Hundreds of uninsured vehicles with unpaid registration fees were detected by the General Secretariat of Information Systems following data cross-checks conducted at leasing companies and used car lots. Electronic inspections revealed widespread violations, with many businesses operating their vehicles normally without fulfilling their legal obligations.
Notably, one car rental company was found to have more than 300 vehicles circulating without insurance and without having paid registration fees. Another business was found with 200 vehicles in the same condition, while dozens of other companies reportedly have between 50 to 100 violations each, revealing an extensive network of illegal activity in the sector.
The findings raise serious concerns, as they show that a large portion of the fleet moving daily on roads operates outside the legal framework. Officials speak of “lawless practices” that cause revenue losses for the state and serious risks for citizens.
Companies found violating regulations face heavy penalties, including fines and license plate confiscation from their vehicles. Inspections will continue with even greater intensity in the coming period, aiming, as the same sources state, to end a phenomenon that “has reached alarming proportions.”
Fines for uninsured vehicles and non-payment of registration fees
For uninsured vehicles, fines range from 500 to 1,000 euros, depending on the type and size of the vehicle, while fines for non-payment of registration fees are calculated based on the vehicle category. In certain cases, vehicle immobilization or license plate confiscation is also provided.
As officials emphasize, data digitization now allows immediate identification of every vehicle and automated violation detection, limiting the “loopholes” that previously enabled lawlessness. “The tax administration now has the tools to detect and penalize every violation without delays,” they note.
How the new inspection system works
The first major cross-check for 2025 has a reference date of June 2, 2025, using updated data from all involved agencies. From 2026 onwards, electronic inspections will be conducted twice yearly — on March 1 and August 1.
Initially, the system focuses on vehicles circulating without insurance or declared inactive to avoid paying fees, while from 2026 inspections will extend to vehicles without valid technical inspection certificates.
For this purpose, a special Vehicle Cross-Check Control Information System is being created, which will collect data from AADE, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Citizen Protection, the Motor Vehicle Insurance Supplementary Fund, and Alternative Vehicle Management Greece.
Identification will be based on chassis number, registration number, technical characteristics, and ownership details. The system will automatically detect:
– Uninsured vehicles without active insurance policies.
– Unpaid registration fees, even from previous years.
– Missing or invalid technical inspection certificates
– Fictitious inactivity, when vehicles declared inactive are found circulating.
