A pedestrian in northern Greece has become the first person to be fined under the country’s new traffic code, which introduces penalties for pedestrians who violate road safety rules. Police issued a €30 fine, approximately $33, in Alexandroupoli after a man reportedly attempted to cross a road away from a pedestrian crossing and failed to follow a traffic officer’s instructions.
The case has drawn attention to the fact that Greece’s updated Highway Code also sets penalties for pedestrians who fail to follow traffic rules.
Commonly known as “jaywalking” in the United States, crossing a road in violation of traffic rules is also subject to penalties in several European countries. Similar regulations exist in countries such as Germany, France, and Spain.
Why the pedestrian received a fine
According to a report by LiFO, a motorcycle officer from the Traffic Police was directing traffic when he saw the pedestrian attempt to cross the road outside a designated crossing. The man reportedly did not comply with the officer’s instructions.
When asked why he issued the fine, the officer explained that there was no pedestrian crossing at the location and that a traffic officer was directing vehicles. The pedestrian was therefore expected to follow the officer’s signals.
The €30 penalty falls under the low-risk violation category established by Greece’s new Highway Code, Law 5209/2025. The law classifies violations of the rules governing pedestrian movement under category E1-A.
What Greece’s Highway Code says about pedestrians
Article 42 of Law 5209/2025 sets out the rules pedestrians must follow when using roads and crossing streets.
Pedestrians must use sidewalks or designated pedestrian areas where available. When crossing a road, they must use a pedestrian crossing if one is present. If pedestrian traffic lights are installed, they must obey the signals.
Where no pedestrian crossing exists, pedestrians must make sure they will not obstruct vehicle traffic before entering the road. They must then cross at right angles to the road’s direction. They must also avoid entering the road when traffic signals or a traffic officer indicate that vehicles should proceed.
The law classifies violations of these pedestrian rules as E1-A offenses, which carry a €30 fine, equivalent to about $33 at the European Central Bank’s November 13, 2026 reference rate.
The fine does not mean that every instance of crossing outside a marked crossing automatically results in a penalty in all circumstances. The applicable rules depend on the situation, including whether a crossing exists and whether traffic is being directed by an officer or signals.
A reminder that road safety applies to everyone
The Alexandroupoli incident illustrates that the Highway Code imposes responsibilities on pedestrians as well as drivers. Following traffic signals, respecting an officer’s instructions, and checking for approaching vehicles can help prevent dangerous situations.
For pedestrians, the key message is straightforward: use marked crossings when they are available, obey pedestrian signals, and follow the directions of traffic officers.
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