Drive safely
Local Speed Limits
The speed limit in Greece according to the Road Traffic Code is 50 km in the city and in residential areas, 80 km on expressways and 100-120 on highways. You must always observe the speeds listed on the signs along the road you are driving. The speed limit is controlled in many areas via satellite and camcorder, so be very careful.
Seatbelts
We recommend and advise all passengers of the rental car to wear seat belts. Children should be seated in child restraints, which you can request from Astra Rent staff and restrained with seat belts. Despite technological advances in car safety and especially with the use of airbags, the use of seat belts is still considered necessary. The Traffic Police carries out strict controls for the use of seat belts and imposes corresponding fines as well as removal of the driver’s license.
Do not drive while drinking
Be careful not to violate the Traffic Code by driving under the influence of alcohol or any other substance. The permissible blood alcohol level is 0.05 percent. If you exceed it you will pay a fine. If your blood alcohol level is more than 0.08 percent, this is considered a criminal offense and you will be detained. Random breathalyzer tests are very common, especially late at night in the form of unplanned roadside checks.
Park only in permitted parking spaces
Only park in designated parking spaces, where parking is allowed. If you park in restricted areas, you will receive a call for illegal parking from the Traffic Police or the Municipal Police and your car license plates will probably be removed or removed by a special vehicle. Park your rental car in a safe place, where there is enough space for other cars to pass but also in controlled parking spaces, with the issuance of a corresponding ticket. You will find parking spaces with valet parking in various parts of each city.
Choose the right rental car for your routes
When choosing a car rental category from Astra Rent a Car, look at the photos and their description, taking into account your needs, comfort and safety. Make sure you rent one that will have enough space for your luggage and for you. Choose from the huge variety of rental cars offered by Astra Rent a Car, for a more comfortable and safe trip.
Know the traffic signs and how to read maps
As a result of the Olympic Games, Greece today has a great road network of European standards, which is constantly expanding. Most signs are in Greek and English so they can give the correct instructions. Significant corrections have also been made in terms of road quality, lighting, electronic signage as well as tunnel construction.
Astra Rent a Car provides road maps for your convenience as well as electronic navigation systems (GPS).
Mobile Phone Use
The use of a mobile phone while driving is explicitly or indirectly prohibited in all EU countries, as it has been proven to increase the risk of fatal accidents fivefold.
In Greece, the use of hands-free equipment or equipment (Bluetooth), which allows communication without the use of hands, is acceptable. Mobile phone use on the move is only permitted when it is mounted, in a special place, for open listening or when used with a wireless headset. The use of hands-free equipment is prohibited.
Emergency Telephone
All over Europe, as in Greece, the emergency number is 112 (from a mobile phone) and you can call for free when there is an emergency.
Tips for ecological driving
- Avoid pressing the accelerator too much and prefer to push it with your foot as little as possible: the deeper the pedal sinks, the more fuel is consumed, regardless of engine speed.
- Make quick gear changes to high ratios and delay shifts to low gear ratios (in other words drive as much as possible in fourth or fifth gear).
- Avoid any unnecessary deceleration, braking or gear change.