The Greek government has officially activated its electronic cross-checking mechanism to detect vehicles operating illegally on public roads. These automated checks will take place every six months, starting in 2025. Initially, the system will target vehicles that are uninsured or have been declared off-the-road (ακινησία) to avoid paying road tax. From 2026 onwards, the checks will also cover vehicles that haven’t passed the MOT (KTEO).

Penalties

Fines may reach up to €1,000 for first offenses, and in the case of a repeat offense within three years, the fine will double to €2,000.

New Ministerial Decision

A new joint ministerial decision (No. 175625 ΕΞ 2025), co-signed by five deputy ministers and the head of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), outlines how the checks will be conducted.

When Do the Checks Start?

• The first cross-check in 2025 uses data up to June 2, 2025.
• From 2026, cross-checks will occur twice a year:
• March 1 (first half of the year)
• August 1 (second half)

Initial checks will include private cars, trucks, and motorcycles with a valid license plate and one registered owner.
MOT (KTEO) status won’t be checked in 2025, only insurance status will be verified for the reference date.

How the System Works

A dedicated Vehicle Cross-Check Information System is being created, integrating data from:

• AADE (Tax authority)
• Ministry of Transport & Infrastructure
• Ministry of Citizen Protection
• Auxiliary Motor Insurance Fund
• Alternative Vehicle Management of Greece

Vehicle identification is based on chassis number, license plate, technical specs, and ownership data.

Violations Detected

1. Uninsured Vehicles
   – No active insurance policy in the last 6 months while the vehicle was in use.
2. Unpaid Road Tax
   – Outstanding tax from the past five years (in addition to the current year).
3. No Valid MOT (KTEO)
   – No valid inspection certificate showing “Pass”, “Minor Defects”, or “Major Defects” within the required period.
4. False Off-the-Road Declarations
   – Vehicles declared off-the-road but still being used, or ones with pending transfers, theft status, etc.

Fines Imposed

For Uninsured Vehicles:

• €1,000 for public-use buses and trucks
• €500 for private cars
• €250 for motorcycles

For Unpaid Road Tax:

• Full amount owed per year, plus a surcharge of 25%, 50%, or 100% depending on the delay

For Missing MOT (KTEO):

• €400 fine as per the new traffic code

All fines include a 2.4% digital transaction fee.

How Violators Are Notified

• Pre-fine Notice: Sent via email, SMS, or gov.gr wallet, giving the owner a chance to rectify the issue within 15 days before the fine is imposed.
• Official Fine Notification: Uploaded to the system and sent electronically. It is considered legally delivered 10 days after posting.
• In co-ownership cases, the notice is sent to all owners, who are jointly liable.

Right to Appeal

Owners may appeal within 10 working days through the gov.gr digital platform.
If the system confirms compliance (e.g., valid insurance or KTEO), the appeal is automatically accepted.

Responsible authorities for appeals:

• AADE or KEFODE (for road tax)
• Local SDOE office (for uninsured)
• Ministry of Transport (for KTEO-related violations)

Appeals must be processed within 30 working days.

Repeat Offenders & Sanctions

• Recheck within 3 months of the fine.
• If still non-compliant, police will remove license plates and registration.

For repeat violations within 3 years, fines double, and license plates are removed immediately.

To retrieve them, the owner must provide:

• Proof of valid insurance
• MOT certificate
• Certificate of no tax debt
• Proof of fine payment