It is now a matter of time for its implementation drug tests at traffic police checkpointsGreece is preparing to officially incorporate on-the-spot drug testing into routine driver checks — a change that is turning the country's road safety record upside down.
What is changing in Traffic Police checks?
Until now, the only tool police officers had at checkpoints was the breathalyzer. That's changing. In the first half of 2026, the Ministry of Citizen Protection and the Hellenic Police are planning to introduce special drug detection devices into Traffic Police checks — essentially adding a new level of control next to the well-known breathalyzer.
The measure is part of the broader modernization of Highway Code (HCR) and is part of a series of interventions aimed at reducing road accidents by 50% by 2030, in line with European targets. The timing is no coincidence: in 2025, more than 100 deaths in traffic accidents were linked to drug use, according to Traffic Police statistics.
At the same time, within the same modernization framework, the handwritten call is replaced by digital call with immediate recording and sending via SMS, in connection with the gov.grIf you are interested in the development of vehicle inspections, see our related article on new scheduled vehicle cross-check.
How does roadside drug testing work?
The process is simple and quick. No lab, hospital, or waiting required — the result is available on the spot, in minutes.
- The driver places a special swab in his mouth.
- Sample is taken saliva — non-invasive, painless procedure.
- The analyzer gives a result within a few minutes.
- Substances such as cocaine, heroin, cannabis (hashish) and methamphetamine.
Important detail: the drug test will not be implemented en masse to all drivers. The target is those who raise suspicions — e.g. slow reactions, nervousness, inexplicable behavior, smell or suspicious objects in the car. "There will not be a mass check, but targeted — in order to be effective," emphasize sources from the Hellenic Police.
What if the result is positive?
If the saliva sample comes back positive result, the driver is not automatically convicted. The so-called "golden confirmation process" follows:
- Immediate referral to hospital for a blood test.
- Confirmation or revocation of initial results.
- In case of confirmation: fine, license revocation and criminal sanctions according to the KOK.
It is worth noting that driving under the influence of drugs will be treated with the same severity as alcohol — a message that has already been officially announced in Parliament, at the Road Safety Committee.
Why now? The problem in numbers
Greece is not just facing a legal vacuum — it is facing a public safety problem which has proven difficult to address with current means.
- Violations on the roads exceeded the 400.000 in 2025, according to the Traffic Police.
- Over 100 fatal traffic accidents were directly linked to drug use in the same year.
- The majority of European countries have already been implementing similar tests for years — Greece was among the last.
The EU has set itself the goal of 50% reduction in deaths and serious injuries on the roads by 2030Without drastic changes in the way of control, achieving this goal — especially in Attica — remains doubtful.
Parallel changes: TikTok, ψηφιακές κλήσεις και social media monitoring
The drug test does not come by itself. The Traffic Police is radically upgrading its operating methods on many levels:
- Social media monitoring: Monitoring TikTok to identify rendezvous for illegal street fights.
- Digital call: Replacing the handwritten block — sending violations via SMS with an interface to gov.gr.
- Individual drug tests: Already available in pharmacies across the country for self-testing.
These changes are not just technological upgrades. They signal a systematic shift towards a more intelligent and data-centric way of enforcing traffic lawsIf you are interested in how artificial intelligence is entering public services, read our article about it. Agentic AI 2026 — a technology that changes the way monitoring and control systems work.
What to remember as a driver
If you're driving in Greece in 2026, these changes will affect you immediately. There's no need to panic — just know the rules:
- The drug test is applied only if there are reasonable suspicions by a police officer — it is not mandatory for everyone.
- If the result is positive, it follows hematological confirmation — the first test is not automatically incriminating.
- The sanctions are strict: fine, revocation of license, criminal liability.
- Individual drug tests available in pharmacies — you can do a self-check if you have doubts.
The message from the Hellenic Police is clear: “The wheel is not a playground — neither for alcohol nor for drugs.” We hope that our roads will finally become safer for everyone. For more information on the changes to age security checks, see also our article: Europe launches age verification app.
