BAN ON COFFEE IN THE CAR: WHAT DOES THE LAW REALLY SAY?

Recently, information has circulated on social media that drinking coffee while driving will be banned in Greece, with violators facing fines of 100 euros and a 30-day suspension of their driving license. Such "news" has caused an uproar, but let's take a closer look at what is actually happening.

Indeed, a number of habits that many drivers have may fall under prohibition according to the current rules of the Road Traffic Code (RTC), with serious consequences. However, these rules have been in effect for over 20 years.

Mr. Georgios Kalliakmanis, president of the Southeast Attica Police Union, in his interview on this matter on the MEGA channel, reminded everyone once again of the long-known rule:

"While driving, it is prohibited to occupy your hands with other objects".

 We decided to take a detailed look at what the law actually stipulates.

 So, according to Article 13, paragraph 2 of the Road Traffic Code:

"...The driver of any vehicle must have full freedom of movement in order to carry out necessary maneuvers without obstruction. In particular, it is prohibited to use headphones connected to portable radios, tape recorders, and other similar audio devices, as well as television receivers, while driving. The use of a mobile phone while driving is only permitted if it is set to speakerphone mode or used with a wireless headset."

A fine of 100 euros and an immediate 30-day suspension of the driver's license are imposed for violating these rules.

Although the aforementioned article does not directly prohibit drinking coffee while driving, theoretically, it could also be considered a factor that limits the driver's freedom of movement, which may lead to a fine being imposed.

So what does this mean? The law has been in effect for over twenty years, but some sources have decided to reinterpret Article 13 of the Road Traffic Code only now, and they have been quite successful in creating a media frenzy.