How Does Driving Rules Work in Greece?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Europe
1The Quick Answer
Drive on the right; EU, US, and UK licences are valid; island roads are narrow and winding, and ATV rentals carry significant injury risk.
2What You Need to Know
Greece drives on the right-hand side of the road. An International Driving Permit is not required for EU, US, or UK licence holders, but it is useful in rural areas. Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05% BAC, stricter than in the UK and US. Island roads are frequently narrow, unlit, and winding, and ATV/quad bike rentals are a leading cause of tourist injuries in Greece — exercise extreme caution or avoid entirely.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1If renting a car on the islands, choose a small vehicle — many roads on Santorini, Crete, and Rhodes are barely wide enough for one car.
- 2Avoid renting ATVs or quad bikes unless you are an experienced rider; serious accidents involving tourists are reported every summer.
- 3Toll roads exist on major mainland highways (e.g., Athens–Thessaloniki); keep small coins or a card handy as not all booths take contactless.
Important Warning
ATV and quad bike accidents are the leading cause of serious tourist injuries in Greece; many rental companies have minimal safety standards — consider a small hire car instead.
How does this compare?
Driving Rules rules in nearby and similar countries:
Drive on the right; parts of the Autobahn have no speed limit, but strict enforcement applies everywhere else and drink-driving laws are among Europe's toughest.
Drive on the left; speed is in mph not km/h; central London has a daily congestion charge; and motorway etiquette requires keeping left except when overtaking.
Drive on the right, blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, speed cameras are extremely common, and toll roads (autoroutes) are fast but expensive.
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