Greece is cracking down on drunk driving in the festive season, with the Athens Traffic Police conducting thousands of breathalyzer tests along key locations across Athens.
While the operation targeted traditional motorists, officers encountered a more unusual offender on Panepistimiou Street: a woman operating an electric scooter while under the influence.
According to a report by ERT, the rider was initially flagged during a preliminary screening. A subsequent formal breathalyzer test confirmed that her blood alcohol level exceeded the legal limit. As a result, officers issued a €350 fine. In a rare sight for micro-mobility violations, a police tow truck was reportedly called to the scene to impound the e-scooter.
This incident highlights a growing trend in urban law enforcement: the application of strict traffic laws to e-scooter riders. Authorities reminded the public that e-scooters are subject to the same Road Traffic Code (KOK) regulations as other vehicles, particularly regarding the consumption of alcohol and safety protocols.
Related: Greece Among Europe’s Top Five Most Dangerous Countries for Driving
Increasing inspections for drunk driving in Greece
The sweep is part of a broader initiative by the Hellenic Police to reduce road accidents during the holiday season and weekend nightlife hours.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis recently endorsed the initiative by arrivιng at a major police blockade on Stadiou Street to observe the ongoing efforts of the Traffic Police firsthand.
In a lighthearted moment that caught bystanders by surprise, the Prime Minister asked to undergo a breathalyzer test himself “out of curiosity,” as he reportedly put it. The test came back clear, showing a reading four times below the legal limit.
Greece has recently implemented a new Road Traffic Code (Law 5209/2025), which significantly stiffens penalties for offenses that threaten road safety.
The new code introduces much harsher sanctions for speeding, drunk driving, and driving without a license, aiming to reduce traffic accidents and improve driving culture.