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Driving in Greece is a thrilling experience. All the roads are nice, wide and well maintained. Driving through Greece allows a glimpse of some of the most spectacular natural settings. Major cities are connected by multi lane highways. The smaller cities have narrow roads. Greece has a very high accident rate compared to other European countries. A lot of care needs to be taken while driving. The most tricky roads are the one lane roads connecting major cities. Heavy vehicles like large tractor trailers, small cars, older cars and even smaller motorcycles ply in these roads. Tourists must be specially cautious about the dreaded left turn on any Greece road. However the driver does not have to face trouble driving the main roads of Greece.
Rules of Driving in Greece
Rules of Driving in Greece are similar to other countries. The driver must attain the minimum age of 18. Seat belts are must for front seat passengers. Children under 10 years are not allowed to sit in the front seat. Speed limits for urban areas are 50 km/hr, for outside cities it is 110 kms per hour and in freeways and expressways it is 120 km per hour. Except, in case of emergencies, it is illegal to honk in towns and urban areas. Parking of a car is prohibited within 9 feet of a fire hydrant, 15 feet of an intersection and 45 feet from a bus stop. In central Athens there are car restrictions to avoid congestion, however, this rule is not applicable for rental cars or cars owned by foreigners.
Driving License in Greece
A European Union drivers license or a USA drivers license is valid in Greece. It should be accompanied by an International Driver's permit. The International Driving permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. The document, basically, is an official translation of the valid driver's license into 10 different languages.
Roadside Assistance for Driving in Greece
ELPA offers coverage to members of AAA and CAA. The quick access numbers of ELPA are 104 and 154.
The clear and easy to read road signs in Greece makes driving in Greece an easy affair. Fuel stations or gas stations are plenty in Greece. They provide unleaded fuel for the cars. Sundays the gas stations remain closed and on weekdays they are open till 7 pm. By law it is mandatory for at least one gas station to remain open on Sundays in each area
Though the roads of Greece may vary in their quality and state of repair, on the whole driving in Greece is a pleasant experience.
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