Alcohol and Drug Regulations
- 1/24If a private driver has BAC of 0.5‰ or above in Greece
In Greece, reaching or exceeding 0.5‰ BAC is classified as gross DUI. This leads to harsher penalties, including heavy fines and possible licence suspension.
When a driver has BAC exceeding 1.2‰
A blood alcohol level exceeding 1.2‰ is considered severely dangerous. It results in criminal charges, immediate penalties, and possible driving bans.
If you are a professional driver in Greece
Commercial or professional drivers must comply with a lower BAC limit, often 0.2‰. This ensures higher safety standards due to the nature of their responsibility.
If a driver refuses to take a breathalyzer test
Refusal to undergo an alcohol or breath test is interpreted as non-cooperation. It results in legal penalties similar to those for confirmed intoxication.
If a driver refuses a police-requested breath test in Greece
Not taking a breathalyser when asked is a serious offence. Penalties include possible fines, license suspension, or court proceedings under DUI laws.
If drugs are detected in the system of a driver
Greece enforces a zero-tolerance policy for illicit substances. Even small traces of illegal drugs in a driver’s system result in strict legal consequences.
If a person has BAC under 0.02‰ but still drives dangerously
Even if BAC is below 0.5‰, unsafe driving behavior may qualify as impaired driving. Drivers are still subject to fines or additional penalties.
When using prescribed medication that impairs driving ability
Taking prescription medication is not a legal defense for impaired driving. If the substance affects control or awareness, the driver remains liable.
If police suspect drug use at a traffic stop
Police may use roadside tools to detect drugs in a driver’s system. If results are positive, a follow-up test confirms presence before legal proceedings begin.
If alcohol is consumed after a traffic incident
Post-accident drinking does not excuse earlier alcohol influence. Drivers are judged on their condition at the time of the crash, not afterward.
When a foreign driver commits a DUI in Greece
DUI laws in Greece apply regardless of nationality or where the driver’s license was issued. All road users are subject to the same legal consequences.
If a driver has BAC reaching 1.2% or higher
Severe intoxication is legally defined as gross negligence in Greece. It can lead to harsher legal outcomes including criminal prosecution.
If a cyclist is suspected of impairment
DUI rules also apply to cyclists using public roads. Riding while intoxicated is illegal and treated similarly to other vehicle-related DUI cases.
When a roadside test result is positive
A secondary official test, usually at a station or hospital, is required to confirm roadside results. Only then can prosecution proceed.
If alcohol has been recently consumed
Depending on consumption and body type, alcohol remains detectable for several hours. Drivers should never assume they are sober too soon after drinking.
If you sleep inside your car while drunk with keys accessible
Even if you haven’t yet driven, showing intent while intoxicated can result in penalties. Greece law does not require actual motion to apply DUI regulations.
When BAC is between 0.2‰ and 0.49‰ in Greece
Standard DUI ranges (e.g., 0.2‰–0.5‰) carry consequences if unsafe driving behavior is involved. Drivers must still drive responsibly regardless of BAC level.
If the government enforces zero-tolerance for drugs and driving
Even trace quantities of illicit substances are enough for a DUI charge. Visual impairment is not required to establish legal responsibility.
If a person drinks alcohol but eats fatty food
Eating before drinking may delay intoxication but doesn’t reduce BAC. Only time and liver metabolism lower alcohol levels in the body.
If drugs are detected in your system during a traffic stop in Greece
Greece enforces DUI charges even if no outward signs are present. Detectable illegal drugs in the bloodstream are enough to warrant legal action.
If convicted of DUI in Greece
DUI penalties are based on a person’s daily income. The day-fine system ensures fairness and proportionate punishment for all income levels.
If you try to lower BAC by coffee or cold showers
No home remedy can speed alcohol breakdown. Caffeine, cold showers, or food do not help – only time reduces BAC safely and legally.
When a drug-impaired driver causes an accident
Causing injury or property damage under the influence elevates the charge. It may lead to criminal consequences including imprisonment and civil claims.
If alcohol and prescription medication are combined while driving
Mixing prescribed medicine with alcohol can severely impact alertness. Driving under such influence is illegal and potentially dangerous.