Cameras in Athens are already issuing fines: where do “smart” systems work and what do they record?

The era when the traffic camera in Greece was often perceived as a decorative element is gradually ending: in Attica there are already systems in place, based on the data of which fines are actually issued.

According to official government data, July 22, 2026 through a camera system with artificial intelligence has already been awarded 4127 fines. Of these, about 41% concerned driving through a red light, and approximately 33% – lack of a seat belt. The government estimated the system’s technical error to be approximately 1%. Relevant data published following the government meeting.

Two different camera systems – they should not be confused

Now in Attica two parallel systems are actually developing.

The first one is artificial intelligence cameras. According to official data from the Ministry of Citizen Protection, six such cameras operated in Attica in the summer, then it was planned to add two more. They are able to recognize not only driving through a red light, but also speeding, using a phone while driving and not wearing a seat belt.

Second system – 388 cameras installed Περιφέρεια Αττικής at 100 dangerous intersections. Their purpose is already much narrower: they record only driving through a red traffic light. For each violation, an evidence package is formed from six photos and one videoafter which the materials are handed over to the police.

Where smart cameras already work

A pilot network of AI cameras has been deployed in several key locations in Attica. Among the published places:

• Athens — area of ​​Panepistimiou and Vasilissis Sophias Avenue;
• Agia Paraskevi — intersection of Mesogion and Chalandriou;
• Rafina-Pikermi — Marathonos and Fleming;
• Kallithea — Singrou and Agias Fotinis;
• Vari–Voula–Vouliagmeni — Poseidonos and Ermu;
• Alimos — Poseidonos and Alimou;
• Elliniko–Argyroupoli – Vouliagmenis and Tina;
• Philotei–Psychico – Kifisias and Ethnikis Antistaseos.

This list is specific to the pilot AI camera system and does not include hundreds of conventional red light cameras. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

One camera on Singra – more than 1800 violations in four days

The first results show why the authorities decided to expand the system. According to ERT, one of the cameras on the avenue Singru recorded more than four days 1800 potential violations.

However, it is important to understand: automatic recording does not mean that a fine is issued instantly without human intervention.

The system transmits the material to a single information center, after which the recording is checked by a police officer. For example, from 60,999 potential violationsrecorded by the system by July, employees managed to check 36,403, and only after checking some of them turned into official fines.

What exactly can cameras see?

The new technology is capable of analyzing the image of the car and driver in almost real time. Depending on the type of equipment, the following are recorded:

• travel to red traffic light;
• speeding;
• usage mobile phone while driving;
• absence seat belt;
• in some systems – other violations of lanes and road rules.

The use of a mobile phone while driving is regulated by the new N. 5209/2025. The phone may only be used while driving when installed in a special holder for hands-free or navigation or with an approved wireless headset. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Red light – €700

According to the current new COC N. 5209/2025 Running a red signal is one of the most serious violations. For the first violation the fine is €700and the driver’s license is confiscated for 60 days. The new Code completely replaced the previous KOC, which operated on the basis of N. 2696/1999.

Using a phone while driving and not wearing a seat belt is also costly: the basic fine is €350at the same time a temporary withdrawal of the driver’s license is applied.

For speed, the penalty depends on the amount of excess. For example, exceeding the permitted limit by more than 50 km/h means fine €700 and license suspension for 60 days. When driving at a speed of over 200 km/h, the sanctions increase to €2000 and deprivation of rights for a year. Direct rules are contained in Article 24 of the new COC.

How does the fine arrive?

The purpose of the new system is to gradually abandon the paper procedure. After checking the violation, the police issues a resolution, and the notification can be sent to the driver electronically through government digital services, including Θυρίδα Πολίτη / Gov.gr Wallet.

Thus, the absence of a patrol near an intersection no longer means a lack of control. The car can be recorded by a camera, the material will be checked later, and the driver will learn about the fine after the trip.

At the same time, drivers should distinguish between existing systems and future projects. The state plans to significantly expand the electronic monitoring network, but not every camera installed on the road is necessarily used to automatically issue fines. Therefore, it is better to focus not on rumors about “a camera on every pole”, but on devices officially connected to the system.

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