Greece is a dream destination for motorcyclists: mountain roads in the Pindus, coastal roads on the Peloponnese, ferries to the islands and sunshine far into the autumn. If you set off for motorcycling in Greece, you should know that a new highway code has applied since November 2025. It has changed the speed limits, allowed lane filtering and made penalties tougher. Here are the rules that matter for your trip.
The key facts
| Topic | Rule in Greece |
|---|---|
| Speed limits over 125 cc | 90 km/h outside towns, 110 km/h on expressways, 130 km/h on motorways |
| Speed limits up to 125 cc | 70 km/h outside towns, 80 km/h on expressways and motorways |
| In towns | 30 km/h as a rule, 50 km/h on bigger roads where signed |
| Alcohol limit | 0.0 for motorcyclists, 0.5 in general |
| Helmet | Compulsory for rider and passenger, an offence costs your licence for 60 days |
| Lane filtering | Allowed between stationary vehicles on multi-lane roads, at 20 km/h maximum |
| Tolls | Yes, motorcycles pay class 1 |
| Fines | Not payable on the spot, 50% off if paid within 10 days |
Documents and equipment
Greece is an EU member and part of the Schengen area. You need your driving licence, the vehicle registration document and an ID card or passport. Carry the International Motor Insurance Card (formerly the Green Card) and the European accident report, which the motoring clubs explicitly recommend.
No equipment such as a warning triangle or first-aid kit is required for motorcycles. A hi-vis vest is not compulsory but sensible if you break down outside towns or on the motorway. Important for long stages: carrying fuel in spare cans is prohibited in Greece.
Speed limits under the new highway code
Since 1 November 2025, motorcycle limits depend on engine size. Bikes over 125 cc may ride as fast as cars outside towns, small bikes up to 125 cc considerably slower.
| Road | Over 125 cc | Up to 125 cc |
|---|---|---|
| Motorway | 130 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Expressway | 110 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Other roads outside towns | 90 km/h | 70 km/h |
| Unpaved roads outside towns | 40 km/h | 40 km/h |
In towns, the new code sets 30 km/h as the general rule. On roads with two lanes per direction and on main roads with two-way traffic, 50 km/h remains allowed where signed. Watch the signs, as many municipalities are currently switching over.
Alcohol, helmet and phone
According to the German and Austrian motoring clubs ADAC and ÖAMTC, motorcyclists in Greece have a 0.0 limit, as do novice drivers with less than two years' experience. For car drivers the limit is 0.5. So ride sober. The general penalty scale shows how seriously Greece takes this: from 0.5, €350 and a 30-day ban, above 1.1 at least two months in prison, €1,200 and a six-month licence withdrawal.
Helmets are compulsory for rider and passenger. If you are caught without one, you have to hand in your licence for 60 days. Phone calls while riding are only allowed with a hands-free system.
Lane filtering: now allowed, but with rules
The new code allows motorcyclists to filter forward between stationary vehicles. This only applies under clear conditions:
- only on roads with at least two lanes per direction
- only when the other vehicles are stationary and fill the whole width of the carriageway
- at a maximum of 20 km/h and with lights on
- only for motorcycles and mopeds without a sidecar
As soon as traffic starts moving again, you have to stop filtering. Ignoring the rules risks a fine and a ten-day licence suspension.
Fines and penalties
The police are not allowed to collect fines on the spot. You get a notice and pay later. If you pay within ten days, the amount is halved. For certain offences, your licence, registration document and number plates can be confiscated, and this explicitly applies to foreign-registered vehicles too. With a serious offence your bike then stays put, which can end a trip very quickly.
Tolls in Greece
Greek motorways are tolled, and motorcycles pay too. They are in the cheapest class 1. At the toll stations you can pay in cash, by credit card or electronically with a transponder, which is usually cheaper. Some examples for motorcycles:
- Rio-Antirrio bridge between the Peloponnese and the mainland: €2.50 per crossing
- Preveza-Aktio undersea tunnel: €0.70 per crossing
- Egnatia Odos across northern Greece: 14 toll stations, some sections in between are toll-free
Getting there and planning your tour
By ferry from Italy
Most riders from central Europe arrive by ferry from Italy. Departure ports include Venice, Ancona, Bari and Brindisi, destinations are Igoumenitsa in the northwest and Patras on the Peloponnese. In summer it pays to book early. On the car deck the bike is secured with straps. Bringing your own tie-down straps does no harm.
Best time to travel
May, June and September to mid-October are ideal. In July and August it often gets very hot inland, and the ferries and islands are busy. In the mountains of the north it can get cold in spring and autumn, so take a warm layer to Greece too.
Roads and riding style
Many minor roads are narrow and twisty, and in the mountains there is often gravel and sand in the bends after rain or rockfall. Also expect goats and sheep on the road. Petrol stations are usually open from 7 am to 9 pm, in cities and on motorways around the clock. In remote mountain areas, do not plan on the last litre.
Frequently asked questions about motorcycling in Greece
How fast can I ride a motorcycle in Greece?
With more than 125 cc, 90 km/h outside towns, 110 km/h on expressways and 130 km/h on motorways. Up to 125 cc, 70 and 80 km/h apply. In towns 30 km/h as a rule, 50 km/h on signed main roads.
What is the alcohol limit for motorcyclists in Greece?
According to ADAC and ÖAMTC, 0.0. The general limit is 0.5.
Is lane filtering allowed in Greece?
Yes, since the new highway code, but only between stationary vehicles on roads with at least two lanes per direction and at a maximum of 20 km/h.
Do motorcycles pay tolls in Greece?
Yes. Motorcycles are in the cheapest class 1. The Rio-Antirrio bridge, for example, costs €2.50 per crossing.
Can I pay fines directly to the police?
No. The police may not collect money on the spot. If you pay within ten days of the notice, you get 50% off.
Sources
- All new speed limits in Greece, art. 20 of the new code (gocar.gr, Greek)
- New code: lane filtering for motorcycles, art. 21 (motorone.gr, Greek)
- Drink driving: limits and penalties under the new code (sport24.gr, Greek)
- Travelling to Greece by vehicle (ADAC, German)
- Tolls in Greece (ADAC, German)
- Country info Greece (ÖAMTC, German)
Last checked: October 2026. Rules and fines can change.
