Can a minor ride as a motorcycle passenger?
Conditional on age: yes, with conditions. Under Law 5209/2025 (new Road Code, in force): a child under 5 may be carried only with an approved restraint system suited to age/height/weight. A child under 12 must reach the footrests, sit behind the driver and use a restraint where applicable — a child too small to reach the footrests may not be carried. A helmet is mandatory for everyone, driver and pillion, with no exemption. The driver is responsible for the minor's helmet. In short: yes from 5 (with a restraint) and provided they reach the footrests.
📋 The rules
- Under 5: only with an approved restraint system
- Under 12: must reach the footrests, behind the driver
- Helmet mandatory for all (driver & pillion)
- Child too small for the footrests: not carried
- The driver is liable for the minor's helmet
🔓 Exceptions
- A child 5+ who reaches the footrests & sits properly: allowed
- An approved system: legitimises carrying under-5s
- No exemption from the helmet
⚠️ Penalties & fines
No helmet is fined €350 with a 30-day licence removal (the driver is fined for the pillion too); on a repeat, €2,000 and a 1-year removal. Improper child transport is fined ~€80. Beware a myth: "a minor pillion is banned until 16" (bikeit.gr and others) — that was a draft proposal that did NOT become law; the law in force uses 5 and 12 thresholds. To stay compliant: carry a child only if they reach the footrests (or with an approved system under 5), put a helmet on every passenger regardless of age, and make sure they sit properly behind you.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Can a child sit on the back of a motorcycle?
It depends on age. A child under 5 may be carried only with an approved restraint system. A child under 12 must reach the footrests and sit behind the driver. A child too small to reach the footrests isn't allowed to be carried.
Is a helmet mandatory for the child?
Yes, with no exemption. A helmet is mandatory for everyone, driver and pillion, regardless of age. The driver is responsible for ensuring the minor passenger wears a suitable helmet. Not wearing one is fined and brings a licence removal.
Is there a ban until age 16?
No. The rumoured ban on minor pillions until 16 was a proposal that didn't become law. The Road Code in force uses the 5- and 12-year thresholds, based on using a restraint system and whether the child reaches the footrests.
How much is the fine?
No helmet is fined €350 with a 30-day licence removal, the driver being liable for the pillion too. On a repeat, the fine becomes €2,000 with a one-year licence removal. Improper transport of a child is fined about €80.
What does "reach the footrests" mean?
It means the child's feet must reach the footrests (foot pegs) of the motorcycle, so they sit stably and safely behind the driver. If the child is too small and doesn't reach the footrests, they can't be carried as a passenger.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “minor motorcycle passenger age”
- “child on motorcycle law”
- “pillion helmet mandatory”
- “new road code child motorcycle”
- “motorcycle child restraint”
- “fine carrying child motorcycle”