Greek Police: Traffic Police measures and truck ban

The Headquarters of the Hellenic Police drew up a special plan of intensified road safety and traffic management measures across the entire national road network for the Assumption Day holiday in 2026. The plan’s goal is to ensure the smooth and safe movement of citizens and to prevent road accidents. The measures cover both motorways and the urban and provincial road network. Deployment of forces is adjusted to the peak hours of the outbound and return journeys. The plan came into effect on Wednesday, August 12.

The measures include sector-based traffic management by area and an increased police presence with targeted surveillance at accident-prone locations. Intensive checks are planned at the entrances and exits of major urban centers. Special actions are also planned within cities. Enhanced measures are being applied at airports, ports and stations. The checks focus on violations linked to serious accidents.

The most tangible measure for drivers is the ban on trucks with a maximum permitted weight over 3.5 tons on sections of motorways and national roads. According to the announcements, the ban is in effect on Friday, August 14, from 16:00 to 22:00. On the return leg, the ban applies on Sunday, August 16, from 16:00 to 23:00, for trucks entering Athens. Specific categories of vehicles covering essential needs are exempt. Commercial vehicle drivers are urged to plan their routes accordingly.

Corresponding arrangements apply on individual motorways as well, with hours set per network section and per direction. The exact hours are announced by local police departments and by the motorway concession operators. Commercial vehicle drivers are advised to check them before each trip. The ban hours coincide with peak travel times. The goal is to relieve congestion on the main routes during the outbound and return journeys.

It should be noted that there is a discrepancy among the available reports regarding the exact hours of Saturday’s ban on certain routes. Drivers are advised to consult the original Hellenic Police bulletin and the announcements of local police departments. Arrangements may vary by network section. Compliance is monitored by Traffic Police services. Violations carry fines.

Recommendations for drivers focus on following the Road Traffic Code, exercising patience, and avoiding excessive speed. Checks focus on driving under the influence of alcohol, speed, illegal overtaking, and the use of seatbelts and helmets. In Crete, the Heraklion Traffic Police has deployed its entire staff for the period. Corresponding measures are being applied in all regions. The peak is expected on the eve of the holiday, in the afternoon hours.

At the same time, ELAS Headquarters has warned of a new, sophisticated form of electronic fraud using messages about alleged traffic violations. See the related warning about fake Traffic Police SMS. Traffic on the road network is described in the report on 2 million vehicles at the toll booths. More from Greece on the Greece page. The measures are lifted once the period ends.