Crete
Travel Information
Most road signs are in Greek and English. STOP signs are in English only so Greek drivers don't understand them.
On the National Highway the white line on the right marks the emergency lane. It is not a driving lane but it is convention to move into it to allow other vehicles to overtake. Failure to do this will annoy faster drivers who will then overtake dangerously.
Double white lines mark the centre of the road and are regarded as guidelines. When overtaking try to keep part of your vehicle to the right of the lines.
On the National Highway use of the left indicator tells drivers coming towards you, "I'm overtaking; move over."
If pulling into the roadside to stop the hazard lights are used. Use of a single indicator hints at an intention to turn at the next junction even if it’s a kilometre ahead.
Cross red traffic lights as fast as possible as there's probably some idiot crossing on the other road on green. If you must stop and are head of the queue watch the symbol for pedestrians [you should be too far forward to see the actual lights]. Move off the instant the little figure turns red.
If you are in a queue at the lights and the lead driver fails to start before green sound your horn.
If a driver ahead of you stops to chat with someone coming from the opposite direction wait patiently. On no account sound the horn.
Seat belts are compulsory -
Erecting No Overtaking signs was the decision of a humorist. Cretan drivers consider overtaking mandatory, especially on bends.
Flashing headlights usually means one of two things; "Stay where you are, I'm coming through" or "There's a speed trap ahead".
If you encounter a flock of sheep drive slowly, close to the side of the road and you should get through. Take great care and, if in doubt, stop. Injuring a pedestrian might cause some anger but damage a sheep and you may get shot.
Crash helmets are mandatory for riders of mopeds, scooters and motorcycles. In summer they are usually worn as elbow protectors as it's too hot if worn on the head.
On narrow roads don't drive too close to the side as there could be sheep, goats or pedestrians just round the next bend. Be especially careful at night as people often wear high visibility black clothing.
Take care at hairpin bends as big vehicles often need to approach on the wrong side
of the road. Take a bend too fast and you could be nose to nose with a petrol tanker
or ready-
Click HERE to download details of traffic offences and penalties
The above may be tongue-
- Using the emergency lane to allow overtaking is expected by Greek drivers
- People do jump lights.
- Some drivers do take appalling risks; they overtake on bends, tailgate at speed, ignore road signs and speed limits.
- There are police speed checks, usually on the National Highway. [Oncoming drivers usually flash headlights as a warning].
- Fines are imposed for not wearing crash helmets or seat belts (but rarely in rural areas).
- People do run red lights and fail to observe “Stop” signs.
- Drivers do cross solid double lines to overtake, even approaching bends.
- Moving into the emergency lane to allow overtaking is customary. Do exercise caution near bends as there may be obstructions.
- You will be hooted at if you delay at a green traffic light.
- There may be a flock of sheep round the next bend especially on rural roads and occasionally
on the National Highway. The sheep and goat tracks were there long before the roads
and motor vehicles. Close to the side of the road is the best place to proceed -
slowly. If in doubt, stop. - Some pedestrians do wear all black clothing when walking on unlit roads at night.
- Listen for loud horns when approaching hairpin bends on narrow roads.
- Many motorcyclists and scooter riders ignore most traffic rules.
"Expect the unexpected" is probably good advice anywhere in the world. There are
crazy drivers everywhere and Crete seems to have its fair share -
1. Don't use the emergency lane on a right hand bend where your forward view is reduced as there may be something parked or someone walking.
2. At red traffic lights you will often see flashing arrows pointing to the right. You are allowed to proceed if it is safe to do so. Also, you must give right of way to pedestrians crossing the road you are on and the one into which you wish to turn.
DRIVING TIPS
Driving tips