Greece Cracks Down on Uninsured Vehicles

Greece’s Independent Authority of Public Revenue (AADE) is taking decisive steps towards tackling the problem of uninsured vehicles in the country via a new digital platform that allows for prompt and hassle-free vehicle registration.

The tax authority is set to activate a mechanism for automatic data cross-referencing regarding vehicles. The tool that AADE will use to check uninsured vehicles will be a new database, which draws information from public authorities and highway concessionaires.

The AADE plans to set up checkpoints across the country at toll booths, national highways, and ports, where inspectors will use a specialized mobile app to scan license plates. This technology will allow them to identify vehicles that have been declared as immobilized but are still circulating on the roads.

Furthermore, the owners of vehicles declared as immobilized but are found on the road are to be faced with stricter penalties and fines.

If a vehicle, which has been declared immobilized, is detected either in transit or parked in a location different from the one stated in the online immobilization declaration, the immobilization will be automatically revoked.

In such cases, apart from road tax and fines for non-payment, an administrative penalty of 10,000 euros will be imposed by AADE.

Offenders will face fines starting from 250 euros, which can escalate up to 30,000 euros in cases of repeat offenses, depending on the type of violation.

Additional administrative penalties, such as the removal of license plates and driver’s licenses, are also foreseen.