DRIVING IN GREECE

Driving on mainland Greece can be a hectic experience, but the pace is rather more relaxed on the Greek islands where most holidaymakers are bound. Look out for weaving motorbikes and scooter:, in the resorts, as well as tourists unfamiliar with local conditions. Highways often have a white line along the nearside and slower traffic is expected to pull across it to allow overtaking.

Local traffic

Off the main highway roads can be narrow and winding with precipitous drops. Be ready to pull in for local traffic, including buses and coaches which you'll encounter on the unlikeliest roads. Horn use is frequent in Greece but bear in mind that you can be fined for using a horn without good reason.

 

 

Crossing from one Greek island to another by ferry is easy, but check that your hire car agreement covers ferry trips

 

 

 

Insurance

It may be necessary to drive on unmade roads to gel to your villa or local beaches, so ensure that your hire insurance covers you on these. Check also that yon are covered if you plan to take your car on an island ferry. Don't be surprised if you are required to reverse your car on to the ferry when embarking.

Fuel

In rural areas fuel stations may close at evenings and weekends, so fill up in advance. Not all accept credit cards. LPG is not available, and it is not permitted In carry spare fuel in cans.

Motorbike hire

Many tourists hire a moped or motorbike and end up regretting it after having a nasty accident. Only hire one if you are already an experienced rider. The law has anyway recently changed so that a valid driving licence with at least category Al (light motorcycle) is required to hire even a moped. Category R which is valid in the UK for riding mopeds up to 50cc, is not recognised in Greece. Greek law requires riders to wear a crash helmet on a scooter, moped or motorcycle.   

Speed limits	Urban	Open road	Motorway
Car	50 kph	110 kph	120 kph
Towing	50 kph	110 kph	120 kph
Traffic regulations
Essential equipment	Warning triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher
Minimum driving age	17 years
Drink-drive limit	50mg alcohol per 100ml blood
Child in front seat	Min 10 years
Seat Belt	Compulsory in front
Motorcyclists	Must wear crash helmet and obey lower speed limits
Emergency telephone numbers
Police	100
Fire	199
Ambulance	166 (Athens)

Extracted from Haynes Glovebox guide DRIVING ABROAD by Robert Davies. This authoritive guide provides a wealth of information on all aspects of driving abroad.

Order from www.haynes.co.uk