Can I use my phone while driving?
Not with the phone in hand: only hands-free is allowed. Under the new Road Code (Law 5209/2025), using the phone in your hand while driving is banned. Only hands-free operation (Bluetooth, a cradle with speaker, voice commands) is allowed. A key change: wired earphones (a cable into the phone) are no longer accepted as a hands-free solution. The offence falls in the serious category E3-B. A penalty-point system applies: a warning at 15 points, licence withdrawal at 25. The fine applies even when the car is stopped at a traffic light or in a jam, as long as you're in traffic. In short: don't pick up the phone in your hand while driving.
📋 The rules
- Phone in hand: banned while driving
- Only hands-free allowed (Bluetooth, cradle, speaker)
- Wired earphones: no longer accepted
- Serious category E3-B; penalty-point system
- Applies at a traffic light/in a jam too
🔓 Exceptions
- Hands-free devices you don't hold: allowed
- Vehicle lawfully parked, out of traffic: no sanction
- Causing an accident via phone use: far heavier penalties
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Using the phone in your hand while driving is fined with a base €350 and a 30-day licence withdrawal. On the first repeat, the fine rises to €1,000 and 180 days; on the second, €2,000 and 1 year. If phone use causes an accident, penalties reach up to €4,000 and 8 years of withdrawal. Note: the "€4,000/8 years" figures concern causing an accident, not mere use. To stay compliant: use a cradle and hands-free, set the navigation before you start and, if you must use the phone in your hand, stop lawfully out of traffic.
📎 Official sources
- Law 5209/2025 · the new Road Traffic Code →
- Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport →
- Hellenic Police — traffic →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I talk on the phone using the speaker?
Yes, if you don't hold it in your hand. Only hands-free operation is allowed, with Bluetooth, a cradle and speaker, or voice commands. Holding the phone in your hand is banned, whether you're talking, texting or looking at the screen.
Are wired earphones allowed?
Not anymore. Under the new Road Code, wired earphones with a cable into the phone are no longer accepted as a hands-free solution. Only solutions that don't require you to hold or operate the device by hand are allowed, such as Bluetooth and a cradle with speaker.
Do I risk a fine at a traffic light?
Yes. The fine for holding the phone applies even when the car is stopped at a traffic light or in a jam, because you're still part of the traffic. You're only exempt when lawfully parked, out of traffic.
How much is the fine?
Holding the phone is fined €350 and a 30-day licence withdrawal. On a repeat it rises to €1,000 and 180 days, then €2,000 and 1 year. If it causes an accident, penalties reach up to €4,000 and 8 years of withdrawal.
Will my licence be withdrawn?
Yes, for 30 days from the very first phone-in-hand offence, along with the fine. In addition, a penalty-point system applies: a warning at 15 points and licence withdrawal at 25 points in total.
🔎 Common searches
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