Drink-driving and breath tests in Greece: penalties and driving-licence withdrawal

Start with the recorded reading, not the number of drinks

A breath-test review starts with the document itself: the result, unit, time and method of measurement. Breath alcohol is recorded in mg/l, whereas blood alcohol uses g/l. The numbers cannot be compared as though they were the same measurement. Any special lower limit applying to the driver's category also needs checking.

Prepare a chronological account of the stop, the documents received and whether a second measurement was taken. Record what actually happened rather than guesses about the device. A friend's estimate of how quickly alcohol leaves the body is neither evidence about a particular test nor a safe basis for deciding to drive.

The basic penalty bands are not a complete answer for every driver

Under the Code's general breath-alcohol bands: 0.25–0.40 mg/l entails €350 and 30 days' licence withdrawal; above 0.40 up to 0.60 mg/l, €700 and 90 days; above 0.60 mg/l, €1,200, 180 days and a criminal sanction. Repeat offending is assessed separately. Refusing a test triggers a statutory presumption of the high alcohol concentration, rather than avoiding penalties.

This summary is not a drinking allowance. If you received several documents, organise them separately: the fine, the withdrawal of documents and any criminal summons. A photograph of the first page alone may omit important details on the reverse or in an attachment. A foreign licence or rental agreement should also be included in the file.

Objections and licence withdrawal: what needs immediate attention

The competent authority, service of the notice and applicable procedure determine how and when objections can be made. Have the deadline for your own notice checked immediately. The file should include the whole notice, evidence of notification and specific material supporting the point you wish to raise.

A request for reconsideration, or needing a vehicle for work, must not be treated as permission to resume driving. Obtain official confirmation of whether the measure remains in force before driving again. A legal review does not guarantee that a notice will be cancelled or a licence returned.

Preparing for a lawyer in Heraklion or elsewhere in Crete

Send clear images of every document and keep the originals. Explain whether there was an accident, injury or previous withdrawal, including facts that may appear unfavourable. Mention a foreign-issued licence or hired vehicle at the outset. Keep written communications with the police rather than relying on a recollection of a telephone conversation.

A criminal summons requires separate preparation for the proceedings and defence. Do not wait for the outcome of an administrative request before seeking advice. The official sources were checked on 19 October 2026; their application depends on the incident date and the evidence in the individual case.

• The complete notice, test results and notification details
• Driving licence, categories, dates and any previous measures
• Accident documents, medical evidence or criminal summons, where relevant
• A short chronology and written correspondence with the authority