and their refusal may lead to penalties including imprisonment, a fine and the withdrawal of their driving licence.
Minimum Age
“What is the Legal driving age in Greece?”
Drivers must be 18.
Seat Belts: Must be used by front-seat passengers. With Greece’s high accident rate, please, everybody, strap yourself in.
Children: Children under the age of 10 are forbidden to sit in the front seat.
Speed Limits
“Are there speed limits?”
Yes. Use these as a guide, but always obey the posted limits, which may vary.
Urban areas: 30 mph/50 kph.
Outside cities: 68 mph/110 kph.
In Zakynthos, there are NO roads that are built for speed (freeways) and quite often you will find yourself on roads that seem to be only one way, however are not. Driving, safely at ALL times is highly recommended.
Using the Horn
“Can I use my car horn?”
No, technically, it’s illegal in towns and urban areas except in case of emergencies. Use it freely if needed; it could save your life. On mountain roads, and around twists and turns through olive groves, always use your horn. In such circumstances always make a short beep shortly before going around a blind curve, you never know what is coming around the bend.
Flashing your lights
“Can I flash my car lights?”
This is usually down as a courtesy for you to progress first, the other person will flash his lights to allow you to pass a difficult road or allow you to exit/enter a narrow road.
Driving in the Middle of the Road
This is very common in the villages, especially on narrow roads, and is not necessarily a bad idea if you are expecting to have to avoid a sudden obstruction such as rock falls, grazing goats, or an unexpected parked car. However, at slow speed as usually it is these narrow roads that you may come head on with a truck, bus or even a tractor. Never take it for granted that you have the road all to yourself.
Roadside Assistance
ELPA offers coverage to members of AAA (Triple-A), CAA and other similar assistance services but any driver can contact them. Check with your membership department for information on using the ELPA shared services in Greece.
ELPA has a quick-access numbers anywhere in Greece: 10400
If renting you will be advised of emergency numbers.
Parking
Forbidden (though it may not be marked) within 9 feet of a fire hydrant, 15 feet of an intersection, or 45 feet from a bus stop.
These are some basic guidelines, but as always we urge you to ensure you check your own documents before travelling, as well as any advice that your own Governments Foreign Office sets outs out for the country of visit.
