Road traffic law and the Greek Highway Code (Κώδικας Οδικής Κυκλοφορίας)
What the exam tests
This domain checks whether a Category B candidate knows the legal framework for driving a passenger car up to 3,500 kg and nine seats including the driver. Questions focus on documents, driver obligations, accident duties, insurance and the consequences of offences, not only on sign recognition.
Core rules
- The Κώδικας Οδικής Κυκλοφορίας (ΚΟΚ) is the national highway code, supplemented by ministerial decisions, local traffic regulations and police instructions. A police officer’s directions override lights, signs and markings.
- You must hold the correct licence for the vehicle and be able to produce the vehicle registration certificate, proof of compulsory third-party insurance and evidence that periodic technical inspection (ΚΤΕΟ) is current when due. Road tax must also be paid.
- Compulsory insurance covers damage to third parties, not your own car. An uninsured vehicle must not be used on a public road, even if it is only parked there.
- Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and passengers where fitted. Children must use an approved restraint suitable for their size. Hand-held mobile phone use while driving is prohibited.
- After a collision you must stop, secure the scene, give first aid within your ability, exchange details and call the emergency services where required. Leaving the scene is a serious offence.
Worked example
A driver is stopped in a routine check. The insurance certificate expired three days ago and the ΚΤΕΟ certificate is due next month. The licence and registration are valid. The driver argues that the car is “still insured until the end of the month”. That is wrong: cover ends on the stated expiry date. The immediate legal problem is uninsured use, which can lead to administrative fines, plate withdrawal and licence consequences. The ΚΤΕΟ is not yet a problem, but it must be completed before the due date or the car cannot legally circulate.
Traps
Do not confuse insurance of the vehicle with a personal policy covering any car. Do not assume that a foreign licence or a pending renewal automatically extends validity. Read “valid until” dates literally. Remember that the ΚΟΚ applies on public roads and in areas open to public traffic, including car parks used by the public.