Driving A significant update to the Greek Traffic Code (KOK) took effect on January 1st, 2026, directly impacting urban driving. According to Law 5209/2025 (published in FEK 100/A/13.06.2025), the default speed limit on urban single-lane roads was reduced from 50 km/h to 30 km/h. This change aims to improve safety in residential and commercial areas across Greece, including Zakynthos. However, the application is not universal. The previous 50 km/h limit remains in effect on dual carriageways with a central median and on one-way streets with two or more lanes. Note: For the 30 km/h limit to be legally enforceable on single-lane roads, the local municipality must install updated, clear physical signage. Always look out for the posted signs and default to 30 km/h in built-up residential areas unless stated otherwise. Familiarising yourself with the potential penalties is the best way to avoid them. Greek traffic law enforcement is strict, and fines are substantial, with severe additional penalties for major infractions. Below is a summary of common violations and their consequences as of 2026. Common Traffic Fines in Zakynthos (2026) Infraction Fine Additional Penalty Speeding up to 20 km/h over limit €40 None Speeding 20–30 km/h over limit €100 None Speeding 30+ km/h over limit €350 2-month driving licence suspension Not wearing a seatbelt (any passenger) €350 10-day driving licence suspension Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) above 0.2‰ €200–€2,000 Licence suspension, up to 6 months prison Driving in a dedicated bus lane €150 60-day confiscation of licence plates Parking in a disabled space €150 60-day plate removal + vehicle towing Unauthorized street racing €2,000 1-year driving licence suspension Default National Speed Limits While Zakynthos has no motorways, it's useful to know the national standards. Always prioritise the signed speed limit over these defaults. Road Type Speed Limit Urban (single-lane, signed) 30 km/h Urban (dual carriageway / ≥2 lane one-way) 50 km/h Rural / Open Roads (Eparchiaki Odos) 90 km/h Motorways (None on Zakynthos) 130 km/h This is a critical point that causes much confusion. Following a legal reform on November 5, 2021, drivers holding a national licence from the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and Gibraltar do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Greece. Your standard national photo-card licence is sufficient. For all other nationalities, including Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, India, China, Brazil, and South Africa, an IDP is mandatory and must be presented alongside your national licence. The penalties for non-compliance are severe and enforced strictly by rental agencies who face co-liability. ⚠️ Warning: Under Article 31 of Law 4530/2018, driving without a required IDP carries a €1,000 fine for the driver and a separate €1,000 fine for the rental company. Car hire agencies will refuse to release the vehicle without the correct documentation, as they are legally and financially liable. From your base in Argassi, you are perfectly positioned to explore the island, but be prepared for a variety of road conditions. The island's terrain ranges from flat coastal roads to steep, winding mountain passes. Argassi to Vasilikos: This is the main road south from your resort, the primary day-trip corridor from Argassi (Eparchiaki Odos Zakinthou-Vasilikou). It's generally well-paved and serves as the main artery to the popular beaches of Banana, St. Nicholas, and Gerakas. Argassi to Zakynthos Town: A straightforward 4 km drive that takes about 5 minutes in light traffic. It can become heavily congested, especially on Saturday evenings when locals and tourists head into town. Argassi to Porto Limnionas: This 30 km journey west is manageable until the final descent. The last 8 km are a series of tight, steep hairpin turns with sheer cliff drops and minimal barriers. Argassi to Navagio Viewpoint: The 36 km trip to the famous shipwreck viewpoint via Volimes is fully paved to the car park. However, the route involves steep gradients that can seriously challenge a 1.0-litre rental car, especially with 4 passengers and the air conditioning running. Argassi to Keri: An easy drive south, primarily to access boat hire for trips to the Keri Caves and Marathonisi (Turtle Island). The caves themselves are only accessible from the sea. 🚗 Local insight: The road down to Porto Limnionas is not for the faint-hearted. Drive slowly in first or second gear, use your horn on blind corners, and be prepared to give way to upcoming traffic, as passing is impossible in many sections. Greece enforces some of the strictest road safety laws in Europe, and police presence on Zakynthos is high during the tourist season. The legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit is just 0.2‰ (0.02%), significantly lower than the 0.8‰ (0.08%) in the UK and Ireland. This effectively means that even moderate consumption can easily push you over the legal limit. If you plan to drive, it is safest to avoid alcohol entirely. The seatbelt law is equally strict, carrying a €350 fine for the driver if “any” passenger is found unbuckled. Police checks (roadblocks or 'bloko') are routine on the main coastal roads, the airport approach, and outside popular nightlife spots. Ionian Islands regional police data from a single month (October 2025) recorded 4,942 traffic infractions, highlighting their active enforcement strategy. Receiving a parking ticket or traffic fine can be stressful, but the process for dealing with it is clear. The fine is issued against you, the driver, not the vehicle itself. Follow these steps: The traffic ticket (a pink slip) will either be handed to you or left on your windscreen. The fine is issued to the driver identified in the rental agreement. You can pay the fine at any Greek tax office (Eforia) or post office, or online via the central gov.gr payment portal. If you leave the country without paying, the fine will be sent to the rental company, who will then charge your credit card, including an additional administrative fee. You must inform your rental company about the fine. They will likely charge a small administrative fee, typically between €15 and €35, for processing the paperwork. If you believe the fine was issued unfairly, you must lodge an appeal in person at the local police station that issued it within 30 days. 💡 Tip: Pay your fine promptly. Under Greek law, paying any traffic or parking fine within 10 days of issuance grants you a 50% discount on the total amount. Can I turn right on a red light in Zakynthos? No. In Greece, it is strictly illegal to turn right on a red light under any circumstances. You must wait for the light to turn green. Are there any toll roads in Zakynthos? No. Zakynthos does not have any motorways or toll roads. All roads on the island are free to use. What should I do if I have a breakdown or accident? If you are involved in an accident, contact the local police immediately (100) and your car rental agency. If your car breaks down, safely move to the side of the road and call the emergency number provided on your rental agreement. Driving in Zakynthos is the best way to see the island's hidden gems. Now that you understand the rules of the road, you can plan your routes from Argassi with confidence. For more specific information, learn about the parking rules and zones in Argassi and Zakynthos Town, and read our guide on how to choose the best rental car for Zakynthos's terrain. Compare Car Rental Deals