The new Road Traffic Code bill, bringing significant changes in road behavior and public safety, was voted on by an overwhelming majority in Parliament on Wednesday.

Officially "The Road Traffic Code and other regulations from Plenary", the bill was approved, in principle, by ruling New Democracy (ND), PASOK-Movement for Change (KINAL), SYRIZA, Niki, and Spartiates. The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and Elliniki Lysi voted against it, while Nea Aristera and Plefsi Eleftherias voted 'present'.

The ministerial amendment including legislative improvements by parties and agencies was approved by ND, PASOK-KINAL, Niki, and Spartiates. SYRIZA rejected it while KKE, Elliniki Lysi and Plefsi Eleftherias voted 'present'.

Aiming to reduce traffic accidents in Greece and a high number of resulting deaths, the new law introduces a comprehensive and graduated system of fines for repeated violators with stricter penalties.

The reform and changes are based among other reasons on data showing that the rate of fatal accidents in Greece is above the European average per million of residents, while the main causes of road accidents include the use of cellphone, excessive speed, lack of belt or helmet, and driving while under the influence of alcohol.

According to Alternate Infrastructure & Transport Minister Konstantinos Kyranakis, "The new Road Traffic Code does not aim at punishment, but at prevention. It is not strict for reasons in order to make an impression. It is a needed response to hard facts that are translated into lost lives. We are establishing clear-cut rules, building a new relationship of trust with citizens, and investing in a safer daily life for all."

Stricter penalties

A sample of new regulations follows:

- Use of cellphone while driving, without leading to an accident: fine of 350 euros, suspension of driving license for 30 days; if repeated, the fine and suspension time are greater.

- Use of cellphone while driving, leading to an accident: fine of 350 euros, suspension of license for 30 days. Repeated offenses include 2,000 euros in fine and suspension of license for 4 years (first repeat of violation) and 4,000 euros in fine and suspension of license for 8 years (second repeat). In all three cases, the possibility of jail time is also applicable, while authorities may lift privacy laws to access phone call times and locations.

- Driving under the influence of alcohol (in this case, over 1.20 g/l): a fine of 1,200 euros and suspension of license and removal of license plates for 180 days. Jail sentence ranging from 2 months to 5 years, and suspension of car use for a space ranging from 10 days to 6 months, by courts. Repeated offenses are 2,000 and 4,000 euros for first and second repeat offense, respenctively, and suspension of driver's license by 7 or 10 years, respectively.

Similar fines of 2,000 euros or 4,000 euros and long-term suspensions of a driver's license are also introduced in cases of speeding above the legal limit, racing against each other on highways, violating a red light with or without an accident, driving without a license, obstructing railroad transportation, and obstructing public transportation. In addition, regulations were changed or introduced for taxis, banning the use of bus lanes, with exceptions (to drop off or pick up a passenger, during night hours, having a nonpolluting taxi, and driving a taxi specifically dedicated to people with disabilities). 

In terms of people with disabilities, parking in spaces dedicated to them will incur an administrative fine of 150 euros and a 60-day  suspension of license, with immediate removal of a vehicle and higher penalties for repeated offenses.

In addition, the speed limits within city limits are upheld, with future changes. Current speed limits are 50 km/h in residential areas, which will remain in effect until January 1, 2026. Thereafter, new speed limits will go into effect, depending on the type of street, if there is no specified speed limit as set by street signs.

Commenting after the conclusion of the votes, Kyranakis said that the government "adopted the self-evident proposal that hit-and-run driving - not just in case of death but also in endangering life - is as of today a criminal offense." Asked about how easy it would be to apply the new Code, the minister said "we are implementing an information system available to  every traffice police officer, and a new Road Safety Operations Center being founded in the Transport Ministry which will see violations through cameras" which will search for an offense by a specific driver, and its possible repeats. 

Asked about testing for drugs, Kyranakis said that testing for narcotics is included in Article 46 of the new Code, allowing traffic police to conduct drug tests as well, "which unfortunately are also responsible for a significant cause of accidents."

(ADDS party votes, minister's commentary after votes)

See also:

Kyranakis in Parliament: Metro, tram, some buses to run on a 24-hr trial basis on Saturday, July 5
 

(Photo courtesy of Infrastructure & Transport Ministry)