Can you ride a scooter with a car licence in Greece? AM, A1 and code 121

The new Traffic Code does not ban every B licence holder from riding

The claim that a car licence can no longer cover any scooter is misleading. Presidential Decree 51/2012 retains licence equivalences. B held for more than six years, at age 27 or older, covers AM. A separate route covers A1 within Greece when both AM and B have each been held for more than four years and the holder is at least 27. Existing A1, A2 or A categories must also be checked.

The everyday word scooter describes vehicles with different legal classifications. Start with the vehicle registration and the entitlements established by your driving licence. A sales description or informal reassurance is not a substitute for this check. This matters before buying or renting a two-wheeler in Crete as well as before responding to a traffic notice.

A1 motorcycles: what national code 121 actually adds

A1 motorcycles are limited to 125cc, 11 kW and the category's prescribed power-to-weight ratio. A 125cc badge alone therefore does not establish whether you may ride a particular model.

The code 121 route requires a valid B licence held for more than six years, a minimum age of 27 and at least five practical lessons. The prescribed process for adding the code to the licence must be completed. This entitlement covers A1 only within Greece; it is not a general motorcycle licence for use abroad. Applying or finishing the lessons should not be confused with having completed the addition of the code.

The consequences can affect your car licence too

Article 98(4) of Law 5209/2025 provides a €500 fine for riding a moped or motorcycle without the appropriate licence, withdrawal of any existing driving licence for one year and vehicle circulation documents/plates for 30 days. Driving while disqualified for a Traffic Code offence can additionally have criminal consequences.

Lacking the entitlement for a particular vehicle must be distinguished from other issues, such as producing documents or correcting recorded information. If an offence is alleged, keep the entire notice and its service details. Do not continue riding on the strength of an informal assurance that the paperwork can be fixed later. A rental agreement does not itself establish your driving entitlement.

What to check before riding or challenging a notice

Bring both sides of the licence and the vehicle registration so categories, original issue dates, codes and technical details can be compared. If the licence was renewed or replaced, retain earlier documents that help clarify its history. A licence issued by another country requires a specific assessment of recognition and actual entitlements: do not assume that the Greek code 121 procedure automatically extends a foreign car licence.

For a notice issued in Heraklion or elsewhere in Crete, seek prompt assessment of the facts and the objection deadline. This article reflects the official sources checked on 16 October 2026. It does not replace confirmation of your individual licence rights by the competent transport authority, particularly where a foreign licence or an unusual vehicle classification is involved.

• Vehicle category, engine capacity, power and other technical characteristics
• Licence validity, holder's age, time held and recorded codes
• Country of issue and the country where the vehicle will be ridden
• Any traffic notice, evidence of service and existing disqualification